More Than a Vague Complaint
Dizziness is one of the most commonly reported symptoms in primary care, but it’s also one of the most difficult to assess. Patients may describe it as lightheadedness, imbalance, spinning, or simply “feeling off.” These descriptions are often inconsistent, and traditional tests like labs, vitals, or even imaging may not provide clear answers.
The VAT ENGPlus System offers primary care providers a practical way to move past the uncertainty. With this in-office, non-invasive tool, providers can evaluate vestibular function and identify whether dizziness stems from a peripheral or central cause. This helps determine the next step in care with greater confidence.
Why Dizziness Deserves Deeper Evaluation
There are many potential causes of dizziness, including cardiovascular issues, low blood sugar, medication side effects, and neurological problems. However, vestibular dysfunction is one of the most frequent yet often overlooked contributors, especially in aging populations.
When vestibular issues go unrecognized, patients may be left without clear answers, and the risk of falls increases. A symptom that seems vague can quickly lead to hospitalization, injury, or loss of independence. That’s why identifying the root cause is critical, both for relieving symptoms and for supporting long-term safety and quality of life.
How The VAT ENGPlus System Identifies the Source
The VAT ENGPlus System uses a series of eye and head movement tests to evaluate the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) and related functions. By combining vestibular autorotation testing (VAT) and electronystagmography (ENG), the system provides objective insight into how well the inner ear and brain are coordinating balance and movement.
Key measurements include:
- VOR Gain & Phase: Assesses the relationship between head motion and eye movement to detect abnormalities in vestibular function.
- Smooth Pursuit & Saccades: Identifies eye movement irregularities that may point to central nervous system involvement.
- ENG Calibration & Tracking Tests: Reveal whether dizziness is related to inner ear dysfunction, neurological imbalance, or both.
This testing helps providers distinguish between peripheral vestibular issues (like inner ear dysfunction) and central causes (such as brainstem or cerebellar problems), making it easier to guide next steps in diagnosis and care.
When to Use Vestibular Testing in Primary Care
The VAT ENGPlus System is especially helpful for patients who:
- Report frequent or unexplained dizziness
- Feel off-balance or unsteady, especially when walking
- Experience motion sensitivity, head movement discomfort, or visual tracking difficulties
- Have a history of falls or were flagged as fall risks during their Annual Wellness Visit
- Show no abnormal findings in labs or imaging despite persistent symptoms
By bringing vestibular testing into the primary care setting, providers no longer have to wait on specialist referrals or guess at the origin of the complaint.
Why It Matters for Providers and Patients
For providers, vestibular testing offers data-driven clarity in a space often filled with ambiguity. The ability to explain symptoms using objective results builds trust and helps patients understand their condition, especially when past evaluations have left them frustrated or confused.
For patients, it means faster answers, better care planning, and early intervention that can reduce their risk of falls and improve daily confidence. Instead of dismissing dizziness as something to “live with,” they gain a clear direction for managing it.
Dizziness isn’t always a simple symptom. It can be the first sign of an underlying vestibular disorder. With The VAT ENGPlus System, primary care providers can move beyond guesswork and deliver more precise care. By integrating vestibular testing into routine evaluations or follow-up visits, providers gain a valuable tool to improve outcomes and ensure their patients feel steady, safe, and supported.
