Vestibular testing is an important components of a comprehensive fall prevention plan. This is especially true for older adults, who are more likely to suffer from injuries due to falls. To ensure that older adults have access to the best care possible, it is important for physicians to understand the benefits of vestibular and ocular motor, and VAT ENG testing.
What is VAT ENG Testing?
The VAT quickly and comfortably monitors a patient’s head and eye motions to record what is happening in the vestibular portion of the inner ear. Testing with the VAT often identifies problems not found with other vestibular tests, because the VAT tests natural, faster motions and unlike other conventional vestibular tests, evaluates both the horizontal and vertical canals. Because the VAT is sensitive to changes of the VOR and is easy to perform, it is often the first screening test a patient receives who complain of dizziness or balance problems. Patients do not object to repeat testing which makes the VAT the ideal test to monitor ototoxic medication and vestibular rehabilitation.
VAT ENG testing is a comprehensive test designed to evaluate the function of the inner ear and its related structures. It can also help diagnose problems with vision, balance, coordination, and other neurological functions. During the test, patients are asked to perform various activities, such as standing on one foot or focusing on moving objects while standing still. The results of these tests provide valuable insight into a patient’s overall health and wellbeing.
Benefits of VAT ENG Testing
There are several key benefits to using VAT ENG testing for fall prevention. First, it can provide physicians with an accurate diagnosis for conditions such as vertigo, dizziness or imbalance. Second, it can help identify any underlying issues that may be contributing to a patient’s fall risk (e.g., poor vision or difficulty with coordination). Finally, VAT ENG testing can help doctors develop an effective fall prevention plan tailored specifically to each individual patient’s needs.
After the VAT ENG test, Vestibular therapy is 90% effective at fixing the problem, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is eye exercises which recalibrate the signal the inner ear sends to the brain to move the eye correctly.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
In addition to diagnosing underlying causes of falls, VAT ENG tests can also be used in conjunction with vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), which is a type of physical therapy designed to improve balance and reduce fall risk in older adults. VRT involves exercises that target specific areas affected by aging-related changes in posture and gait patterns as well as exercises that focus on building strength and improving coordination skills. VRT has been shown to be effective in reducing falls among older adults when combined with other forms of exercise such as tai chi or yoga classes specifically designed for seniors.
Conclusion
Vestibular testing is an invaluable tool for assessing patients’ risk of falling and developing effective strategies for preventing falls among older adults. By providing physicians with an accurate diagnosis and helping them identify any underlying issues contributing to a patient’s risk of falling, The VAT ENG test enables doctors to create personalized plans tailored specifically towards each individual’s needs. Additionally, when combined with vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), this type of assessment provides an even more thorough approach to fall prevention among seniors than traditional methods alone could provide. As such, it should be incorporated into every physician’s practice whenever possible for the best possible outcomes in their patients’ health and safety.