ENG/VNG Clinic in NW US?
 

Hi,

I sustained a concussion March 2011 and I have been dizzy ever since.

I live in Canada and despite the fact that our health is free, it can be very long wait times depending on priority.

Because I can work, drive, and otherwise carry on my life with relative ease (most people wouldn't even know I have PCS - but most of you on this group know that with PCS just because you look fine, doesn't mean you're fine), I am low on the priority list.

After seeing several doctors, I finally found one who would even refer me to an ENT. The ENT has referred me for tests, but the ENG/VNG machine is broken. It is at least a 6 month wait time for the ENT even if I travel to another major Canadian city. If I continue to wait in Calgary, Alberta (where I live), it will be 6-12 months wait time the ENG/VNG test.

Can anyone recommend me a specific ENG/VNG clinic in the US North/west with a low wait time?

So, like Seattle, Portland, Phoenix, LA, San Francisco?

Also, if you had an idea of the cost for this test, as I'd be paying for it out of pocket?

I've found a family doctor who has been really helpful, so a referral should not be a problem. Considering the circumstances, I also might be able to convince my ENT to provide a referral to a US clinic if referral from a specialist is needed.

Thanks.

Have you checked out this clinic in Minnesota?? http://www.minneapolisclinic.com/

My question is simple. If they learn something, what can they do to treat it?

Many concussion diagnostic tests are of little value because there is nothing that can be done to treat the abnormality discovered.

I spent $18,000 out of pocket in various diagnostic tests and treatments and found the only useful treatment was the myofacial release done by my physical therapist.

Have you sought out a PT or other therapist who can try the Epley Maneuver or similar therapy? Maybe you should just jump to the treatment and see if it helps.

Have you tried consuming ginger? It is good for motion caused nausea.

An ENG/VNT can diagnose some problems with the vestibular system. These problems can be successfully addressed with physiotherapy.

It is not a concussion-specific test. Many people have problems with the vestibular system for reasons other than concussions.

If there's a problem with the otoliths, this can be diagnosed via Dix Hallpike and then treated with Epley maneuver. There's no need for Epley if the otoliths are where they should be.

It's bizarre that in Calgary there's such a long wait time. It's not a super high-tech apparatus. I'm in Quebec. I basically had my appointment within a week of my doctor submitting the referral, and it took about 45 minutes for a battery of tests including ENT/VNG.

I suggest you book a visit to La Belle Province Airmaster!

Airmaster: Are you the one who has problem like me where when the car is moving you are ok and when it comes to stop you feel more dizzy? Or something like that or is a true vertigo where everything spins? Both are tricky BTW and there more complex dizziness like Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (very rarely happens with head injury).

I have done all the tests twice. As Mark pointed out these tests are of little value. I tell docs I get dizzy on certain places, noises, lights, focusing etc., and they look at me strange.

One ENT doctor told me I have anxiety and another one Meniere's and another one something else. If you push them they can do a skull based surgery for Perilymyph Fistula if they suspect. No MRIs or anything can show that for sure and is all based on symptoms.

Some suggestions : Physical Therapy, Vestibular Therapy, Visual Therapy.

No guarantee what so ever but just a try.

Airmaster, I too have suffered from dizziness since my last concussion Oct 30, 2009. I'm in Edmonton - so we're almost neighbours! LOL! :)

I'm so sick of waiting around, I really like my doc, but she isn't referring me anywhere. And the Neurologist I saw was a waste of time. On Tuesday I will be going for a Vestibular Assessment at Life Mark here in Edmonton. Monday I will be asking my doc for a "perscription" as I might be able to claim the cost through my health insurance under Physiotherapy.

Life Mark is in Calgary too. I'll let you know if this therapist "thinks" she can help me based on my assessment. I know I shouldn't get my hopes up, but their sky high right now. I figure I can live with the cognative issues, if only I could just feel better! So, here's hoping I have a seperate issue with my vestibular system that can be "fixed".

If you do see an ENT, I'd love to hear how it works out for you. By the way, my dizziness is not vertigo. Rooms don't spin, it's more like my eyes aren't working together and I feel like I'm spinning within my head. Yah, I know - that makes no sense... but that's how I describe it.

Wishing everyone a better day today and all of the tomorrows!

Soccergal

I am living in Seattle area and I am on month 10 of PCS. The doctors I have seen so far are not very useful. I am going to see one more thins month and another one next month. I can update you after that.

FYI, I visited two ENT doctors for my tinnitus recently. They are aware of my PCS and asked about my dizziness. Since mine is foggy brain and heavy head, they all said it is not related to ENT since the feeling should be spinning in that case.

Thanks,
Johnson

Hi folks. I just wanted to let you know that I went for my vestibular assessment yesterday and am filled with new hope. :) I am however being cautious in my optimism as I'm sure many of you understand how upsetting things can be when you expect to improve and then don't.

That being said, I do have the very common situation of "Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo" (BPPV). This is great news as it is treatable and I had my first treatment yesterday. In basic terms, some crystals have moved into a part of the inner ear vestibular system which confuses confuses the brain and makes it work harder (using your vision) to try and figure out balance.

I also have some structural nerve damage that cannot be fixed, but I'll be thankful for any improvement I might see over the next several weeks. Of course this will not fix my congnative, speech issues, etc. However, if this works, it will take a huge load off my brain which should help lessen my other symptoms.

I was given information from the Vestibular Disorders Association in Portland, Oregon. The therapist told me that their website (vertibular.org) contains very reputable information. Imagine, I'm finally getting this checked out after all this time. Well, better late than never!

Wishing wellness to all,

Soccergal