Balance centre

The balance centre team is led by advanced clinical specialist physiotherapists who work closely with Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) consultants and audiologists to assess, diagnose and manage inner ear (vestibular) dizziness and balance disorders. We are based in the Head and Neck Department.

We provide the following services:

A balance assessment clinic - where we take a detailed history of your symptoms, assess your walking and balance and use different tests to measure the inner ear balance organ function. Once the tests are completed the balance team can determine the best management and treatment plan to help you.
Vestibular rehabilitation - our physiotherapists have extensive experience in vestibular rehabilitation techniques and in the management of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

What to expect from your first visit

If you have been referred to the Balance Centre, you will be invited for an assessment, with your appointment letter you will find a patient information leaflet detailing what to expect at your appointment, please read this in advance of your appointment.

Contact us

We are based in the Balance Centre, Head and Neck Department, Junction 1A, York Hospital.
You can telephone the department on: 01904 725611

Managing your vestibular condition

The balance team will help you identify the best way to manage your dizziness and balance symptoms. This could include:

Lifestyle measures
Medication
Vestibular rehabilitation

If the cause of your symptoms is unclear or unrelated to the inner ear, we may need to organise further investigations, send you to another speciality team or to your general practitioner.

Vestibular rehabilitation

Vestibular rehabilitation is a tailored program of specific balance exercises. The exercise program is designed by a specialised physiotherapist. It aims to improve balance, gaze stability (the ability to maintain a clear image when you move your head), improve awareness of your surroundings and carry out functional activities. For conditions such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) an Epley manoeuvre (repositioning treatment) may be needed which helps to reposition the otoconia (inner ear crystals).