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In the field of vestibular therapy, taking a thorough vestibular history is crucial. Accurate diagnosis of vestibular conditions (i.e. vestibular migraines) often depends solely on the patient’s history. When I first entered this field years ago, I was advised to focus on three primary elements during vestibular history-taking: symptoms, tempo, and circumstance. Over time, this approach has proven invaluable in my practice.

In this post we'll cover these three elements along with a useful acronym that will help gather all of the pertinent information.

Key Components of a Vestibular History

1. Symptoms

To begin, determining the nature of the patient’s symptoms is essential. Is...

As healthcare providers, we occasionally encounter patients with dizziness that does not fit the usual patterns of vestibular disorders. One such condition is Third Window Syndrome (TWS), which most commonly presents as Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence (SSCD). There are other presentations of TWS aside from SSCD and TWS itself was first described by Minor in 1998. 

In this blog, we will cover what TWS is, its causes, symptoms, triggers, diagnosis, and treatment options.

What is Third Window Syndrome?

Third Window Syndrome (TWS) encompasses a group of inner ear disorders characterized by an abnormal opening or thinning in the bony structures of the inner ear. The most...

Do you or a patient of yours experience dizziness with coughing, loud sounds, or with sudden altitude changes? If so, the symptoms maybe due to a perilymphatic fistula.

Let’s cover the 5 W’s of what a perilymphatic fistula is. That way we will have a better understanding of what it is, what causes it, and treatment options.

What is a Perilymphatic Fistula?

A perilymphatic fistula is a hole or defect in one of the two thin membranes of the inner ear, being the round and oval window.

Function of the round and oval window

These two membranes allow for pressure changes in the inner ear. Specifically, the oval window allows for the vibration from the stapes (smallest bone in your...