Rapid Interpretation of Balance Function Tests

Rapid Interpretation of Balance Function Tests provides an easy-to-read and practical manual for interpreting and understanding balance function testing. Health care professionals who treat patients with dizziness and balance disorders--including otolaryngologists, neurologists, primary care physicians, audiologists, and physical therapists--can benefit from this straightforward text.

Key topics in balance function testing are addressed, such as indications for testing, what these tests can and cannot reveal, as well as the basics on how these tests are performed and interpreted.

The accompanying DVD further illustrates the eye movements associated with balance function testing to further assist with rapid interpretation.

Reviews

"Reading this manual the impression is that of an author's successful attempt... We found of great utility for the reader the tables of quick tips for rapid interpretation of the different tests and a clear explanation in every single test of the administration modality and a well documented test interpretation... 

An accompanying DVD that illustrates the eyes movements associated with balance function testing and further assists the reader, represents a plus value of the monograph. 

In conclusion in our opinion the authors have perfectly achieved the aim of provide an easy-to-read practical manual for interpreting and understanding balance function testing and we believe that this manual might be on the desk of every resident and also [o]n that of many specialists."
—Francesco Comacchio, ENT, dept Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, Universitary Hospital, Padova, Italy, in Hearing, Balance and Communication (January 2015)

"[The first chapter] was simple enough and I began to realise these authors have a knack of explaining in terms that even a surgeon can understand.

...Typical features [of Chronic Subjective Dizziness] are particularly well described. I enjoyed the contrasts in time courses for causes of true vertigo, whether positional, migrainous or due to vestibaular neuronitis. These were again well thought out and one to save for a future lecture... By Chapter 5 I finally understood the headshake and headthrust tests.

...[T]he textbook itself is very good value. It is written in an accessible style; it gives practical information and does tackle what can be a baffling topic for many of us."
—Liam M Flood, FRCS, FRCSI, in the Journal of Laryngology and Otology (January 2015)

"...A useful feature in each section is a table summarizing quick tips for rapid interpretation. These really nicely summarize the content of the chapter. In addition, an especially useful feature is the DVD, which has some nice recordings of classic nystagmus patterns, which are particularly useful for new trainees to understand the interpretation of eye movements.

This book is particularly useful for residents rotating on otology or nurse practitioners or allied health personnel who are beginning involvements of patient care with vestibular disorders...

Although the textbook goes a bit beyond the stated purpose in describing some of the treatment strategies for common vestibular disorders, I found this aspect of the book quite engaging in that it provides a useful rationale for obtaining the various vestibular studies.

Overall, the authors have accomplished their goal of providing a succinct summary useful for trainees in understanding vestibular function testing."
—Moises Arriaga, MD, MBA, FACS, Louisiana State University, in Otology & Neurotology (May 2015)

"Rapid Interpretation of Balance Function Tests is a practical and easy-to-read handbook for the understanding and interpretation of balance function tests. The intended audience are audiologists, neurologists, physiotherapists and students of these disciplines. The authors are Otolaryngologist, Michael J. Ruckenstein and Clinical Audiologist, Sherrie Davis. Both professionals have a longstanding background in the provision of service to patients with varying vestibular disorders. . . . 'Rapid Interpretation of Balance Function Tests' is an informative and clinically relevant handbook which would be a useful addition to any Vestibular clinic's library. It is an excellent starting point for those wanting clinically relevant information regarding the vestibular system and vestibular assessment in addition to a helpful resource for those wanting more in depth vestibular knowledge."
—Jacky Yarrow, in Audiology Now, 68 (June 2018)

Chapter 1. Vestibular Physiology - Yes You Can Understand This!
Chapter 2. The Approach of the Dizzy Patient
Chapter 3. Overview of Diagnostic Testing
Chapter 4. Ocular Motor Studies
Chapter 5. Videonystagmography/Electronystagmography
Chapter 6. Rotational Studies
Chapter 7. Postural Control Studies
Chapter 8. Tests Otolith Function