New Patients: Your Guide to Expert Vestibular Care

Your First Visit: The Stages of Specialized Care

We've designed your initial medical vestibular evaluation to be thorough, efficient, and focused on understanding your unique symptoms. Here’s an overview of the comprehensive journey you'll experience at Texas Dizziness Center

Close-up, flat-lay view of a pen on a stack of white paper, with eyeglasses and subtle decor in a soft-focus background, suggesting organized patient forms or a professional administrative process.

Comprehensive Medical Evaluation

Your visit begins with a detailed conversation about your medical history, current symptoms, and how dizziness or vertigo impacts your daily life. Our specialists will listen attentively to understand your full story.

image of automotive diagnostic equipment

Diagnostic Imaging

Advanced Diagnostic Testing

We use advanced tools to identify the root causes of dizziness, imbalance, and other vestibular disorders. Our services include Videonystagmography (VNG), imaging referrals, oculomotor assessments, and balance screenings. This allows us to evaluate inner ear function, eye movement coordination, and neurological integration—ensuring a targeted treatment plan.

Diagnosis

Precise Diagnosis & Discussion

Following your evaluation and testing, your medical vestibular specialist will provide a clear explanation of your diagnosis. We’ll take the time to answer all your questions and ensure you fully understand your condition.

Treatment

Personalized Treatment Plan

You'll receive a custom-tailored treatment plan, designed specifically for you. This may include Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT), specific repositioning maneuvers, medication management, or other specialized interventions. We'll discuss each step with you.

Care

Ongoing Support

Your journey doesn't end after your first visit. We're committed to your long-term wellness, providing ongoing support and adjustments to your treatment plan as needed.

Scheduling Your First Visit

To schedule your initial appointment, you can either call us directly or we may reach out if you’ve been referred by another provider. We pride ourselves on prompt scheduling—most new patients are seen within two weeks of contacting us.

What to Bring?

If you’ve had any prior diagnostic testing (such as MRIs, CT scans, or balance testing), please bring those records with you to your first visit. This information helps our clinical team better understand your case and tailor your care.

Paperwork and Check-In

There is no need to complete paperwork at home. We allocate 30 minutes at the beginning of your appointment for intake paperwork. If you anticipate needing more time or assistance, please contact our office in advance

Staying on Schedule

We strive to stay on time and respect your schedule. However, due to the complex nature of patient care, occasional delays may occur. We appreciate your understanding and patience.

Late Arrival & Cancellation Policy

We reserve dedicated time for your care. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late, your appointment may need to be rescheduled. Missed visits or late cancellations (less than 24 hours’ notice) may incur a $50 fee, which is not covered by insurance.

VNG Testing (Videonystagmography): What to Expect

Your VNG test will take approximately 45 minutes. However, we recommend planning for extra time in case you feel dizzy or experience increased symptoms afterward.

Before Your Appointment

No Makeup or Oils on the Face: Avoid wearing makeup, especially false eyelashes, mascara, and eyeliner, as they can interfere with eye movement tracking. Also, make sure your face is free of oils or lotions.
Earwax: If you suspect earwax buildup, please use an over-the-counter earwax removal kit a day or two before your test. Excess earwax can impact test accuracy.
Medications: Refrain from taking any dizziness or motion sickness medications (such as meclizine or Dramamine) on the day of your test unless instructed otherwise by your provider.
Food Intake: Avoid heavy meals before your appointment to reduce the chance of nausea or discomfort during testing.

After the Test

Some patients may feel a bit dizzy or unsteady temporarily after the VNG. If possible, arrange for someone to accompany you or allow yourself time to rest afterward before driving or returning to normal activities.

Vestibular Therapy: What to Expect & How to Prepare

Vestibular therapy is a personalized rehabilitation program designed to retrain and rebalance the body’s equilibrium system. It requires time, consistency, and effort. Each session lasts approximately one hour. It is normal for symptoms such as dizziness or imbalance to temporarily worsen at the beginning of treatment. Some patients may only need 1–2 visits, while others may require ongoing care for 6–12 months depending on the severity and complexity of their condition. Be patient with your progress—improvement takes time, and consistent participation is key. Completing your prescribed home exercises is crucial to stabilizing results and preventing relapse.

How to Prepare for Vestibular Therapy

To get the most from each session, please follow these guidelines:

What to Wear: Wear comfortable, clean clothing that allows for movement. Closed-toe shoes suitable for physical activity (e.g., sneakers) are required. On your first visit, you will be asked to remove your shoes for balance testing—please wear or bring clean socks.
Personal Hygiene: Because therapy often involves close contact with staff and others: Arrive freshly bathed, use deodorant, and brush your teeth. Avoid strong perfumes or scented products, which can trigger sensitivities in patients with head injuries or vestibular issues. Refrain from smoking before therapy. If coming from work or a workout, change out of sweaty or dirty clothes before your session.

‍

Your Questions Answered: New Patient FAQs

We understand you may have questions as you prepare for your first visit to Texas Dizziness Center. Find clear answers to common inquiries about scheduling, what to expect, and clinic logistics, designed to help you feel fully prepared and confident.

Your First Step Towards Vestibular Wellness