Balance and Vestibular Program

The Balance and Vestibular Program Program at Children’s National Hospital treats children experiencing dysfunction of the vestibular system such as dizziness, imbalance, delayed motor function development and vertigo.

As one of a few pediatric vestibular and balance programs in the country, our highly specialized program can:

• Identify your child's vestibular and balance condition
• Correct the vestibular and balance dysfunction
• Minimize your child's symptoms
• Promote overall wellness

Choosing Children's National for Balance and Vestibular Care

We understand that vestibular testing and treatment is at the forefront of innovation for pediatric audiology, which is why we can ensure that your child will receive the best possible care for their condition.

Highlights of our program include:

• State-of-the-art technology. Children’s National has the most innovative technology available for pediatric vestibular testing. This allows us to not only determine the exact cause of your child’s condition, but we are better equipped to provide targeted, precise rehabilitation for your child.
• Multidisciplinary team. Our team works together to support the patient and their family through. Meet the team.
• Tailored care plans. We conduct comprehensive evaluations in order to develop individualized care plans with specialized treatments, which include vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), medication or surgery.

Understanding Pediatric Vestibular Testing

Your child's body has two centers for balance control. One is located in the brain (central system) and one in the inner ear (peripheral system). The part located in your child's inner ear is called the vestibular system and it is comprised of the semicircular canals, the utricle and the saccule.

In a vestibular testing appointment, our team will run a series of tests to determine the root cause of your child’s dizziness or imbalance. Since your child’s vestibular system will be stimulated during testing, we ask that you avoid food or drink up to one hour prior to the appointment time.

During the evaluation process, our team will review your child's case history which details the start, duration and description of their symptoms.

Rehabilitation Process

Vestibular rehabilitation focuses on addressing your child's functional limitations and participation restrictions due to their vestibular dysfunction. During the rehabilitation process, we will focus on exercises that improve function and promote the use of your child's vestibular system as well as compensatory exercises for safety during your child's recovery.

Children’s National addresses vestibular rehabilitation in a novel way with both traditional vestibular rehab exercises in natural environments and an immersive virtual rehab experience with our Bertec CDP. This approach allows for more specific training exercises which will help improve your child's results.

Contact Information

For more information or to schedule an appointment with the Balance and Vestibular Program, please email Tracey Ambrose, AuD, CCC-A, F-AAA, or call 202-476-5600.

Our program may be helpful for providers with patients that are experiencing true vertigo symptoms, balance problems, reading difficulties, frequent falls and poor coordination. Learn about when to refer a patient.