DORSET DIZZY CLINIC
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
We understand that seeking help for dizziness can be daunting. At Dorset Dizzy Clinic, our goal is to provide a calm, supportive environment where you feel heard and understood. Your first visit is a thorough investigation into your symptoms to create a clear path toward your recovery.
1. The Initial Consultation (60 Minutes)
Our initial assessment is in depth and unhurried.
-
Your History: We will spend time discussing your symptoms in detail—when they started, what triggers them, and how they affect your daily life.
-
Clinical Examination: We will perform a series of special tests. This will include looking at your eye movements, checking your balance in different postures and scenarios with and without eyes closed, specific "positional" tests (like the Dix-Hallpike) if BPPV is suspected and neuromusculoskeletal testing if indicated.
2. Understanding the Results
After the assessment we will explain the findings in plain English. We believe you should leave the clinic with a clear understanding of:
-
What is causing your symptoms.
-
Why it is happening.
-
How we are going to treat it.
After your appointment you will receive a follow-up email with a detailed summary of your assessment outcome, your personalised recovery plan and further recommendations.
3. Your Personalised Recovery Plan
You will receive a tailored Vestibular Rehabilitation program (complete with videos or links to videos) to work on at home. This will involve you practicing specific exercises designed to "retrain" your brain and nervous system, as prescribed. We will practice these together in the clinic so you feel confident doing them at home.
You will receive gentle hands-on manual therapy treatment during this initial appointment if indicated as part of your treatment plan.
Important Information for Your Visit
Plan for Your Journey: Some tests may briefly trigger your dizziness. While most patients feel fine to drive afterward, we recommend—if possible—having someone accompany you or using public transport for your first appointment, just in case you feel a little tired. Our clinics are deliberately situated in close proximity to train stations with this in mind.
-
What to Wear: Please wear comfortable clothing and flat, supportive shoes (like trainers), as you will be asked to move around and perform balance tasks.
-
Medication: Please bring a list of any current medications you are taking.
Frequently asked questions
"Do I need a referral from my GP?" Answer: No, you can self-refer to the clinic. However, if you have already seen a GP or a Consultant (such as an ENT or Neurologist), it is very helpful to bring any scan results or letters with you to your first appointment.
"Will the assessment make me feel more dizzy?" Answer: Some diagnostic tests are designed to provoke your symptoms so we can identify the exact cause of your dizziness. While this may cause a brief increase in symptoms, it is done in a safe, controlled environment. Most patients find that any provoked dizziness settles quickly before they leave the clinic.
"What should I wear for my appointment?" Answer: Please wear comfortable clothing and flat, supportive shoes (like trainers). We will be performing balance tests and movement assessments, so it is important that you feel stable and can move freely.
"Can I drive home after my first session?" Answer: Most people feel fine to drive; however, as the initial assessment can be tiring or occasionally trigger symptoms, we recommend—where possible—having a friend or family member drive you, or using public transport for your first visit.
"How many sessions will I need?" Answer: This varies depending on your diagnosis. Conditions like BPPV may only require 1–3 sessions, whereas chronic conditions like PPPD or Vestibular Migraine may require a longer-term rehabilitation program with follow-ups every few weeks.
"Do you accept private health insurance?" Answer: We are registered with Axa PPP and Vitality. Please advise us that you intend to use private health cover during the screening call. You will need to check with your insurer first that they are happy to cover the initial assessment and follow-up costs. You will need to provide us with a Claim Reference Number and Membership Number. Please note that home visits are not covered by private health insurers and will have to paid directly by the patient.