Stanford Dizziness Clinic

Vestibular Balance Disorders Program
Conditions We Treat
Referral Process
Vestibular Neurology Clinic
Combined Physical Therapy Clinic
While You Wait Resources
Intake Forms
Research Opportunities
Physician & Resident Education
Patient Education Resources
Stanford Dizzy Algorithm
Our Team
Vestibular Neurology Fellowship

Contact Clinic:
(650) 723-5281

Stanford Ear Institute
2452 Watson Ct, Ste 1700
Palo Alto , CA 94303

Headache Clinic
211 Quarry Rd
Palo Alto , CA 94304

Welcome

Our clinic offers specialized, multidisciplinary care for adults experiencing dizziness, vertigo, and vestibular disorders. Patients benefit from coordinated evaluations by vestibular neurologists, otolaryngologists, audiologists, vestibular physical therapists, and other specialists who work together to uncover the root cause and develop a personalized treatment plan. 

Prolonged Wait Times
Up to 50% of people will experience dizziness over the course of their lifetime, however, very few clinicians specialize in dizziness and vertigo. As a result, we receive a large number of dizziness referrals and our wait times are long. Your patience during this process is very much appreciated. Please visit our "While You Wait” page if you are interested in learning more about ways to manage your dizziness at home.

Conditions We Treat

Our clinicians care for a wide spectrum of vestibular disorders, including but not limited to:

Peripheral Vestibular Disorders


Central Vestibular and Neurologic Conditions

Conditions We Don't Treat

To ensure the best use of resources and optimize patient care, our clinic does not evaluate or treat the following:
  • Balance problems without dizziness
  • Neurologic problems such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s or Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
  • Isolated tinnitus, hearing loss, or hyperacusis without dizziness or imbalance
  • Neuropathy
  • Spine or joint problems
  • Blood pressure problems

You may be better served by our other Stanford clinics. 

If you are unsure whether your symptoms are appropriate for referral, please consult your primary care provider or referring specialist.

Referral Process

  1. Referral Received:
    We accept referrals from neurologists, ENTs, primary care physicians, and other specialists. You may also fill out an intake form online to refer yourself for an evaluation. 
  2. Triage:
    Our clinical team will review your records and will ask you questions over the phone to assess which clinic pathway is most appropriate for you. Dr. Steenerson and Dr. Baron are specialists and require that you have seen a Neurologist or ENT before seeing them.  
  3. Diagnostic Testing (if needed):
    Audiologic and vestibular testing may be scheduled before or after your initial visit. Dr. Steenerson and Dr. Baron require full audiology and vestibular testing be completed prior to consulting with them.
  4. Initial Evaluation:
    You will meet with your assigned provider(s) to review your history, testing, and begin a treatment plan.
  5. Follow-Up and Therapy:
    Based on your diagnosis, you may be referred for vestibular physical therapy, medication management, or additional specialty care. Limited follow-up appointments are available with Dr. Steenerson and Dr. Baron and are reserved for those patients with poorly controlled symptoms; otherwise continued follow-up should be with your referring provider. 

Vestibular Neurology Clinic

The Vestibular Neurology Clinic at Stanford provides specialized evaluation and management for patients experiencing dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, or other symptoms related to vestibular dysfunction. Led by neurologists, Dr. Baron and Dr. Steenerson, with expertise in inner ear and brain pathways that control balance, the clinic offers care in collaboration with vestibular physical therapists, audiologists, and neurotologists.

We focus on complex or persistent cases that may involve vestibular migraine, persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD), post-concussive symptoms, bilateral vestibulopathy, or central causes of dizziness. Using a combination of clinical evaluation, advanced diagnostic testing, and individualized treatment plans, our goal is to help patients better understand their condition and achieve meaningful symptom improvement.

     

Combined Physical Therapy Clinic

The Combined Physical Therapy Clinic or “Combined Clinic” is designed to facilitate interdisciplinary evaluation by a vestibular neurologist, Dr. Steenerson, and a vestibular physical therapist during a single coordinated visit. This model can support early treatment and education and is especially well-suited for patients who live locally, can attend in-person vestibular rehabilitation and commit to up to 12 in-person visits sequentially. While this format may reduce the wait between visits, it does not guarantee an earlier appointment. 

Please only agree to a Combined Clinic visit if you:

  • can commit to up to 12 in-person visits in Palo Alto
  • are not currently enrolled in vestibular physical therapy
  • can commit to participating fully in vestibular physical therapy, including completing a home exercise program daily
  • have insurance coverage at Stanford

Physician and Resident Education

Patient Education

Conditions:


Common Medications

Vestibular Therapy

Vestibular Testing

Dizziness: Impacts on Anxiety, Depression, and Mental Health