| Initial Assessment | Comprehensive assessment of vertigo, dizziness, imbalance and functional difficulties | Primarily focused on performing a test | Important clinical information may be missed |
| Detailed Case History | Assessment of onset, duration, triggers, associated symptoms and relevant history | Basic / limited history | Incorrect interpretation or inappropriate test selection |
| Hearing Assessment | Hearing findings assessed and clinically correlated where indicated | Performed separately or not correlated | Associated auditory findings may be overlooked |
| Physical Examination | Relevant physical and clinical assessment included where indicated | Limited / inconsistent assessment | Important clinical signs may not be identified |
| Neurological & Red-Flag Screening | Screening performed where clinically indicated with appropriate referral | Limited clinical screening | Delay in recognising symptoms requiring medical evaluation |
| Positional Assessment | Appropriate positional testing performed when clinically indicated | May be limited or omitted | Positional vertigo may not be properly identified |
| VNG Testing | Performed as part of a structured clinical assessment | Performed as an isolated test | Results may not provide the complete clinical picture |
| Additional Vestibular Tests | Selected according to symptoms and clinical findings | Limited to routine or available tests | Important vestibular deficits may remain unassessed |
| Clinical Correlation | History + symptoms + hearing + examination + VNG + relevant findings integrated | Individual reports considered separately | Fragmented understanding of the patient's condition |
| VNG Interpretation | Findings interpreted in the context of the complete clinical presentation | Report / parameter-centred interpretation | Findings may be over- or under-interpreted |
| Differential Assessment | Relevant peripheral, central and other possible causes considered | Limited interpretation | Incomplete assessment or inappropriate management |
| Therapeutic Manoeuvres | Diagnosis- and indication-directed manoeuvres when appropriate | Generic or non-targeted manoeuvres | Symptoms may persist or temporarily worsen if the intervention is unsuitable |
| Vestibular Rehabilitation | Individualised rehabilitation based on symptoms, functional limitations and progress | Generic exercise approach | Persistent imbalance or limited functional improvement |
| Treatment Approach | Assess → Correlate → Identify → Manage / Refer → Reassess | Test → Report → Limited management | The underlying problem may remain insufficiently addressed |
| Risk Management | Red flags identified and appropriate referral recommended when required | Limited clinical oversight | Delay in appropriate specialist or medical evaluation |
| Follow-Up & Reassessment | Response monitored and management modified according to progress | Limited / inconsistent follow-up | Persistent symptoms or poor recovery may go unrecognised |
| Outcome Focus | Accurate assessment + targeted management + rehabilitation + monitored recovery | Primarily completion of the test and report | Variable outcomes and potentially prolonged symptoms |
| Core Philosophy | Treat the patient — not just the test | Perform the test → Provide the report | A report may be provided without a complete management pathway |
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