AMA Criteria for Impairment Associated with a Vestibular Disorder

A vestibular disorder can cause impairment. The AMA has developed criteria for determining the extent of the impairment.

Parameters:

(1) signs or symptoms of a vestibular dysequilibrium

(2) objective findings

(3) affect on activities of daily living (ADL)

(4) need for home confinement

Signs and symptoms of a vestibular disorder:

(1) nausea and vomiting

(2) tinnitus

(3) dysequilibrium

(4) history of trauma to head

(5) medications associated with middle ear disorders

Objective evidence:

(1) balance test

(2) electronystagmogram

(3) imaging studies

Signs and Symptoms	Objective Findings	Activities of Daily Living	Home Confinement	Impairment of Whole Person
yes	no	all without assistance	no	0%
yes	yes	cannot do complex or demanding tasks	no	1-10%
yes	yes	requires assistance except for simple tasks	no	11-30%
yes	yes	requires assistance but can do self-care	no	31-60%
yes	yes	requires assistance except non-ambulating self care	yes	61-95%

where:

• Complex or demanding tasks: riding a bicycle, walking on girders, walking on scaffolds, climbing ladders

• Simple tasks: simple household duties, walking short distances, riding in a motor vehicle operated by another person

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