Balance Tests
Reviewed
Also called: Vestibular balance testing, Vestibular testing
Balance tests are a group of tests that check for balance disorders. A balance disorder is a condition that makes you feel unsteady or dizzy.
Specimen: N/A
Why this test may be ordered
- To diagnose balance disorders when you have symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, falling, staggering, lightheadedness, blurred vision, or confusion
- To identify the specific type of balance disorder (e.g., BPPV, labyrinthitis, Meniere's disease, vestibular neuritis, perilymph fistula, MdDS)
- To screen older adults for fall risk even without symptoms
Preparation and collection
Your provider will let you know how to prepare for your test. It's best to wear loose, comfortable clothes. Depending on the test, you may need to avoid certain foods or medicines before your test. But don't stop taking any medicine without talking with your provider first.
For a videonystagmography (VNG) or electronystagmography (ENG) test: You will sit in an exam chair in a dark room. For a VNG, you'll wear special goggles that record your eye movements. Without moving your head, you'll follow moving lights or patterns on a screen with your eyes. Warm and cool water or air will be put in one ear at a time.
Certain tests may make you feel dizzy or sick to your stomach. But these feelings usually go away in a few minutes. You may want to plan to have someone bring you home in case the dizziness lasts longer.
Understanding results
Treatment depends on the type of disorder you have.
- Results suggest a balance disorder: If your results show that you may have a balance disorder, your provider may order more tests and/or start treatment. Limitation: Balance disorders can be difficult to diagnose. Next step: If you have questions about the results of your balance tests, talk with your provider.
- Balance problem from medicine or a condition outside the inner ear: If your balance problems are from medicine or a condition that's not in your inner ear, changing medicine or treating the condition may help. Limitation: If treatment doesn't help enough, balance retraining therapy, also called vestibular rehabilitation, may help you learn to cope with your symptoms and reduce your risk of falling. Next step: If you have questions about the results of your balance tests, talk with your provider.
- Some tests may cause temporary dizziness or nausea that usually resolves in a few minutes.
- Results should be interpreted by a healthcare professional; there is no single reference interval or unit provided by the source.
- Balance disorders can be difficult to diagnose, and multiple tests may be needed.
What to do next
If you have questions about the results of your balance tests, talk with your provider.
- What specific balance tests do you recommend for my symptoms?
- How should I prepare for each test?
- What do my test results mean for my condition?
- Will I need additional testing or follow-up?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.