The vestibular system is a complex network responsible for maintaining balance, spatial orientation, and coordination. When impaired, individuals may experience dizziness, vertigo, unsteady gait, or falls. Our vestibular tests assess function and reflexes to diagnose and treat balance-related disorders.
Assesses the function of the otolith organs (saccule and utricle) which detect gravity and linear acceleration.
Purpose
- Diagnose superior canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS)
- Identify Ménière's disease
- Detect vestibular neuritis
- Assess inner ear trauma or infections
Procedure
- Electrode Placement: Neck (c-VEMP) or under eyes (o-VEMP)
- Sound Stimulation: Patient listens to click sounds through headphones
- Response Recording: Muscle activity measured to assess vestibular function
Significance
- Evaluates gravity and motion processing
- Distinguishes between central and peripheral disorders
- Provides diagnostic insights for dizziness and imbalance
Assesses eye movements to diagnose vestibular dysfunction through the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR).
Purpose
- Diagnose benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
- Identify labyrinthitis
- Detect Ménière's disease
- Assess vestibular hypofunction
Procedure
- Infrared Video Goggles: Track eye movements precisely
- Test Conditions: Smooth pursuit, saccades, optokinetic response
- Positional Testing: Head movements recorded to detect nystagmus
Significance
- Identifies vestibular pathway abnormalities
- Differentiates central vs. peripheral dysfunction
- Diagnoses dizziness from inner ear disorders
Evaluates the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) during rapid head movements.
Purpose
- Detect bilateral vestibular loss
- Identify unilateral vestibular weakness
- Assess motion sensitivity disorders
Procedure
- Head Movement Testing: Rapid head turns while focusing on target
- Data Collection: Measures eye movement adjustments
- Analysis: Detects gaze stabilization issues
Significance
- Assesses VOR efficiency during movement
- Diagnoses vestibular dysfunction affecting vision
- Identifies chronic dizziness causes
Why Vestibular Tests Matter
Identifying Causes of Dizziness & Vertigo
- Pinpoints source of sudden dizziness
- Diagnoses spinning sensations (vertigo)
- Identifies balance problems
Differentiating Disorders
- Distinguishes inner ear vs neurological issues
- Identifies vestibular neuritis/labyrinthitis
- Detects brainstem abnormalities
Guiding Treatment
- Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT)
- Medication management
- Lifestyle adaptations
