A comprehensive evaluation of your vestibular (balance) system is scheduled prior to your appointment at Duke Vestibular Clinic.

This testing is done to help determine the cause of your dizziness. It is designed to give a comprehensive assessment of the balance system and the results will be used to make decisions on how to best treat you.

Some of the tests require that we record eye movements so it is very important that you not wear make-up, especially eye make-up to the exam.

Types of Tests

Three different tests may be used to evaluate the balance system. Tests include:

• VideoNystagmography/ElectroNystagmography (VNG/ENG): This test involves tracking different light patterns with your eyes as well as tests that involve movements of the head and/or body. Please inform the audiologist if you have neck or back problems that may limit your range of motion. ENG/VNG testing also includes the caloric examination. For this test, warm and cool water run into the ear canal as you have a conversation with the audiologist while he/she records your eye movements.
• Rotational chair: This test involves sitting in a dark room watching various light patterns. At times, the chair rotates and you simply continue your conversation with the audiologist while looking straight ahead.
• Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP): For this test you recline in an exam chair and listen to a sound while the audiologist takes a recording from the muscles in your neck.

In all, these tests will take about two hours to complete. Each of them will be explained prior to beginning and the results will be explained once testing is completed.

Test Guidelines

Because of the nature of these tests, we request you follow these guidelines:

• Bring a list of all current medications and any pertinent medical records to your appointment.
• Inform your audiologist if you have a pacemaker.
• Do not wear eye make-up to the exam. If wearing eye make-up, you will be asked to remove it before we begin.
• Refrain from eating or drinking for three to four hours before your appointment.
• Avoid consuming alcohol the night before your appointment.

It is best that someone accompany you to the appointment and drive you home following the examination.

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding the testing, please call 919-684-1195.