Vestibular Evaluation
Balance disorders associated with the ear are referred to as vestibular disorders. Vestibular evaluation consists of a multitude of tests to examine and diagnose the vestibular portion of the inner ear.
Electronystagmography
An electronystagmography, or ENG, is the most common test used to evaluate the vestibular system. Electrodes are taped close to the eyes, and a computer records results as patients follow a moving light with their eyes while they sit and lie in different positions. Eye movements are driven by the balance organs whenever the head is moving and can therefore be used to evaluate the balance system.
Posturography
During a posturography, the patient stands on a platform that moves back and forth slightly. Patients may also be asked to look at a visual target that may change position. This measures how well patients can maintain their balance. A safety harness is worn to protect the patient from falling.
Rotational Chair Test
During a rotational chair test, electrodes are placed near the patient's eyes so that eye movements can be recorded. The patient sits on a chair that gently swivels from side to side. Patients are monitored while the chair is in motion.
Fistula Test
This test is used to detect a perilymphatic fistula, a small tear in the membrane that separates the middle ear from the inner ear. Air pressure is applied to each ear canal and the patient is monitored for abnormal eye movements or balance changes.
Electrocochleography
During an electrocochleography, or ECOG, electrical potentials in the ear are measured by electrodes as clicking sounds are emitted directly into the ear canals. An ECOG measures whether there is excessive fluid pressure in the inner ear by measuring the body's responses to the sounds emitted.
Vestibular evaluation tests can help doctors to accurately diagnose balance disorders and create customized treatment plans based on the results.