Vestibular testing is a specialized evaluation method used to assess the function of the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and spatial orientation. The vestibular system includes the inner ear structures and the pathways that connect them to the brain, helping to maintain equilibrium and coordinate eye movements. Vestibular testing is commonly used in the evaluation of patients with symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, or unsteadiness. By identifying abnormalities in vestibular function, healthcare professionals can diagnose vestibular disorders and develop appropriate treatment strategies, which may include vestibular rehabilitation exercises, medication, or surgical interventions. Vestibular testing plays a crucial role in optimizing patient care and improving outcomes for individuals with vestibular dysfunction.
There are several types of vestibular tests, each designed to assess different aspects of vestibular function:
- Videonystagmography (VNG) : This test involves performing a series of eye movements, head movements, and positional changes. The goggles track eye movements, allowing healthcare professionals to evaluate the function of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), which helps maintain visual stability during head movements.
- Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMP): VEMP testing assesses the function of specific vestibular reflexes by measuring muscle responses in the neck or eyes following auditory or vibrational stimuli. VEMP testing can help diagnose disorders affecting the otolith organs, which detect linear acceleration and gravity.
- Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP) : CDP evaluates balance control by measuring postural sway in response to visual and proprioceptive inputs while standing on a force platform. This test can identify deficits in sensory integration and balance control associated with vestibular dysfunction.