Balance and dizziness testing

What is balance and dizziness testing?

Balance and dizziness tests are noninvasive exams that evaluate symptoms of balance disorders. A balance disorder, or vestibular disorder, usually results from a problem with your inner ear or central nervous system.

Your vestibular system is made up of tiny organs inside your ear that sense how your head moves. The organs send signals to nerves in your brain to help you maintain visual focus, balance, and posture. You may feel dizzy or off balance when your vestibular system doesn’t work properly.

At Penn Medicine, we understand that dizziness and other balance problems can make it hard to work, exercise, and enjoy life. They can also put you at risk for dangerous falls, which is why it’s so important to get testing and treatment as soon as possible.

For more than three decades, our Audiology, Hearing, and Balance specialists have been recognized throughout the region for their ability to diagnose and treat even the most complex vestibular disorders. We offer leading-edge tests and the latest therapies to restore your balance and peace of mind.

Types of vestibular tests

A vestibular test battery, or vestibular testing, is a series of tests that assesses how well your vestibular system works. An audiologist performs the tests and uses the results to diagnose balance disorders such as:

Who needs balance and dizziness testing? 

We may recommend balance testing if you have:

  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Head movement intolerance
  • Lightheadedness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Problems walking
  • Tinnitus (ringing in your ears) or hearing loss
  • Unsteadiness
  • Vertigo (spinning sensation)
  • Vision problems

Balance and dizziness testing: what to expect

Balance testing begins with a thorough review of your symptoms and medical history. We also ask you questions about how often you feel dizzy, if there are certain movements or activities that trigger dizziness, and how dizziness affects your life. We use this information to select the right tests for your needs. Depending on the number of tests you need, the process may take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.

Regional leaders in balance and dizziness diagnosis and treatment

Penn Medicine's Balance and Dizziness Center is among the most comprehensive programs in the region for diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders. A team of otorhinolaryngologists, audiologists, neuro-otologists, physical therapists, and other specialists work together to deliver seamlessly coordinated care.

We treat more people than any other center in the area, giving us a unique depth of expertise and the ability to address common and complex balance problems. Our treatments include medical therapy, surgery, and vestibular rehabilitation, all tailored to your needs and goals to help you stay as independent and safe as possible.

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