The human balance system is composed of interactions between complex parts of your body, the:
1. balance organs in your inner ear
2. eyes
3. muscle and joints
The ability to maintain balance depends on information received by the brain from the above parts. The tests that we carry out examines whether each part of the balance system is working efficiently and equally.
Where will the balance test be done?
Testing will be done in the Hearing Services Department at the Leicester Royal Infirmary, Infirmary Square, Leicester, LE1 5WW. For some of the test, the lights will be switched off to make the room dark. This will give us information on how your balance system behaves when information from your eyes is removed and allows accurate recording of the eye’s.
What will happen during this appointment?
A series of balance test’s will be undertaken. Each test will be explained to you in detail by the clinician you are seeing. If you have any concerns regarding any of the tests the clinician will be able to advise you further at your appointment. You will find the list of balance tests you have been referred for below.
How long will the test take?
The appointment can take more than two hours in certain instances depending on how many tests the consultant has requested. Therefore, it is important to make car parking and travel provisions for this.
What do I need to do before my appointment?
Please ensure you have followed the important advice detailed below. Failure to do so may mean we are unable to perform your tests on the day.
Two weeks before your appointment
- Make sure your GP or nurse has checked your ears are clear of wax
Two days before your appointment:
Please do not consume the following
- Caffeine – This includes tea, coffee, chocolate and drinks that have caffeine in them e.g. coca cola
- Alcohol
- Medication prescribed only for you balance/dizziness. This includes Stemetil, Procholoperazine, Buccastem, Serc, Cinnarizine and Stugeron
You should stop taking balance medicines two days before your appointment because they may affect your assessment. Most patients can stop these medicines safely. Please check with your GP if further advice is needed regarding the interruption of your balance medication.
On the day of the appointment:
1. Your completed VRBQ questionnaire
2. A list of current medications (including any herbal or over the counter substances)
3. Any recent consultation reports
How will the test’s make me feel?
Some of the tests may make you feel slightly dizzy. This feeling should stop after a few minutes of completing the tests.
What tests will be carried out?
The following test’s may be carried out depending on your symptoms and tests requested by your consultant:
Computerised Dynamic Posturography
This test assess how well you are able to balance in several different situations. The test last’s approximately 15 minutes and involves wearing a safety harness then standing on a platform with your eyes sometimes open or closed. At times you will feel a gentle swaying of the platform beneath your feet and or your surrounding’s may move in front of you.
Videonystagmography
This test last’s approximately 30 minutes and involves wearing goggles that have cameras attached to record your eye movements. You will be asked to sit in front of a screen and follow the movement of a small red-light. You may also be asked to move your head into different position’s.
Caloric testing
This test will approximately last 1 hour and measures each of your balance organs seperately. You will be asked to wear goggles to record your eye-movement whilst lying on a couch in a recline position. Warm aid will be gently blown into each ear to stimulate the balance organ. You may experience some short-lasting turning sensation, that is typically mild and tolerable. If required cool aid will be placed into the ear canal 15 minutes after the warm air.
Video Head Impulse test (VHIT)
This test will last approximately 15 minutes and measures your eye-movements in response to your head movement. You will be asked to wear tight-fitting googles that have cameras attached to monitor your eye-movement. Your head will be moved in small sharp movements side-to-side, up and down and you will be asked to keep your eyes focused on a target through-out the test.
Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP)
This test will last approximately 1 hour and measures the otolith organs that detect gravity and linear acceleration. Electrodes will be placed on certain areas of your face and neck to record muscle movement. You will hear sounds through headphones whilst lying down on a couch with your head placed in various positions.
FAQ
Do I have to carry out the test’s?
No, you can withdraw consent at any time. However, the tests will provide valuable information to help diagnose the cause of the dizziness
Can I wear mascara to my appointment?
No. Any eye make-up will prevent clear recording of your eyes and you will be asked to remove it before testing begins.
Can I drive if I am dizzy?
You must tell DVLA and your insurance company if you experience dizziness that is sudden, disabling or recurrent. If you are involved in an accident as a result of your dizziness you may be prosecuted. In addition, you can be fined up to £1,000 if you don’t tell DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/government/publications/diz1-online-confidential-medical-information
Will I receive my results straight away?
Your results will be analysed and a report will be sent to the referring consultant after all testing has been completed
Links to additional information
1. Based in Leicester a support group for people with balance disorders: www.lifeonthelevel.org
2. A charity organisation providing support for people with hearing loss and balance disorders: www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/how-we-help/information-and-resources/publications/hearing-health/dizziness-and-balance-problems/
3. A charity organisation that provide support and information to people who have dizziness and balance disorders: www.menieres.org.uk/
Contact us
To cancel or change your balance test appointment only, please contact:
Rachel White - Balance test appointment co-ordinator
