Otorhinolaryngology in Minnesota

Vestibular and Balance Testing Laboratory

Forty percent of people over the age of 40 experience dizziness or balance problems at some point in their life. There are many causes for dizziness, but a large percentage is caused by an imbalance or loss within the peripheral vestibular system.

If you are seen at Mayo Clinic for a balance or dizziness problem, your physician may order testing in the vestibular/balance laboratory. There are some special cases when these tests provide information related to other problems, such as sudden hearing loss.

The following tests are conducted in the laboratory:

Posturography This is a test that tells your physician which parts of the balance system you rely on the most and which parts may be giving you problems. You will stand in your bare feet on a special platform and simply keep your balance under various conditions.

Electronystagmography (ENG) During this test, your eye movements are recorded because there is an interaction between your eyes, eye muscles, and your inner ear balance system.

Rotary-chair testing During this test, you will sit in a computer controlled chair that moves very slowly in a full circle. At faster speeds, it moves back and forth in a very small arc. The testing room is dark, but a video camera focused on your face and a microphone mounted at the top of the chair lets you maintain contact with the person who tests you.

Dix-Hallpike test This is a noninvasive positional procedure used to accurately determine if a person has benign paroxysmal positioning vertigo (BPPV).

Vestibular/Balance Laboratory Staff

Neil Shepard, Ph.D.
Ann Anderson, Au.D.
Jane Gilbert, Au.D.
Pamela Gjertson, Au.D.
James McPherson, M.S.
Allison Stephany, Au.D.
Douglas Worthington, Au.D.