Does vestibular testing cause nausea? How do you prepare for a balance test? Discover the truth about vestibular testing, including what to expect and how to prepare to ensure a comfortable and effective test.
The Truth About Vestibular Testing: What You Need to Know
Dizziness, vertigo, and problems with balance are just some of the signs you may be suffering from some form of vestibular issue. While these conditions themselves offer a wide range of symptoms themselves, one of the most frequently asked questions is will vestibular testing make me feel sick?
While some people may experience temporary sensations they find unpleasant, vestibular testing shouldn’t cause sickness. For those who do experience side effects, dizziness which can sometimes lead to nausea is the most commonly reported issue with vestibular testing. These symptoms typically only last as long as the test, so the sensation is short lived.
Let’s take a closer look at some of these myths surrounding vestibular testing and dive into everything you really need to know about this valuable diagnostic tool.
Understanding Vestibular Testing
Likely the best place to begin when discussing this type of testing is to first explain the vestibular system. The vestibular system, which can be thought of as the body’s balance system, is a collection of tiny canals and organs that work together with the eyes and muscles to coordinate movement. When balance issues occur, a series of non-invasive tests can assess and evaluate your inner ear and balance.
Despite the many myths, vestibular testing rarely causes significant nausea or discomfort. Even on rare occasions when side effects like dizziness are felt, the condition typically ends at the conclusion of the test. At Colorado Ear Care, patient comfort is one of our top priorities, so we’ve developed a system that addresses each person’s unique needs and avoids unnecessary discomfort.
Your Body’s Balance Center
Located mostly in the inner ear, your vestibular system is vital for maintaining balance, ensuring your stability, controlling posture, coordinating movement, and providing spatial awareness. When you experience issues with this delicately balanced system, it can have many negative effects on your quality of life. As with most medical conditions, early detection and prompt treatment can dramatically improve outcomes and help you avoid interruptions to daily life.
Vestibular Testing: What to Expect
While diagnosing vestibular conditions is a complex process, our team of highly-trained providers will typically use one or a combination of the following vestibular tests for diagnosis and treatment. Here’s what to expect from each:
Rotary Chair Testing
This advanced test uses a computerized chair that rotates slowly while recording your eye movements. This can help to pinpoint any issues with the superior vestibular nerve and horizontal semicircular canal.
Videonystagmography (VNG)
One of the most popular vestibular tests, VNG uses infrared cameras to track eye movements. This data is then processed using advanced programs that help to identify irregularities in your central nervous or vestibular systems. This sometimes includes the careful positioning of your head to check for signs or symptoms of vertigo.
Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMPs)
Valued for being quick and non-invasive, VEMPs work by focusing on the saccule, a small piece of the vestibular system that is responsible for your vertical spatial orientation. This test involves the playing of sounds and recording your muscular responses.
Gans Sensory Organization Performance Test (SOP)
The SOP is one of the simplest and most effective ways to test your postural stability. These tests evaluate your equilibrium and determine if you are too dependent on vision for your balance. For this test, you will be asked to pose and hold various positions while your movements are recorded and assessed.
Visual Acuity Test
This test, as the name suggests, measures your visual acuity while your head is in motion. In this test, a standard eye chart is used to establish a baseline. In the second part of the test, your head is moved back and forth to challenge your eyes’ ability to compensate for this movement.
Audiologic Testing
Audiologic testing includes a variety of exams used to determine if problems with hearing may be affecting a person’s balance. These tests typically include audiometry, which measures hearing, BAER, which assesses brain response to sound, and otoacoustic emission tests, which look to measure the sound waves generated within the ear.
The Bottom Line: Will Vestibular Testing Make Me Sick?
No. While some people may experience mild discomfort during testing, these symptoms are typically far less intense and shorter-lived than the condition that originally brought you to testing.
At Colorado Ear Care, you can expect our experienced team to carefully explain each test thoroughly, ensuring your comfort and informed consent throughout the process. On the chance that you do experience any discomfort, our team will adjust the process, including using alternative testing, to ensure you have the most comfortable experience possible.
How Should I Prepare for Vestibular Testing?
Another common concern regarding vestibular testing is how to prepare for it. To ensure the best possible experience and results, we encourage patients to:
- Wear comfortable clothes that allow for movement
- Bring a family member or friend for support
- Avoid alcohol or caffeine for at least 24 hours before your appointment
- Get a good night’s sleep
We also encourage patients to continue taking any prescribed medication unless otherwise instructed by their doctor.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Get Tested
One of the most unfortunate realities is that far too many people will put off treatment for their balance issues until the problems begin interfering with daily life. Ignoring vestibular disorders can not only impact your quality of life, but if left untreated, these conditions typically progress, which can then lead to falls and injuries.
With vestibular testing, we seek to provide you with:
- An accurate diagnosis of your condition
- A personalized plan for treatment
- Improved balance and reduced dizziness
- Prevention of worsening conditions or potential complications
Through results-based care and the aid of state-of-the-art equipment, our team of experts can ensure that you get the most accurate diagnosis and effective care possible.
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Vestibular testing might be the key to overcoming the balance obstacles holding you back. Testing for these conditions is quick and easy and can lead to life-changing improvements. At Colorado Ear Care, we use these and many other cutting-edge techniques to diagnose and treat a wide variety of balance and hearing problems.
Contact us today to schedule your vestibular exam. Our team of experts is here to help you regain balance and your confidence.