Balance Testing

Balance/Dizziness Test (ENG/VAT)

Important Facts

  • Inner ear disorders are the leading cause of dizziness and falls
  • 33% of all seniors will fall this year
  • Over 69 million men and women in the US suffer from vestibular dysfunction (inner ear disorders)
  • Effective treatments exist for vestibular disorders when correctly diagnosed

Purpose of an ENG/VAT

Vestibular testing (ENG/VAT) enables health care providers to determine if balance issues or dizziness is coming from the inner ear, the eyes (VOR) or the brain. Once they have determined the source, they are able to make specific treatment recommendations.

Doctors may recommend this test if patients are suffering from any of the following symptoms:

  • dizziness
  • vertigo (sense that the room is spinning)
  • feeling off balance
  • fallen in the last year

What to Expect on Testing Day

The ENG test will takes about 15 minutes. During the first part of the test, the patient will follow a green light on the wall with their eyes while keeping their head still (electrodes will monitor eye movement). During the second part of the test, they will keep their eyes fixed on a green sticker on the wall while they move their head half of an inch from side to side for a 17 seconds and then up and down half of an inch for 17 seconds.