Balance Testing

Balance testing is a group of tests that can be performed to determine if you have a balance disorder. Balance disorders are conditions that can make you feel off-balance while standing or walking, unsteady, or dizzy. The dizziness you experience may cause you to feel lightheaded, faint, or as though you are spinning.

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Dizziness and balance issues can be a sign of underlying conditions such as vertigo, Meniere’s disease, migraines, or head injuries. Balance disorders can affect your ability to walk and perform other daily activities. Some cases are mild, whereas others may be more severe. Balance is achieved through multiple systems of the body working together, including the vestibular system which is located in the inner ear. Because balance depends closely on these other systems, our team at Texas ENT Specialists offers these important tests.

Balance Testing Procedure

The most common balance test is a videonystagmography (VNG). This test measures eye movements to evaluate central motor functions and the inner ear. A VNG can detect if there is an underlying vestibular disorder that is causing a balance problem. It can also show where one or both ears are affected.

During the first part of the test, you will be seated in a dark room wearing glasses that record your eye movements. Dots will begin to appear, and you will be asked to follow them with your eyes.
The next step involves the provider moving your head or body to observe the reactions.
The final step is warm and cool water or air being placed in each ear. This is done to cause specific reactions from the body and can help determine the root of balance disorders.

Very practical and goes above and beyond what most ENTs do. I’ve been going to them for 12 years and 2 surgical procedures and breathe better than ever. They also explain the issue and treatment in very easy to understand terms.

by JG

Conditions Balance Testing Can Help Diagnose

Balance testing can help diagnose different types of underlying medical conditions. This includes:

Vertigo
Migraines
Meniere’s disease
Vestibular neuritis
Labyrinthitis
Head injuries
Side effects of certain medications

There may also be other underlying conditions that can be diagnosed throughout your testing.

Balance Testing Benefits

The primary benefit of balance testing is getting the answer to what the root cause of your balance problem is. This will allow us to provide you with effective treatment options and to develop your ideal treatment plan. Balance testing can also shed light on underlying conditions you may not have been aware of, as these can be diagnosed throughout your testing.

With 15 convenient locations across the greater Houston area, we’re never far away.

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About Texas ENT Specialists

Texas ENT Specialists provides patients of all ages comprehensive care for ear, nose, and throat conditions. We have 15 convenient office locations across the Houston area. We have set ourselves apart in the industry with our:

Personalized Treatment

All of our treatments are tailored to meet your unique needs, leading to the best possible results.

Top-Rated Physician Network

Each of our locations is staffed with a team of board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians who will help with your ENT concerns.

Centers of Excellence

We hold our offices to the highest standards, ensuring you have a seamless visit every time — from start to finish.

Continuity of Care

We work closely with you to help find long-term relief, never cutting corners or trying to handle things short-term.

Who Is a Candidate for Balance Testing?

Anyone struggling with keeping their balance or walking, feeling dizzy, or being unsteady is a good candidate for balance testing. No matter the degree of your balance concerns, testing can always help. Texas ENT Specialists offers balance testing to patients of all ages.

Your Balance Testing Experience

Because balance is achieved through multiple parts of the body, sometimes more than one test may be required. The testing experience will vary from person to person, but most commonly involves in-office testing of the eyes, motor functions, and inner ears.

After your tests, your provider will require some time to examine the results before having you return to discuss them.

Balance Testing FAQ's

If I’m starting to feel a little unsteady while walking, should I get a balance test?

Yes, definitely. It’s always better to receive testing at the onset of symptoms. We test patients no matter what the severity level is of their balance issues.

Can children have balance issues?

Yes, they can. This is why we also provide balance testing for children.