Affiliations: Dizziness and Balance Center, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA | [x] Department of Otolaryngology, Spatial Orientation Center, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA | [y] Departments of Otolaryngology, Neurobiology, Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh 107 Eye and Ear Institute 203 Lothrop Street Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Correspondence:
[*]
Corresponding author: Joel A. Goebel, MD, FACS, FRCS, Professor and Vice Chairman, Residency Program Director, Director, Dizziness and Balance Center, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid, Campus Box 8115, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA. Tel.: +1 314 362 7344; E-mail: goebelj@ent.wustl.edu
Abstract: Vestibular function testing plays a critical role in understanding balance disorders. These tests augment a well-performed history and physical exam in providing quantitative information regarding vestibular reflexes, central oculomotor function and postural control strategies. Video-oculography (VOG) and caloric stimulation play a major role in evaluation of both peripheral vestibular and central oculomotor disorders. Rotational chair testing and, more recently the Dynamic Visual Acuity Test (DVAT) and Gaze Stabilization Test (GST) provide information regarding higher frequency vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) function. Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP) explores the interaction of the vestibular, visual and proprioceptive systems for posture control. Finally, the cervical Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (cVEMP) test and the Dynamic Subjective Visual Vertical (DSVV) test provide information regarding saccular and utricular function, respectively. New techniques and applications continue to provide knowledge both of disease processes and potential medical, surgical and rehabilitative interventions.
