Balance examination

Preparation

• For five days prior to the examination you cannot use sleeping pills, tranquillisers and medication against dizziness. This type of medication can influence the result of the tests. If you take other medication, please consult your (otorhinolaryngology, head en neck surgery) physician to check whether you have to stop taking them en bring your medication list on the day of the examination. 
• The day before the test you cannot drink any alcohol. 
• The day of the test you cannot use eye make up or a day cream. 
• If you have (reading) glasses and/or hearing aids, please bring them with you.
• Every now and then people are dizzy after the examination. It is therefore wise to bring someone with you to the hospital. It's also better not to drive yourself after the test. 

Procedure

• The test will take place on the otorhinolaryngology, head en neck surgery consultation and will take between 60 and 90 minutes.  
• We will test the effect of rapid movements on the vestibular system.
  We will check whether you're standing firmly in various situations. Your eye movements will be registered with the help of video glasses. You will be asked to follow various objects with your eyes. Subsequently we will stimulate your balance organs with rotations of the chair you're sitting and by inserting water in your ear while you're lying down quietly .
• It is possible you will be dizzy for a few minutes during the examination. Occassionally, people will continue to be dizzy and/or nauseous for a few more hours after the test. 

After the examination

Your otorhinolaryngology, head and neck surgery physician will have the result of the tests within 2 to 3 weeks. To discuss the results, you will have an appointment with your otorhinolaryngology, head and neck surgery physician or the results will be sent to your GP or the referring otorhinolaryngology, head and neck surgery physician.