vestibular assessment
A suite of clinical tests evaluating the function of the inner ear's balance organs and their central pathways, used to diagnose vertigo and balance disorders.
Full Definition
Vestibular assessment encompasses a range of objective and subjective tests designed to evaluate the peripheral and central vestibular system, including the semicircular canals and otolith organs. Common components include videonystagmography (VNG), rotary chair testing, video head impulse testing (vHIT), vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs), and the Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre. Results inform the diagnosis of conditions such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Ménière's disease, and vestibular neuritis. Editors must be aware that vestibular assessment is a core competency of audiologists in many countries and should not be described solely as a neurological or ENT procedure in documents aimed at audiology audiences.
Usage
Usage note: Ensure the document specifies which components of vestibular assessment were performed, rather than using the umbrella term alone. Do not conflate with 'balance physiotherapy' or 'vestibular rehabilitation', which are intervention rather than assessment terms.
In Context
- "A comprehensive vestibular assessment, including vHIT and VEMP testing, was recommended following the patient's reported episodes of rotatory vertigo." — ENT referral letter
- "The report used 'balance test' throughout; the editor suggested standardising to 'vestibular assessment' for clinical precision." — Editorial query