Balance, dizziness and vertigo testing

A vestibular assessment tests the inner-ear balance organs and how they work with your eyes and brain, to find the cause of dizziness, vertigo or unsteadiness. It takes 60 to 90 minutes and is available at our South Launceston clinic. A GP referral is needed if you want to claim a Medicare rebate.

Book an appointment Call 0484 864 941

Time: 60 to 90 minutes
Where: South Launceston clinic
Medicare: Rebate needs a GP referral
Report: Sent to your GP, ENT or neurologist

Book an assessment if you have

Spinning vertigo, even when still
Dizziness when you turn your head or roll over in bed
Feeling unsteady or off balance when walking
Light-headedness or a floating feeling
Blurred or jumpy vision when you move your head
Repeated falls or near-falls

Not sure what you need?

Call us and describe what is happening. We will point you to the right appointment.

Call 0484 864 941

The tests we use

Video nystagmography (VNG)

Infrared goggles record your eye movements while we check positions such as the Dix-Hallpike test. This helps tell an inner-ear cause from a brain cause.

Video head impulse test (vHIT)

Quick, small head movements test the balance canals in each ear to show which side is affected.

Subjective visual vertical (SVV)

Checks your sense of upright, which relies on the gravity-sensing organs of the inner ear.

Positional and balance checks

We look for BPPV, a common and very treatable cause of vertigo, and assess your stability.

How to prepare

Skip alcohol and caffeine
Avoid them for 24 to 48 hours before, as they change eye movements and inner-ear responses.
Ask about medicines
Some antihistamines, anti-nausea tablets and sedatives affect results. Check with your GP before pausing anything.
No eye make-up
Mascara and eyeliner interfere with the eye-tracking cameras.
Eat lightly and bring a driver
Have a small meal two to three hours before. Testing can make you briefly dizzy, so bring someone to drive you home.

Balance and vertigo: common questions

Do I need a referral for balance testing?

You can book directly. A GP referral is needed if you want to claim a Medicare rebate, and it helps us coordinate your care.

How long does a vestibular assessment take?

Allow 60 to 90 minutes so the tests can be done carefully without rushing.

Will my doctor get the results?

Yes. We send a written report with the test findings to your GP, ENT specialist or neurologist.

What is the difference between peripheral and central vertigo?

Peripheral vertigo comes from the inner ear, for example BPPV or vestibular neuritis. Central vertigo comes from the brain, such as vestibular migraine. The tests help tell these apart so you get the right treatment.