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PREPARATION FOR BALANCE TESTING
Your physician has recommended that testing be performed on
your balance system. Please read and follow the guidelines
in preparation for your testing.
Your appointment is scheduled on _____________________________
at _________________.
Women are asked to wear pants or shorts for testing. Gentlemen
are asked to wear loose fitting clothes for comfort during
testing.
Please refrain from wearing any skin lotions, moisturizing
creams, makeup, mascara etc., on your face the day of the
testing.
Certain substances influence the body's response to the tests,
therefore, for the 48 HOURS PRIOR TO TESTING REFRAIN FROM
THE FOLLOWING: MEDICATIONS FOR THE CONTROL OF NAUSEA OR DIZZINESS,
ALCOHOL, TRANQUILIZERS, SLEEPING PILLS, COLD REMEDIES, ASPIRIN,
TYLENOL, ETC. PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED SHEET FOR SPECIFIC
MEDICATIONS. If you are taking a medication that is not on
this list and have any question, please call our office.
BALANCE TEST PROCEDURES INCLUDE SOME OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:
A) Visual observation of various stationary or moving lights
or stripes.
B) Placement of the patient in various head and body positions
to determine if such maneuvers create dizziness.
C) Stimulating the balance system of the inner ears by placing
small balloons into the ears and inflating them with cool
and warm water.
A variety of eye, head, and body movements are recorded during
these procedures. The devices used to measure these movements
(surface skin electrodes, etc.) are neither dangerous nor
painful.
MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING BALANCE TESTING
1. What does this testing look at?
Balance testing evaluates parts of the body that help maintain
balance, including the brain, central nervous system, visual
input, proprioception and the inner ear function.
2. Will the test hurt? Will it make me dizzy?
Your balance testing will not be painful. Since we are evaluating
the balance system, portions of the testing may cause you
to experience dizziness. Dizziness produced during balance
testing is usually not severe and does not usually last an
extended period of time.
3. Will I be able to drive after I am finished with my testing?
Patients usually have no difficulty driving after testing.
If you are extremely dizzy, or question your ability to drive,
please have someone come with you who will be able to drive
in the event you are unable.
4. Why must I stay off certain medications prior to my testing?
Certain medications may affect the results of the testing
and should therefore be avoided for at least 48 hours prior
to your testing. All forms of alcohol should be avoided for
the same period of time. Under certain conditions, the doctor
may allow certain medicines up to 24 hours prior to testing,
but this may compromise the results.
5. Why am I having several different tests run on my balance
system?
Each test performed provides a piece to a puzzle. There are
several different portions to the balance system. Some portions
test the inner ear/eye reflexes and others test the inner
ear/spinal reflexes. Usually, several tests are necessary
to correctly diagnose a problem.
6. How long will the testing take?
The length of your testing will depend on which examination
the doctor is requesting you have run. Testing can take anywhere
from 30 minutes to 1? hours total.
7. What are the results of my balance testing?
Patients often ask for test results as testing is being performed.
Your testing must be completed in full prior to reaching a
conclusion as to your results. Test results are unavailable
during testing procedures.
8. May family members be present during my testing?
Family members are not allowed in testing rooms while patients
are being tested. The only exception to this will be one parent
present while a child is being tested. Your cooperation is
appreciated.
If you have any questions regarding your testing, please contact
our office. We will be happy to help you.
The following is a guideline for taking medications prior
to Vestibular (Balance) testing. It is necessary to avoid
certain medications 48 hours prior to testing to produce accurate
test results.
DON'T TAKE DO TAKE
Sleeping pills Heart medicine
Aspirin, Tylenol Diabetes medicine
Antihistamines Thyroid medicine
Cough medicine Blood pressure medicine
Alcoholic beverages Seizure medicine
Pain medication Birth control pills
Muscle relaxers Any antibiotic
Vitamins
Diuretics
COMMON MEDICATIONS TO AVOID
Antivert Hismanal
Bonine Meclizine
Dalmane Midrin
Diazepam Pamelor
Dramamine Phenergan
Elavil Prozac
Entex Seldane
Entex LA Transderm Scop (patch)
Feldene Valium
Entex LA Transderm Scop (patch)
Fiorinal Xanax
Entex LA Vontrol
Halcion
*You are allowed to eat prior to the test, but we suggest
you eat light.
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