Vertigo Tests
If you are yet to visit a doctor regarding your vertigo/dizziness, there are a few basic self vertigo tests you can do in order to check whether things are ok physiologically, or whether something doesn’t work right.
When doing the vertigo tests, if you feel symptoms of dizziness or vertigo at any point, note down the following:
a) When did it start? Was there some specific event that preceded it? (a head or ear trauma can be indication for several kinds of balance disorders, a bacterial ear infection can indicate labyrinthitis, a preceding flu may indicate viral inner ear problems)
b) Is it a permanent or temporary condition? (a permanent condition is a strong indication of an inner ear problem)
c) If it is temporary, how long are your typical dizziness/vertigo attacks? (short attacks can be symptomatic of BPPV, longer attacks may indicate more severe issues)
d) Is there some common motion (like getting up from your bed in the morning) or head position (tilted to the side at some specific angle) that triggers your dizziness/vertigo? (if this is the case, it can be an indication of BPPV)
e) Is there a hearing loss? (if yes, likely indicator of an inner ear problem)
These are all questions that your physician is going to ask, if indeeed you do end up seeking medical attention
Basic balance self-test
- Stand upright in the middle of the room
- Close your eyes
- Turn your head slowly to the left, then to the right
- Turn your head slowly up, then down
- Make a few small steps ahead
Vestibular-ocular self-test
- Take a book or a paper
- Hold it about 10-15 inches away from your eyes
- Start to read the text
- Move your head slowly to the left, then to the right while reading
- Then move the book to the left, then to the right, also while still reading
If you cannot keep reading already when moving your head in this test, it is a sign that there is a problem with the vestibular system. Problems with the second part can indicate vision issues, and perhaps nervous system problems.
As a general rule – irrespective of what the vertigo tests reveal - it is never too early to go to a doctor if you feel unwell. It is best to err on the side of caution than to let a potentially dangerous condition stay untreated for too long.
——-
