Balance Screening Assessment

Quick, targeted checks of your balance system to identify problems and recommend next steps.

What is a balance screening for?

A balance screening is a straightforward first step for anyone experiencing dizziness or unsteadiness. It provides an overview of how the balance system is working and highlights whether more detailed testing may be helpful.

Symptoms checked:

Common triggers such as dizziness, unsteadiness, or vertigo in everyday situations, helping to identify whether further testing is needed.

Why it matters:

Even mild balance problems can affect safety, independence, and quality of life. Early screening gives clarity and peace of mind.

How it’s assessed:

A series of short, non-invasive checks of ear health, eye movements, and coordination provide a clear overview of balance function.

Next steps:

Results are explained clearly, with tailored recommendations. If further investigation is needed, options for more detailed assessments are discussed.

What is included in a Balance Screening assessment?

Medical History
Video Otoscopy
Tympanometry
Horizontal Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT)

Small, quick head movements are used while tracking the eyes with special goggles. This measures how well the balance organs in each ear are working.

During the test you will be required to relax your neck and let the clinician move your head for you, whilst you remain looking at a visual target in front of you. The goggles can be quite tight, but only need to be worn for approximately 5 minutes.
Screening Videonystagmography (VNG)

Eye movements are recorded using goggle-mounted cameras while they following simple visual targets. This provides information on how the brain, eyes and inner ears are working together to maintain balance.

A screening VNG assessment includes the essentials to provide an overview of the complex systems involved in keeping your vision steady including:
-Gaze testing
-Smooth pursuit
-Random saccade testing
-Headshake nystagmus test
Positioning Assessments

Specific head and body positions are used during the assessment, with eye movements carefully observed during and after each position. Special goggles are worn to record eye movements accurately, as this provides vital information for diagnosis. Different manoeuvres may be performed depending on the type of BPPV suspected. The tests are safe but do require a reasonable level of mobility, such as being able to move quickly from sitting to lying back.
Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers

If BPPV is identified, treatment can often be provided straight away. Specific maneuvers are chosen depending on which balance canal is affected. As with the positioning assessments, the maneuvers require a reasonable level of mobility, such rolling over and sitting up from a reclined position. The repositioning maneuvers are highly effective, and many patients experience relief after just one session.
Debrief of Findings

At the end of the assessment, the clinician explains the results and what they mean for your symptoms. If treatment has been carried out, the response is reviewed and further steps are discussed. Clear written information is provided for your records, and with your consent a copy can be sent securely to your GP or specialist. Advice is also given on what to expect over the following days, and whether any follow-up appointments may be helpful.

Balance Screening

Clear answers and reassurance for unexplained dizziness or unsteadiness.

If you have been experiencing balance difficulties, brief dizziness, or simply want a clear check of your ear and balance function, a screening assessment provides a straightforward first step with practical next steps.

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