Preparing for Your Falls Examination

A balance function test helps to check how well the inner ear balance system works.

Below is more information about the test and what you need to do to get ready.

Where do I go for my balance function test?

• Henry Ford Hospital Detroit
  • Clinic is located on K-8.
  • (313) 916-3272
• Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital
  • Go to the Cardiology department in the East Wing. Check in with the Cardiology desk.
  • Do not go to the Audiology department.
  • (248) 661-6472

What can I expect at my balance function test appointment?

• The test takes up to 2 hours to complete.
• The balance function test is made up of several different tests that will help figure out what is causing your dizziness or imbalance symptoms.
• These tests will not cause any pain.
• You will have a Videonystagmography (VNG) or Electronystagmography (ENG) as part of your appointment.
  • These tests measure your eye movements.
  • A gentle stream of warm or cool air is put into each ear for about one minutes. This should cause the eyes to move in certain ways.
  • The test can sometimes make you feel like you are moving. That lasts about 2 minutes.
• Other tests will be done based on your symptoms and VNG or ENG results.

What do I need to do to get ready for the test?

2 Days Before Your Test

• Do not take the following medicines for 2 days before your test:
  • Medicine for dizziness, such as meclizine (Antivert ®)
  • Sleeping pills
  • Tranquilizers
• Do not drink any alcohol starting 2 days before your test.

The Day Before Your Test

• Do not take any type of allergy medicine the day before your test.

The Day of Your Test

• Do not eat a large meal within 4 hours of the test.
  • Small meals or a snack is okay.
• Do not wear makeup around the eyes or on the forehead.
• Do not smoke or have caffeine (coffee, tea, soda pop, energy drinks, etc.) starting 2 hours before your test.

Medicine

• Make sure to follow the directions above about when to stop certain medicines before your test.
• Most other medicines will not affect the results of the test.
• Continue to take all of your normal medicine such as medicine for diabetes, heart, blood pressure, seizures, or others.
• If you are not sure about which medicines to stop before the test, call the location where you will have your test done.