Your doctor may perform additional testing or refer you to a specialist for additional testing to evaluate vertigo causes. These tests may include:
Hearing tests done by an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT) may be suggested if you are experiencing ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or hearing loss.
The ENT may use a tuning fork or a machine that produces beeps at certain pitches to check for any hearing loss.
Videonystagmography (VNG) helps look for signs of uncontrolled eye movements (nystagmus) in more detail.
Nystagmus may indicate a problem with any of the systems that help you balance. You will be asked to wear special goggles and look at still or moving images. Video cameras inside the goggles record your eye movements and check for abnormalities.
Caloric testing involves running warm or cool air or water into the ear for about 30 seconds.
The sudden change in temperature stimulates the balance organ in your ear to see how well it’s working. While the test isn’t painful, it can cause dizziness that may take a while to wear off once the test is complete.
Posturography uses a machine to test your balance.
It gives useful information about how you are using your vision, proprioception (sensations from your feet and joints), and the input from your ear to maintain balance. This machine may also be used to track progress during rehabilitation.
Scans can help check for structural problems in your brain such as tumors.
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan uses a magnetic field and radio waves to show the inside of your head. A computerized tomography (CT) scan uses a series of x-rays to show the inside of your head.