Balance and Falls Center
At the UCSF Balance and Falls Center, our experts assess patients to determine potential causes of vertigo, dizziness and balance problems, and to recommend treatments. Our comprehensive assessment protocol includes a number of tests that examine the effectiveness and workings of your vestibular system, whose function is crucial to sensing balance and spatial orientation, as well as tests to evaluate how the vision system and somatosensory system – such as pressure sensors in your feet – contribute to your overall stability and balance. By helping us determine which system may be contributing to your symptoms, this assessment points us toward appropriate treatment.
As specified by your referral or based on your symptoms and medical history, the assessment may include:
- Rotary chair
- Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP)
- Video head impulse test (vHIT)
- Videonystagmography (VNG) and electronystagmography (ENG)
- Assessment and treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
For more information about these tests and your condition, please visit the Balance and Falls Center at the UCSF Department of Otolaryngology. Also see our patient education material on balance assessment tests and how to prepare for your appointment.
Doctor referral required
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What to Bring
- Photo I.D.
- Health insurance card
- Health insurance information including authorizations or referrals if not previously submitted
- List of medications that you're allergic to
- Recent test results related to your condition that have not already been submitted
- List of questions you may have
- Device or paper for taking notes
