Rotational Chair Testing at the National Dizzy and Balance Center

At NDBC clinics, we utilize the very sophisticated Neurokinetics rotational chair used by medical research faculties across the world like the Mayo Clinics, John Hopkins University Medical System, and other premier medical systems.

The purpose of rotational chair testing is to determine if the vestibular (inner ear) or the neurological system is the cause of a balance disorder. When someone is turning their head, the vestibular system sends continuous signals to the brain updating it on the heads position. This causes additional signals to be sent to the muscles of the eyes via the vestibular ocular reflex (VOR). For every head movement in one direction, there is eye movement in the opposite direction. This phenomena is the basis for the rotational chair testing.

Rotational chair testing can be very helpful in detecting bilateral loss (no function in both ears) of vestibular function or if there are cerebellar ocular motor abnormalities. In recent studies, many people with neurological problems or vestibular ocular reflex (VOR) have been diagnosed with the use of the rotary chair very successfully.

Rotational chair testing is usually ordered in addition to ENG/VNG (caloric) testing to confirm a specific diagnosis and increase accuracy. This allows a physician to see precisely what head movement speeds are effected by the inner ear disturbance if a one is noted during the ENG/VNG testing exam. This cannot be achieved with any other testing procedure, and ensures the physician and accurate diagnosis specific to the problem within the vestibular system.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• vertigo
• vestibular
• inner
• ear
• neurology
• rotational
• chair
• balance
• disorder
• positional
• dizziness
• dizzy
• brain
• eye

[DizzyBalanceCenter]

Sometimes it can..however, if you feel you need to have a break during testing just ask whoever it is testing you for a quick break.

The Rotational Chair is very important in the testing though. Just know to keep calm and keep breathing. It'll be over with before you know it.

Let me know how your testing goes.

[BobbalinavsDave]

I just went to a Balance Center today to have one of those tests, along with a VNG. The Rotary Chair was actually REALLY groovy (sorry, I've watched too many Austen Powers movies...). I was diagnosed with vertigo soon afterwards. Not exactly too happy about that, but meh, at least the Rotary Chair was really fun.

[DizzyBalanceCenter]

@BobbalinavsDave Well I'm glad that your experience is a good one. It's nice to get positive feedback so others can know that the rotational chair is not as bad as it seems or looks for that matter. Thank you for your feedback. What was your final diagnosis?

[saltandlight4him]

Does this test make you nauseous? I have to have this test soon

[BobbalinavsDave]

@DizzyBalanceCenter They said I had BPPV.