Vertigo and unsteadiness are not a disease, but are symptoms of a problem in the balance system. Difficulties in any one of these systems, or with the brain's integration of the inputs from the three, can cause one to feel dizzy, disoriented or unsteady. Balance testing evaluates each of these three systems. Vision is examined by recording how accurately the eyes can follow a moving light.
Proprioception is tested by measuring how the patient responds while standing on a moving platform.
The vestibular system cannot be evaluated directly, but is tested by recording the eye movement patterns which result when the vestibular organs are stimulated by head movement, or by warming or cooling the ear slightly with water. Integration is tested by activating more than one system at a time, such as watching a moving light while the head is moving, or standing with eyes closed. These tests are used to help the physician make a diagnosis and form a treatment plan. Treatment for vertigo and unsteadiness varies from patient to patient, depending on the cause of the symptoms. A balance therapy program is individually tailored for each patient by a physical therapist who has had special training in this field.