A person's eye movements may provide the doctor with important clues. Abnormal eye movements indicate a possible dysfunction of the inner ear or its nerve connections to the brain. Nystagmus is a rapid flitting of the eyes, as though the person were watching a ping-pong ball bounce quickly from right to left or up and down. Since the direction of these movements can help with the diagnosis, the doctor may try to stimulate nystagmus by suddenly moving the person's head or by putting a few drops of cold water into the ear canal. Balance may be tested by asking the person to stand still and then to walk a straight line, first with the eyes open and then with the eyes closed.
Some laboratory tests can help determine the cause of dizziness and vertigo.
Hearing tests often reveal ear disorders that affect both balance and hearing. These tests can show bone abnormalities or tumors pressing on nerves. Treatment Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the vertigo. Drugs that relieve mild vertigo include meclizine, dimenhydrinate, perphenazine, and scopolamine. Scopolamine, which is particularly helpful in preventing motion sickness, can be applied as a skin patch that works for several days.