Rotary chair testing is a specialized vestibular test used to evaluate how well the inner ear balance organs, eyes, and brain work together. During the test, the patient sits in a dark room in a motorized chair that gently rotates while involuntary eye movements (nystagmus) are recorded with goggles. Rotary chair testing is a physiologic measure of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). This test can help identify vestibular hypofunction (reduced inner ear balance function), particularly when symptoms affect both ears or when other vestibular tests are inconclusive.
Patients should notify their doctor if they experience dizziness, nausea, or headache during rotary chair testing. This test may take up to 30 minutes and may be included along with a battery of other vestibular function testing ordered by a specialist medical doctor to evaluate dizziness and vertigo.
Disclaimer
This blog is provided for informational and educational purposes only. The content and any comments by Dr. Kim Bell, DPT are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The details of any case mentioned in this post represent a typical patient that Dr. Bell might see and do not describe the circumstances of a specific individual.
