How do we use state of the art vestibular testing to diagnose and treat the dizzy patient? An overview of vestibular testing and balance system integration.

The physician must be the captain of the vestibular diagnostic team based on his interest, knowledge, and capability. It is not the battery of vestibular or etiologic function tests used that provides diagnostic answers. It is the intelligent application and use of the indicated vestibular tests that are practically correlated and clinically evaluated that will give the knowledgeable physician significant information. This can best be accomplished when testing is done in physical proximity to the responsible physician and when the tests used are knowledgeably ordered and evaluated. Under such circumstances, vestibular function testing is always cost-effective and therapeutically useful.