Vertigo is an illusion of motion, and attacks are usually not accompanied by external stimuli. For example, some patients with low vestibular function may feel disorientation and anxiety in crowded large shopping centers, especially when walking against the clock; patients with incomplete vestibular compensation may have difficulty overcoming disorientation and fear; patients with vestibular dysfunction usually develop a dependence on vision in order to maintain balance, etc. So what tests are helpful to determine if there is a problem with vestibular function? What are the vestibular function tests? There are two types of vestibular function examinations: static evaluation and dynamic evaluation: 1. Static evaluation mainly consists of checking for spontaneous or gaze nystagmus. It is best examined by Frenzel microscopy or infrared eye movement recording. Spontaneous nystagmus or gaze nystagmus represents a tonic imbalance in the vestibular system. Peripheral vestibular nystagmus can be horizontal and rotational, but vertical rotational nystagmus is indicative of a central lesion. Fixation can weaken peripheral nystagmus, while central nystagmus is unaffected or increased. 2. Dynamic vestibular function evaluation includes head shaking nystagmus, head tossing test, dynamic visual acuity examination, oculomotor examination, sweep tracking, and varus nystagmus examination. In addition, Romberg test, Rotational Dyskinesia test, Tandem gait examination and Fukuda stepping examination are also included. What are the medications that affect the results of the vestibular function test? Many medications may affect the sensitivity and accuracy of vestibular function test results. For example: 1. Antidepressants, sedatives and tranquilizers and vestibular depressants can cause results similar to those of cerebellar and brainstem disorders; 2. Diuretics, especially tachypnea, can cause transient vestibular hypofunction; 3. Alcohol, marijuana and aspirin can cause false results within 24 hours of taking the drug. In addition, sufficient amounts of alcohol can also cause gaze nystagmus. Doctor’s tip: When patients experience symptoms related to spinning, rolling, swaying, tipping sensations, floating and bumpy sensations from time to time, it is important to seek medical attention and have a medical professional determine if the symptoms are due to vestibular dysfunction. Some vestibular function tests can be performed at the bedside, while others, especially quantitative tests, require some instrumentation. Regardless of the test or the type of test, the doctor will make a targeted choice based on the patient’s condition and the patient needs to actively cooperate. In addition, it is important not to take any medications within 48 hours of the test, especially those that may affect the results of the vestibular function test. If you need to take medication, you need to consult a medical professional for advice.