Balance Testing Some of the tests offered include: Nystagmography is a series of tests that determine a person's ability to follow visual objects with their eyes. These tests check how the patient's eyes respond to information from their vestibular or balance system. The technician may place painless electrodes around the patient's eyes (electronystagmography-ENG) or may use an infrared video camera (IR video nystagmography) to conduct these tests. Eye movement tests are useful because some patients with balance system problems have problems seeing clearly when moving, or they get the erroneous sense that objects are moving. Ocular Motility is a test that requires the patient to follow with their eyes objects that jump from place to place or move smoothly. The technician will look for any slowness or inaccuracies in the patient's ability to follow visual targets. Optokinetic Nystagmus is a test that requires a patient to view a large, continuously moving, visualimage to see if their eyes can appropriately track these movements. Positional Nystagmus is a test during which the technician will move the patient's head and body into various positions to ensure that there are no inappropriate movements of their eyes when their head is in different positions. Caloric Tests involve stimulating both of the patient's inner ears (usually one at a time) with warm and then cold air. The technician will monitor the movements of the patient's eyes to make sure that both of their ears can sense this stimulation. Balance can be improved! It is not uncommon for individuals with a history of balance problems to regain their balance through accurate diagnosis and appropriate medical treatment and/or rehabilitation exercises. One famous example is astronaut John Glenn. Following his historic space flights in the 1960s, Glenn experienced balance problems that disqualified him from service. After a rehabilitation program, he was able to return to space at the age of 77 and heperformed as well as his younger colleagues! With proper diagnosis and treatment, you and your loved one can recover from balance disorders and regain your control, even at an advanced age.