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Hearing & balance

Balance assessment clinic

What happens at a specialist balance clinic - the structured assessment behind persistent dizziness and falls.

Key facts

At a glance

  • The consultation: a detailed history remains the single most powerful diagnostic tool in dizziness - expect precise questions about triggers, timing and duration.

  • The examination: eye movement assessment, positional manoeuvres (Dix-Hallpike), gait and balance testing, often with goggles.

  • Same-visit treatment: BPPV found on testing is usually treated immediately with a repositioning manoeuvre.

  • Further tests: vestibular function testing, audiogram and occasionally MRI are added selectively, not routinely.

  • Follow-up: most dizziness has a treatable or manageable cause - vestibular rehabilitation is arranged where deficits persist.

The full picture

What this test involves, and how to get it

A balance clinic brings the scattered pieces of dizziness - a symptom divided among ENT, neurology, cardiology and general practice - into one structured assessment. The history dominates, because in vestibular medicine the story is the diagnosis more often than any test: seconds of spinning on rolling over in bed points to BPPV; hours of vertigo with ear fullness suggests Meniere’s; days of constant spinning after a viral illness fits vestibular neuritis; and chronic rocking unsteadiness with visual sensitivity suggests PPPD, a treatable persistent dizziness syndrome. Examination adds focused tools - infrared goggle assessment of eye movements, the Dix-Hallpike positional test, head impulse testing, gait observation - and BPPV identified on the couch is treated on the couch, with an Epley repositioning manoeuvre that often resolves it within minutes.

Laboratory vestibular testing, audiometry and imaging are deployed selectively where the picture warrants, rather than as a routine battery. The realistic promise of a good balance clinic is high: most persistent dizziness has a nameable cause, and most causes have effective management, from repositioning manoeuvres to vestibular rehabilitation exercises that retrain the brain’s compensation. NHS balance clinics sit within ENT and audiovestibular medicine, with referral waits that vary from weeks to many months by region; private balance clinics can usually assess within one to two weeks, with testing on site - a meaningful difference for a symptom that quietly dismantles confidence, driving and independence while it waits.

A quiet reminder

This guide is for information, not medical advice.

Your own clinician knows your history and can tell you which parts apply to you. Next review of this page: 2027-09-27.

Frequently asked

Common questions about Balance assessment clinic.

Quick, plain-English answers to what people ask us most.

  • What does the Balance assessment clinic measure?

    The Balance assessment clinic measures a specific substance or marker in your blood that helps doctors assess how a particular organ or system in your body is functioning. It's usually interpreted alongside your symptoms, medical history and other results rather than in isolation. Your GP or specialist can explain exactly what your individual result means for you.

  • Why would a doctor request Balance assessment clinic?

    Balance assessment clinic is typically requested when a doctor wants to investigate specific symptoms, monitor an existing condition, or check for an underlying imbalance that could explain how you're feeling. It may also be included as part of a broader health check or a more targeted diagnostic panel. Your clinician will explain why it's relevant to your particular situation before requesting it.

  • Do I need to prepare for Balance assessment clinic?

    Some blood tests require fasting, a specific time of day, or a pause in certain medications, while others need no preparation at all. Because requirements vary and we don't want to guess incorrectly for this specific test, always check the preparation instructions given at booking or ask the clinic directly. Turning up prepared, if preparation is needed, avoids having to rebook and wait again.

  • What happens when I have Balance assessment clinic?

    Most blood tests involve a short, straightforward appointment where a trained phlebotomist takes a small sample from a vein in your arm. The process usually takes only a few minutes and most people experience nothing more than a brief pinch. You can typically resume normal activities straight away.

  • Does Balance assessment clinic hurt or carry any risk?

    A standard blood draw causes only brief discomfort at the needle site, with a small risk of bruising or light-headedness afterwards. Serious complications are rare, and staff are trained to make the process as comfortable as possible. Let the phlebotomist know if you've had problems with blood tests before, such as fainting, so they can take extra care.

  • How long does it take to get results?

    Private laboratories generally turn results around within a few working days, though some specialised tests take longer to process. You'll usually be told an expected timeframe when you book, and results are typically reviewed by a doctor before being shared with you. If a result needs urgent attention, the clinic will usually contact you sooner rather than making you wait for a routine follow-up.

  • What does an abnormal Balance assessment clinic result mean?

    An abnormal result doesn't automatically mean something serious is wrong — levels can be affected by hydration, medication, recent illness, timing of the sample, or normal individual variation. A doctor will look at the size and pattern of any abnormality alongside your symptoms and other results before deciding whether further tests, monitoring, or treatment are needed. It's always worth discussing an abnormal result with a doctor rather than trying to interpret it alone.

  • Can I get Balance assessment clinic on the NHS, or is it better to go private?

    Many blood tests are available on the NHS, but routine, non-urgent testing can involve a wait for a GP appointment and then for the sample and results. Private testing is typically available within days, often with same-week appointments and results reviewed by a specialist, which can be useful if you want reassurance quickly or your GP hasn't recommended the test. Cost for private testing varies by clinic and whether it's a standalone test or part of a wider panel.

  • How accurate and reliable is Balance assessment clinic?

    When carried out by an accredited laboratory, this type of blood test is generally considered a reliable way to measure the substance in question. As with any single blood test, results can vary slightly from day to day and are best interpreted in the context of a full clinical picture rather than as a one-off number. If a result seems unexpected, doctors will often recommend repeating the test to confirm it before acting on it.

  • How do I book Balance assessment clinic privately?

    You can typically book a private blood test online or by phone, often without needing a GP referral, and be seen within a few days. Results are usually reviewed by a doctor who can explain what they mean and recommend any next steps or further investigations. Get in touch with the clinic to check current availability and what's included with the test.