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Rotary Chair Testing

What is Rotary Chair Testing?

A rotary chair test is a specialized balance test that checks how well your inner ear balance system, eyes, and brain work together. Not everyone with dizziness or balance problems needs this test. Your provider may recommend it when more information is needed about how well your inner ear balance system is working.

Think of your eyes like a camera. When your head moves, your balance system helps keep the camera steady so you can still see clearly. This is called the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). The rotary chair test measures this reflex while you sit in a chair that moves from side to side.

Why Am I Having a Rotary Chair Test?

Your provider may order this test if you have:

  • Dizziness
  • Vertigo or a spinning feeling
  • Trouble with balance
  • Blurry or shaky vision when you move
  • Unexplained falls or unsteadiness

The test can help show if your inner ear balance system is working as expected. It is especially helpful when your provider thinks the balance system in both ears may not be working well. It may also help show how your brain is adjusting to a balance problem.

This test is often used along with other balance tests because each test gives your provider different information.

Is the Rotary Chair Test Safe?

Yes. A rotary chair test is safe and does not use needles or put anything inside your body.

The chair movement may make you feel dizzy, off balance, or sick to your stomach for a short time. These feelings usually improve after the movement stops.

You can ask to:

  • Take a break
  • Stop the test if needed
  • Tell the provider how you feel

Before Your Appointment

Your testing center will give you instructions before the test. Follow these instructions carefully.

You may be asked to:

  • Avoid certain medicines that can affect your balance or eye movements
  • Avoid alcohol before testing
  • Change when or how much you eat before the test

Do not stop any prescription medicine unless your provider tells you to. Some medicines can change the test results, but stopping certain medicines may not be safe.

Tell your provider if you:

  • Take prescription or over-the-counter medicines
  • Take medicines for dizziness, nausea, anxiety, or sleep
  • Get motion sickness easily
  • Have trouble sitting upright for a period of time
  • Have concerns about being in a dark or enclosed space

What to Wear

  • Comfortable, loose clothing
  • Comfortable shoes

Avoid heavy eye makeup, mascara, or eyeliner. You will wear special goggles that record your eye movements, and eye makeup may make it harder for the cameras to see your eyes.

What to Bring

  • Photo ID
  • Insurance card, if needed
  • A list of your medicines
  • Glasses, hearing aids, or other devices you normally use
  • Notes about your dizziness or balance symptoms
  • Any forms your testing center asked you to complete

Questions You May Want to Ask

  • Why are you recommending this test for me?
  • Should I stop taking any medicines before the test?
  • Can I eat or drink before the test?
  • How long will my testing take?
  • Will I have other balance tests on the same day?
  • Can I stop the test if I feel too dizzy?
  • When will I get my results?

During the Rotary Chair Test

You will sit in a special chair that is controlled by a computer.

You will wear goggles with small cameras that record your eye movements. Your head will usually be kept still while the chair moves.

The chair may slowly turn back and forth at different speeds. You may also be asked to look at lights or other targets.

When your body turns, your inner ear normally tells your eyes to move in a certain way. The cameras measure these eye movements. This gives your provider information about how well your eyes, inner ears, and brain are working together.

What Will Happen?

  • You will sit in the rotary chair.
  • A safety belt will help keep you secure.
  • Your head may be supported to keep it still.
  • You will put on special goggles that record your eyes.
  • The room may become dark.
  • The chair will move from side to side at different speeds.
  • You may be asked to look at a light or follow a visual target during some parts of the test.
  • Your provider will record and study your eye movements.

You will be able to communicate with the provider during the test. Let them know if you need a break.

Here is an example of what a rotary chair test may look like.

How Might I Feel?

During the test, you may feel:

  • Dizzy
  • Like you are moving or spinning
  • Off balance
  • Mild nausea
  • Warm or sweaty
  • A mild headache

These feelings are expected because the test is designed to stimulate your balance system.

Tell your provider how you feel. Your symptoms during the test can also give them useful information.

After the Test

How Will I Feel?

Many people feel normal soon after testing.

You may temporarily feel:

  • Dizzy
  • Unsteady
  • Tired
  • Mildly nauseated
  • Sensitive to movement

Your eyes may also need a few minutes to adjust after being in a dark room. These symptoms usually improve after the test ends.

What Should I Do?

After the test:

  • Sit for a few minutes if you feel dizzy
  • Stand up slowly
  • Drink water if allowed
  • Eat when you feel ready
  • Avoid driving if you still feel dizzy or unsteady
  • Follow your provider’s instructions about restarting any medicine you were asked to hold

Most people can return to their normal activities once they feel steady.

When Will I Get Results?

Your provider may talk with you about some results right after the test.

In other cases, the test needs to be reviewed before a final report is ready. The results may also be sent to the provider who ordered the test.

Your results will be looked at along with your symptoms and other balance tests. One test usually does not tell the whole story.

When Should I Call My Provider?

Some dizziness or mild nausea can happen for a short time after the test.

Contact your provider if you have:

  • Severe dizziness that does not improve
  • Dizziness that becomes much worse than your usual symptoms
  • Repeated vomiting
  • Trouble walking that does not improve
  • Any other new or concerning symptoms

Also contact a medical provider right away if you develop sudden hearing loss, especially in one ear. Sudden hearing loss is not an expected effect of rotary chair testing and should be checked quickly.

Ask your provider if there are other warning signs you should watch for based on your health history.

When Should I Call Emergency Services?

Call 911 right away if dizziness happens with possible stroke warning signs, such as:

  • Face drooping
  • Trouble speaking
  • New weakness or numbness
  • New confusion
  • New double vision
  • A sudden, severe headache
  • New severe trouble walking

Key Points to Remember

  • Rotary chair testing is safe and non-invasive.
  • You will wear special goggles while the chair gently turns from side to side at different speeds.
  • The test records your eye movements to see how well your inner ear balance system and eyes work together.
  • You may feel dizzy, nauseated, or unsteady during or shortly after testing. Tell the provider how you feel.
  • Follow your testing center’s instructions about medications, food, alcohol, and other preparation because instructions can vary.
  • Most temporary symptoms improve after the test, although your eyes may need a few minutes to adjust after being in the dark.

Additional Resources