Value of vestibular function tests in the differential diagnosis of vertigo.

In patients with vertigo, with unilateral auditory problems, or for whom there is a suspicion of a posterior fossa lesion, vestibular testing is mandatory. After anamnesis, and clinical investigation, it should be decided what parts of the vestibulo-oculomotor and auditory test batteries are to be used. Apart from auditory brain stem responses, the most fruitful tests seem to be the broad-frequency rotatory tests, which are of considerably greater diagnostic value than the visual suppression test and the smooth pursuit test.