Which statement best describes the key components of a comprehensive vestibular examination?

• A. Visual acuity and tympanometry only
• B. Case history, oculomotor testing, VOR testing, gait and balance testing
• C. Hearing thresholds and speech discrimination
• D. Blood pressure and pulse oximetry at rest

Answer: (B)

A comprehensive vestibular examination centers on combining a detailed history with objective tests that probe eye movements, reflex gaze stabilization, and functional balance. The case history gathers how dizziness or vertigo presents—onset, duration, triggers, and associated symptoms—so you understand the pattern and potential causes. Oculomotor testing checks how the eyes move in response to targets, including pursuit and saccades, and looks for abnormal eye movements or nystagmus that hint at central or peripheral issues. VOR testing assesses the vestibulo-ocular reflex, the system that keeps vision stable when the head moves; abnormal VOR findings point to vestibular dysfunction. Finally, gait and balance testing shows how the vestibular problem affects real-world function and fall risk, giving a practical view of impact on everyday activities.

The other options miss essential components: for instance, focusing only on hearing-related measures or middle-ear testing does not evaluate the vestibular system; and basic vital signs, while important for overall health, do not assess vestibular function.