This is a prospective study on the outcome of vestibular function tests for the investigation of dizziness in patients referred to an ENT department in a district general hospital in Wales. Design, setting and participants Videonystagmography (VNG) is carried out as initial assessment of the integrity of the peripheral vestibular function in patients with balance dysfunction. The study was carried out in district general hospital and 110 patients were included in this study. Patient information were collected with the aid of questionnaire. Dizziness, a common symptom of imbalance in adults is commonly under treated and often becomes chronic; it can lead to deterioration in quality of life with substantial socioeconomic impact. It is a common problem in patients managed in primary care. Main outcome measure The aim of the study was to quantify the number of patients referred by general practitioners to ENT for investigation and what proportion were further referred for vestibular function tests. Results We wanted to establish the usefulness of VNG in the management of dizzy patients. In a large proportion of patients it was difficult to establish the true nature of dizziness. Conclusion We found that VNG is useful for exclusion of peripheral vestibular disorders and often to corroborate adequate vestibule-ocular reflex.