Quantitative and qualitative assessment of vestibular function was made in 18 female subjects with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and a control group of 25 female subjects without scoliosis. The Southern California Postrotary Nystagmus Test, which examines postrotatory nystagmus response, was used to assess the vestibular function of subjects in both groups. The results indicated that subjects with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis had a significantly decreased duration of postrotatory nystagmus as well as irregularities in nystagmus form. The recommendation was made that a neurological examination, including assessment of vestibular function, be incorporated into screening methods for scoliosis.