Services

VNG - Videonygstagmography

What is it?

A special test that evaluates different areas that are involved in maintaining balance (inner ear-vestibular, oculomotor, CNS-brain). If there is pathology in one of these areas, the patient may experience episodes of dizziness or feelings of imbalance.

The results are obtained by measuring a jerky eye movement called "nystagmus" with special goggles with cameras in them.

Three parts to test:

  1. Following a red dot of light on light bar.
  2. Different head positions/hallpike maneuver-sitting to laying.
  3. Calories: 30 seconds of water gently flowing into ear with small tube with goggles covered. Normally patients should feel some dizziness and "nystagmus" - this varies with each patient. Whatever feeling is experienced only stays for less than a minute - when the goggles are uncovered and the patient is able to focus, the eye movement stops and then the dizziness feeling stops.

What does the patient have to do?

Pre-test instructions are very important for this test because certain medications can have significant effects on the results. Having alcohol within 2 days can also impact results. No eating/drinking is important because there is a portion of the test in which the patient may experience some dizziness. Eye makeup especially is not good (with the goggles trying to measure the black eye pupil versus mascara).

Why is it done?

To help determine if the dizziness is being caused by the inner ear or is more of a central nervous system (brain) pathology.

How long does it take?

It is scheduled for 1-1/2 hours - 90 minutes - 6 intervals. Most patients require the full amount of time.

Please allow 7-10 days for doctor follow-up.