Working Of Vng Tests – Testing For Dizziness

By Author: Neuro Equilibrium
Total Articles: 6
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Balance problems, dizziness and other issues associated with the vestibular system and the associated vestibulo-ocular reflex can be assessed through Videonystagmography Test. It is a series of tests used to determine the causes of a patient’s dizziness or balance disorders. It is used to test inner ear and central motor functions. If dizziness is not caused by the vestibular portion of the inner ear, it might be caused by the brain, by medical disorders such as low blood pressure, or by psychological problems such as anxiety. VNG is a test used to determine whether or not dizziness may be due to inner ear disease.

To measure your visual responses, VNG tests involve the use of video goggles while ENG tests use electrodes. If you are experiencing problems with your balance or you are feeling dizzy, this test will help determine if a vestibular (inner ear) disease is behind the cause of your problem. The tests are broken up into three sub-tests- visual, positional and caloric stimulation. The first section evaluates patients’ eye movements as they follow moving targets. The second section evaluates eye movements in ...
... response to changes in head and body positions. The third evaluates eye movements following the introduction of warm and cool air to the ear.

Videonystagmography equipment has a complete diagnostic system for recording, analyzing and reporting involuntary eye movements using video imaging technology. Hi-tech video goggles with infrared cameras are worn while you look or lie in different positions. This allows the examiner to see how the eyes move which is very helpful in assessing balance system health. VNG tests document a person’s ability to follow visual objects with their eyes and how well the eyes respond to information from the vestibular system. The test consists of visual tasks, sitting and laying in different positions, and calorics. For caloric testing, the ears are irrigated with warm and cool air to assess the function of the inner ear.

To monitor the movements of the eyes, infrared goggles are placed around the eyes to record eye movements. VNG testing is non-invasive, and only minor discomfort is felt by the patients during testing as a result of wearing goggles. The test takes about ninety minutes to complete. Some dizziness is normal with VNG testing, and typically is of short duration. It is advised to bring someone to the appointment to drive you home, should you feel unwell afterwards.