A VNG test stands for Videonystagmography which tests the vestibular system (balance system) of the inner ear to determine if your dizziness/loss of balance is caused by an inner ear abnormality.
When undergoing the VNG test, you are wearing a pair of goggles over your eyes used to monitor and record eye movement.
During this portion of the testing you will be asked to follow a light with your eyes. The light will be moving across a bar in front of your, or inside the goggles. The light will be moving quickly in different directions.
This part of the test may make you slightly dizzy.
With assistance from your test proctor, you will be asked to move your head and body in a series of positions. This includes head movements up and down, side to side, and body movements sitting up, laying down, and turning on your side. You will be instructed on whether to open or close your eyes during the movements, while your eyes are being recorded.
During this part of the test, you may experience dizziness and/or vertigo. This is more likely to occur if your initial symptoms of dizziness are triggered by movement.
This portion of the testing is usually done at the end. You will be laying on your back while cool and warm air or water is delivered to your ear canal, one at a time, warm in each ear followed by cool in each ear.
This is a very important part of the testing that will stimulate each vestibular system, right ear, and left ear, and compare the response between the ears. It helps to determine whether the vestibular organs are functioning properly and whether one system is significantly weaker than the other.
The air or water will stay in your ear for about 1 minute each time. Once it is removed, your eye movements will be recorded for an additional minute. It is important to follow the instruction of the test proctor during this time as to whether your eyes should remain opened or closed in order to avoid the need for repeat testing.
During this portion of the test, it is likely that you will experience dizziness and vertigo. This will only remain for a few minutes following each ear stimulation. It is normal to be dizzy during caloric testing.
Total VNG/ENG test time is about an hour. Request yours now!
For more information, contact our physical therapist at the center of Casper, WY and Glenrock, WY.