Feeling dizzy? CAMC Pediatric and Adult ENT now offers videonystagmography (VNG) testing to diagnose disorders that cause balance problems and dizziness.
Using a special set of goggles equipped with a camera to analyze eye movements, a VNG test evaluates the function of your inner ear’s vestibular system, which controls balance and spatial orientation.
Vestibular disorders can be caused by inner ear problems, medications, infections or brain injuries. Symptoms may include:
• Dizziness
• Vertigo (feeling like everything around you is spinning)
• Feeling as if you’re going to fall
• Lightheadedness
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Feeling fullness or pressure in the ear
During testing, you'll sit in a dark room and wear goggles that record eye movements. There are three components of the test:
• Ocular testing. Without moving your head, follow moving lights with your eyes and stare at steady lights.
• Positional testing. You'll be asked to move your head and body into different positions. The provider will also move your head into certain positions. Your eyes will be checked to see if certain movements cause nystagmus (involuntary, rapid and repetitive movement of the eyes).
• Caloric testing. Your ears are tested one at a time. This can show if the vestibular system in one ear is working better than the other. Cool water or air will be put into your ear. The cool temperature should make your eyes move in specific ways. You will be tested again with warm water or air in the same ear. If your eyes don't move as expected, it may mean you have damage in your inner ear or the part of your brain that controls balance.
VNG testing usually takes 60 to 90 minutes and is considered the new standard for testing inner ear functions. The ENT will discuss treatment options depending on the type of balance disorder diagnosed.
The VNG system was provided by grant funding from the CAMC Foundation.