Why is this procedure done?
Electronystagmography is often called ENG. It is done to: ‚
- Find the cause of balance problems or dizziness
- Check certain activities of the brain
ENG is a test that checks eye movements. This is done to see how well the nerves from the brain to the ears and the nerves from the brain to the eyes are working. There are different types of ENG testing: ‚
- Calibration test ¢ ˆ ’ You will follow a light with your eyes and a recorder will track your eye movements.
- Gaze nystagmus test ¢ ˆ ’ You will look at a light that does not move. You may be asked to look at different lights that are in different positions. It tells how well you can fix your gaze on an object without your eyes moving by themselves.
- Pendulum-tracking test ¢ ˆ ’ It measures how well you can follow a light as it moves back and forth.
- Optokinetics test ¢ ˆ ’ It measures your ability to follow a light as it moves quickly across your view and out of sight and back again while you keep your head still.
- Positional test ¢ ˆ ’ You move into different positions, such as sitting or lying down, with your eyes closed. Eye movements are recorded while your eyes are closed.
- Water caloric test ¢ ˆ ’ Is done by putting two different temperatures of water into your ear canal. Your eye movement will be recorded with each water temperature. Air may be used instead of water.
What will the results be?
The doctor may learn why you are dizzy. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history and do an ear exam. Tell your doctor about any neck or back problems.
- Talk to your doctor about all the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Ask your doctor if you can eat before the test. You may need to limit food before certain tests.
- Ask your doctor what you need to do before the test. Sometimes, you may need to stop certain drugs 2 or 3 days before the test.
- If you wear eyeglasses or use hearing aids, bring them with you.
What happens during the procedure?
- Electrodes are put above, below, and on each side of your eyes. One may also be placed on your forehead. These will record eye movement. Sometimes, you need to wear special goggles instead of electrodes. The test does not cause any pain.
- The person who does the test will also watch for eye movements.
- Your doctor will decide which tests to do. You will be given directions for each of the tests.
- The test takes about 90 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- Your doctor will tell you if you may drive yourself home or if you need to arrange for a ride home.
- You may have a brief episode of dizziness after the test.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- You can go back to your normal activities after the test.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. During your follow-up visit, your doctor may tell you the test results and if more treatment is needed. ‚
What problems could happen?
The caloric test may cause upset stomach and throwing up. ‚
Where can I learn more?
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke ‚
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/misc/diagnostic_tests.htm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚