What is VNG?
VNG is short for videonystagmography, which is a procedure for testing inner ear function. VNG measures involuntary eye movements using goggles that contain infrared cameras. Measuring eye movements in this way can determine how two cranial nerves called the vestibulocochlear or acoustic nerve, and the oculomotor nerve are working.
The vestibulocochlear nerve connects your brain and inner ear and is responsible for balance and hearing. The oculomotor nerve links your brain to your eye muscles. By evaluating the way these two nerves function, Felipe J. Martinez MD can diagnose symptoms such as dizziness and problems with balance.
Why might I need to have VNG?
Your inner ear is essential for positioning and balance, working with the nerves connecting your ears and eyes to your brain. Inner ear disorders can cause symptoms such as:
- Balance problems
- Severe or persistent dizziness
- Vertigo
- Unexplained hearing loss
Using VNG, Felipe J. Martinez MD can see if there’s an inner ear disorder that’s causing these symptoms.
You might also need to undergo a VNG if you have a condition such as:
- Usher syndrome
- Acoustic neuroma
- Labyrinthitis
- Meniere’s disease
- Inner ear lesions
VNG is noninvasive and painless and takes place in the office of Felipe J. Martinez MD.
What happens when I have VNG?
First, your provider fits you with your infrared goggles and makes sure you’re in the right position. There are several different types of test your provider might perform when you go for a VNG, including:
Caloric test
While your head is in place, your provider uses warm and cool air to stimulate your balance system. They might use water as well. The goggles record every movement your eyes make when your nerves are reacting to the changes in temperature.
Oculomotor test
In this test, your provider asks you to follow a light with your eyes without moving your head. The light darts back and forth across your field of vision and beyond it, while the goggles measure how your eyes follow a moving object.
Positional test
For this test, your provider asks you to lay down and then sit up or stand very quickly. They may also ask you to turn your head quickly to the side. The positional test assesses how your eyes are responding to movement.
If you have symptoms of chronic dizziness or find you’re losing your balance regularly, Felipe J. Martinez MD can find out why using state-of-the-art VNG technology. Call today to find out more or book an appointment online.
