How do you assess vestibular function?

Electronystagmography/Videonystagmography (ENG/VNG) ENG/VNG is the most commonly used test to evaluate the vestibular system (balance portions of the inner ear, nerve, and brain). When the head is in motion, the inner-ear balance (vestibular) organs send signals to the eye muscles to keep vision in focus.

What does vestibular evaluation consist of?

VNG consists of a battery of subtests utilizing visual, positional and temperature stimuli that differentiates vestibular from central neurological dysfunction. Goggles are worn during the evaluation to track eye movement in response to stimuli employed in the various subtests.

What are vestibular responses?

A link between your inner ear and your brain helps you keep your balance when you get out of bed or walk over rough ground. This is called your vestibular system. If a disease or injury damages this system, you can have a vestibular disorder.

How do you assess vestibular component of balance?

Vestibular evoked myogentic potentials (VEMP): Provides information about how parts of the inner ear balance system (saccule and / or utricle) are functioning. For this test, you’ll sit in a chair and turn your head to the left and right and stare at a target while you listen to a series of tones.

How long does a vestibular test take?

VNG testing consists of three parts: oculomotor evaluation, positioning/positional testing, and caloric stimulation of the vestibular system. The test takes about up to 1.5 hour (120 minutes) to complete. Some dizziness is normal with VNG testing, and typically is of short duration.

What is an adult vestibular evaluation?

Videonystagmography (VNG) or Electronystagmography (ENG) is a battery of tests that examines the cause of imbalance, dizziness, or other balance disorders by evaluating the function of the inner ear. During this test, goggles are placed around the eyes to record eye movements.

What is vestibular feedback?

The vestibular system operates through receptors in the inner ear and in conjunction with position in space, input from the eyes, and feedback from muscle and joint receptors, is able to contribute to posture and appropriate response of the visual system to maintain a field of vision.

Why is vestibular testing done?

Vestibular function tests are performed to assess the inner ear balance organs and to identify if one or both are working properly. Part of this will involve close observation and recording of your eyes movements to look for nystagmus.

How do you prepare for a vestibular test?

PREPARATION FOR VESTIBULAR TESTING: Please wear loose fitting clothing for your comfort during testing. Please refrain from wearing any skin lotions, moisturizing creams, makeup, mascara etc., on your face the day of the testing. You will be required to cleanse your face prior to testing if any of these are present.