Videostamography (VNG)

VNG testing is used to determine if a vestibular (inner ear) disease may be causing a balance or dizziness problem. It is a series of tests designed to document a person’s ability to follow visual objects with their eyes and how well the eyes respond to information from the vestibular system.

To monitor the movements of the eyes, infrared goggles are placed around the eyes to record eye movements during testing. VNG testing is non-invasive, and only minor discomfort is felt by the patients during testing as a result of wearing goggles. The test is covered by almost all insurances.

There are Four Components to a VNG Test:

1. Ocular Mobility
You will be asked to follow objects that jump from place to place, stand still, or move smoothly, on screen. Your inability to follow visual targets may indicate a central or neurological problem, or possibly a problem in the pathway connecting the vestibular system to the brain.

2. Optokinetic Nystagmus
You will be asked to view a large, continuously moving visual image to see if your eyes can appropriately track these movements. Any slowness or inaccuracies in your ability to follow visual targets may indicate a central or neurological problem.

3. Positional Nystagmus
The technician will move your head and body into various positions. This test is looking at your inner ear system and the condition of the endolymph fluid in your semicircular canals.

4. Caloric Testing
The technician will stimulate both of your inner ears (one at a time) with warm and then cold water. They will be monitoring your abnormal eye movements. This test will confirm that your vestibular system for each ear is working. This test is the only test available that can decipher between a unilateral and bilateral vestibular dysfunction.

Want To Learn More About Videostamography?

If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please call or book an appointment online with the specialists at the Arizona Institute of Neurology and polysomnography. We are standing by, ready to take your call!