VIDEONYSTAGMOGRAPHY (VNG) TEST INSTRUCTIONS

You are scheduled to have a test of your balance system. An extensive evaluation is required at times to determine the cause of dizziness or unsteadiness. The videonystagmography (VNG) test is the electronic recording of nystagmus (eye jerks). There are neural connections that stretch from the balance mechanism in the inner ear to the muscles of the eye. A disorder of the balance mechanism results in small eye jerks that can only be detected by a sophisticated computer. A pair of goggles, outfitted with a camera over one eye, is used to record these eye jerks during a series of tasks. The balance mechanism is monitored during tasks that consist of looking back and forth between designated points, lying in different positions, and sitting up and lying down quickly. The final portion of the test requires putting cool and warm air in the ear canal for almost a minute in order to determine if the balance mechanism of each ear can increase and decrease normally in response to stimulation. Some individuals become dizzy for 2-3 minutes, but most are able to drive home after the test without difficulty. If you are concerned about not being able to drive afterwards, please make arrangements for someone to transport you.

VNG TEST INSTRUCTIONS

Please dress comfortably.

The test will take about 1 hour.

Certain substances can influence the body’s response to this test, giving a useless or even false result. Continue to take heart, high blood pressure, and anticonvulsant medications. Questions regarding other medications should be discussed with your doctor.

Do not drink coffee, tea, cola, or any other beverage containing caffeine or alcohol within 24 hours of the test.

Do not eat or smoke for 3 hours before the test.

The following medications must not be taken for at least 3 days (72 hours) before the test:

ASPIRIN

QUININE

ANTI-NAUSEA MEDICINE: Dramamine, Compazine, Bonine, Marezine, Phernergan, Thorazine, etc.

ANTI-VERTIGO MEDICINE: Antivert, Meclizine, etc.

TRANQUILIZERS: Valium, Librium, Atarax, Vistaril, Equanil,
Miltown, Triavil, Serax, Etrafon, etc.

SEDATIVES: Nembutal, Seconal, Dalmane, Doriden,
Placidyl, Qualude, Butisol, or any other sleeping pills.

NARCOTICS & BARBITUATES: Phenobarbital, Codeine, Demerol,
Benadryl, Actifed, Teldrin, Triaminic, any over-the-counter cold remedies, etc.

ANTIHISTAMINES: Chlortrimeton, Dimetane, Disophrol, Benadryl, Actifed, Teldrin, Triaminic, any over-the-counter cold remedies, etc.

ALCOHOL IN ANY QUANTITY: Including beer, wine, and cough medicines containing alcohol.