Videonystagmography (VNG)

What is Videonystagmography (VNG)?

Videonystagmography (VNG) is a diagnostic test used to evaluate patients with dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders. Since there are many potential causes of dizziness, VNG provides valuable insight into whether the symptoms are related to the inner ear (vestibular system) or another condition affecting balance.

VNG testing measures nystagmus, a specific type of involuntary eye movement that occurs when the brain receives conflicting signals about body position and motion. By analyzing these eye movements, physicians can identify the underlying cause of dizziness and determine appropriate treatment.

Why VNG Testing is Important

Dizziness and balance problems can significantly impact daily life and may result from conditions such as:

• Inner ear disorders (vestibular dysfunction)
• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
• Meniere’s disease
• Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis
• Neurological conditions affecting balance

Not all causes of dizziness produce nystagmus, but when it does occur, VNG testing helps specialists pinpoint the position, movement, or ear involved in the imbalance.

The Four Main Parts of VNG Testing

1. Ocular Mobility
   • The patient follows moving and stationary dots on a screen or wall.
   • This assesses how well the eyes track visual targets and checks for abnormalities in eye movement control.
2. Rotational Chair Testing
   • The patient sits in a chair that rotates slowly to gently stimulate the inner ears.
   • This helps evaluate how both ears and the vestibular system respond to motion.
3. Positional Nystagmus Testing
   • The patient’s head and body are moved into different positions to see if this triggers nystagmus.
   • This is especially useful in diagnosing BPPV, a common cause of vertigo.
4. Caloric Testing
   • Warm or cool air (or water) is introduced into each ear canal.
   • The response of each ear is compared to determine if there is a weakness or imbalance in the inner ear function.

What to Expect During the Test

VNG is performed in a clinical setting and usually takes about 60–90 minutes. Patients wear special goggles that track and record eye movements during each test. The procedure is non-invasive and generally well tolerated, though some parts may temporarily reproduce dizziness or imbalance.

Results and Next Steps

After reviewing VNG results, your physician can determine whether your dizziness is caused by an inner ear disorder, neurological condition, or another factor. Based on the findings, your care team may recommend:

• Vestibular rehabilitation therapy
• Medication for balance or inner ear disorders
• Lifestyle modifications to reduce dizziness triggers
• Further diagnostic testing if necessary

Why Choose Pacific Neuroscience Institute for VNG Testing

At Pacific Neuroscience Institute, our balance and vestibular specialists use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools like VNG to provide accurate, personalized care. Our goal is to identify the root cause of dizziness and help restore stability, safety, and quality of life.