Ogden Clinic -
Audiology

Balance Testing- Electronystagmography (ENG)

Electronystagmograpy (ENG) is the electronic recording of your eye movements. It is really a battery of tests that contribute significantly to the information a doctor needs to diagnose balance disorders.

One is the saccade, testing rapid side-to-side eye movements. Another is the pursuit test, measuring your ability to follow moving targets. Still another is a positioning maneuver to test for motion-induced dizziness.

Caloric tests involve introducing cool water and then warm water and then cool water into the ear and measuring the resulting changes in eye movement.

During ENG tests, electrodes taped near the eyes carefully monitor your eye movement. The entire sequence usually takes about 1 hour.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the most common peripheral vestibular disorder. If patients present with this type of disorder they can be treated with safe and simple maneuvers that can often result in immediate relief.

More about ENG Testing

Because the balance system is located primarily in the inner ear, your physician may order a hearing test and/or an electonystagmography (ENG) evaluation to help diagnose your balance problem. These tests are performed by an audiologist. For the hearing test, earphones will be places in your ears and tones will be presented through the earphones. You will be asked to respond to the tones by pushing a button. The hearing test takes about 30 minutes.

The following types of medications interfere with the test and should be discontinued:

• 4 days before the test - Discontinue any sleeping pill or tranquilizers (Dalmane, Restoril, Valium, Xanax, Librum, Phenobarbital).
• 4 days before the test - Discontinue antihistamines or cold capsules (Benadryl, Dimetapp, Sudafed, and other over-the-counter cold medicines).
• 4 days before the test - Discontinue medicines for dizziness or nausea (Antivert. Meclazine, Dramamine, Bonien, Phenergan)
• 24 hours before the test - Discontinue consumption of caffeine and alcohol. This includes coffee, tea, colas, or any medications with alcohol or caffeine content. Discontinue the use of cigarettes.
• 24 hours before the test- Discontinue any painkillers, including aspirin.

If your physician has prescribed any of the above medications, please obtain medical clearance from your physician before they are discontinued.

Stay on all heart, blood pressure, or seizure medications.

The morning of the test have no breakfast. You may have a very light snack. Two hours before the test have no food or liquid, as the test can occasionally cause nausea. Dress comfortably and do not wear make-up.

Following your balance evaluation the audiologist will calculate your test results and give your referring physician a written report and copies of your test. Your doctor may arrive at a diagnosis or may require further testing.