What does a VNG test rule out?-Hearing aid expert explains

 

What is Videonystagmography (VNG)?

Videonystagmography (VNG) is a test that measures nystagmus, a type of involuntary eye movement. These movements can be smooth or jerky, slow or fast. Nystagmus is a condition in which your eyes move from side to side, up and down or both. It occurs when the brain receives contradictory messages from the eyes and the balance system in the inner ear. Dizziness can result from these conflicting messages, says a hearing aid expert in Kolkata.

When you move your head in a specific way or look at certain patterns, you may experience nystagmus for a short period. However, if you get it when you don't move your head or it lasts a long time, you may have a vestibular system disorder.

Your vestibular system consists of organs, nerves and structures in your inner ear, which helps your body to maintain its postural equilibrium. The vestibular system collaborates with your eyes, touch and brain. For maintaining balance, the brain communicates with the various systems in your body.

What is it used for?

According to the expert of an ear machine clinic in Kolkata, VNG is used to determine whether you have a vestibular system (the balance structures in your inner ear) or a balance-controlling brain disorder.

Why do I require a VNG?

If you have signs of a vestibular disorder, you may require a VNG. The main symptom is dizziness, which is a catch-all term for various imbalance symptoms. These include vertigo (the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning), stumbling while walking and light-headedness (the sensation that you are about to faint).

Other vestibular disorder symptoms include:

• Feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear 

• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) 

• Confusion

What do the results mean?

If the results were abnormal, you might have an inner ear disorder, such as:

 • Meniere's disease is characterized by dizziness, bouts of hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Usually, it only affects one ear. Although there is no remedy for Meniere's disease, it can be managed with medication and dietary changes, says the expert of the ear machine centre in Kolkata.

• Labyrinthitis is a condition that generates dizziness and imbalance. It develops when a portion of the inner ear becomes infected or swollen. If you are diagnosed with an infection, you may be prescribed antibiotics if the disorder does not resolve on its own.

An abnormal result could also indicate that you have a condition that affects the parts of your brain that control your balance. Talk to your audiologist if you have any queries about your results, says the hearing aid expert in Kolkata.