Vestibular Testing - Patient Information

What to Expect

• An VNG is a painless recording of eye movements to investigate possible sources of dizziness/vertigo.
• You may become weak, dizzy, or nauseated during the test. The effects of the test are temporary.

Preparation for the Procedure

• The test will take approximately 45 minutes to an hour.
• Please dress comfortably.
• Do not wear eye make-up.
• Please continue to take heart, high blood pressure, thyroid, diabetes, anti-seizure, and anticonvulsant medications.
• Avoid all caffeine and caffeinated drinks 24 hours prior to your test. This is to include coffee, tea, soda or any beverage containing caffeine or alcohol and caffeinated foods like chocolate.
• Do not eat or smoke for 3 hours before the test.
• If you have any questions regarding your medications, please contact your physician.

Testing Procedure

• You will be asked to have your eyes follow objects that jump from place to place, stand still, or move smoothly.
• You will be asked to view a large, continuously moving visual image to see if your eyes can appropriately track these movements.
• The technician will move your head and body into various positions to make sure that there are no inappropriate eye movements, when your head is in different positions.
• The technician will stimulate both of your inner ears (one at a time) with warm and then cold air.