About VNG Test with Asst. Prof. Dr. Cengiz Çelikyurt

Asst. Prof. Dr.Cengiz Çelikyurt, who provided information about the purpose of the videonystagmography (VNG) test, said that the test is used to determine the causes of other diseases related to dizziness, balance disorder and balance. The VNG test records and controls nystagmus with involuntary eye movements. In the application of infrared light-sensitive cameras that are not sensitive to the eye, pupils are followed by a video recording of eye movements.

The most important advantage of recording the eye movements is the ability to access the labyrinth (inner ear) and vestibular nerve directly, facilitating the evaluation of secondary motor responses (vestibulospinal reflex or vestibulo-ocular reflex). VNG is based on vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) and requires eye movement monitoring. The vestibular system determines the movement and position of the head in space. VOR provides a clear picture by producing eye movements that compensate for head movements. Vestibular system problems result in loss of balance and dizziness.

Videonistagmography provides an objective evaluation of vestibular and oculomotor systems. Basic VNG tests; oculomotor tests, positional tests and caloric tests..
 
Res. Asst. Audiologist Çağla Türk stated the following about the clinical value of VNG: “With the clinical use of the VNG test, it is possible to obtain valuable information about dizziness. It gives an idea of whether the dizziness is caused by the inner ear (peripheral pathology) or from the central nervous system (central pathology).

It is therefore recommended that the VNG test is used for the examination and evaluation of all patients with dizziness and balance disorders.
 
Res. Asst. Audiologist Çağla Türk said: “First of all, the patient should be informed about the VNG test. The patient should be accompanied by a relative if possible. In the last few hours before the test, patient should not eat and drink anything including caffeine containing foods such as chocolate, coke, coffee, brewed tea should. Alcohol, drugs and anti-dizziness medications should not be taken 48 hours before the test. The patient should wear eye make up.”

She added:
"The ventilation of the test chamber should be good. If during the test, the patient cannot continue the test, if the patient complains of dizziness and nausea, the test should be interrupted and the patient rested. If there is a whistling sound in the outer ear, the patient should be directed to the ENT physician to check for perforation  of the tympanic membrane."

We would like to thank Asst. Prof. Dr. Cengiz Çelikyurt and Audiologist Res. Asst. Çağla Türk for sharing their knowledge and experience.