The vestibular system is the combination of all the structures in your inner ear this makes up about 80% of the body balance. It works with all the other major organs in your body, especially the brain, which is the chief receptor to strike this balance.
The Importance Of a VNG Test
With vestibular assessment, using infrared led lamps to monitor the eye movements, it is easy to detect and correct;
The movements of the vestibular system in vertical and horizontal motions.
Discover mild peripheral positioned vertigo (BBPV) and track central lesions that we omitted during regular exams.
VNG decides if a patient needs an extra test such as (MRI) thus, allowing for accurate analysis.
Reasons, why you should, should get a VNG
As much as we often try to downplay it, dizziness is risky, and it’s not to be treated with leniency, even though it’s quite common.
The most common symptom of Vestibular disorder is Dizziness which encompasses other signs like vertigo, lightheadedness, and unsteady walking steps.
There are other symptoms of the vestibular disorder like
Nystagmus.
Water Sounds in the ear causing unsteadiness.
Pressure in the inner ear.
Inability to get your thoughts together.
How much does a VNG Test cost?
Following feedback collated from several surveys and research, it costs around$125 to $130 without health insurance coverage and this cost also depends on;
Geographical Area hourly rates
The facilities available
How long you’ll be staying after the test?
The VNG test lasts for about 2 hours and with health insurance, it’ll cover the cost of the procedure, but this is heavily determined by their policy.
How the VNG is Test Done?
A VNG was done in a dark room with the patient wearing clinical google and with a screen that displays the movement motions of the patient and a specially designed software monitored and captured this on the computer.
What to do before a Test?
To ensure the accuracy of the Test medical health practitioners advise that the patient avoid some medication on their Doctor’s instructions.
The patient should avoid alcohol before the time.
Smoking is avoided, and no solid food should be taken.
How safe is this test?
The VNG test procedure is 100% safe and in compliance with health guidelines. You might notice a few changes immediately after the test. They advised you to take a long rest to ensure body balance and avoid any strenuous activity.
Possible VNG Tests Outcomes
Your tests could come out null and that means you are safe, but if the reverse is the case, they might diagnose you with a malfunction of the inner ear, which can be any of the following.
An abnormality that causes dizziness, hearing loss, and vague sounds in the ear, the order at the early stage is being managed with recommended diet changes and medications.
Labyrinthitis; This causes vertigo, which is the primary cause of imbalance.
specifically caused by an injury in the inner ear can disappear with time, but they often advise the patient to take some antibiotics to fasten the healing process and eliminate the chances of infection.
VNG Tests are conducted in three principal ways;
Ocular Mobility; This measures the patient’s visual capturing capacity, and the patient is required to follow laid-out light patterns in the darkroom.
Optokinetic Nystagmus; This stage monitors the visual extent of the patient and allows for proper diagnosis.
Positional Testing; The patient’s body is being moved in diverse motions to confirm which action causes the dizziness.
Caloric Testing; Warm and cold water is poured into the patient’s ear and movement is used to ascertain the extent of the damage.
Where to do this test?
The VNG test procedure is quite simple and not a major procedure as it only takes about 2 hours to be completed you can get the test from a primary health care facility or with the specialized service of an Audiologist who specializes in managing ear issues such as Hearing loss or an otolaryngologist (ENT)
Who specializes in treating infections of the nose, ear, and throat.
Although there’s still another method called
Which is also used to measure and detect eye movements and to check for the vestibular disorder. The VNG is more popular and much more efficient.
There isn’t a need for panic as they could properly control this situation with the right guidance and if you experience any of the symptoms, you’re advised to visit the closest clinic to conduct the necessary test.
