The VNG dizziness and balance test at the Padda Institute in St. Louis checks the inner ear and balance system by recording your eye movements through camera goggles while you follow lights and change positions. It takes forty-five to sixty minutes and helps pinpoint which part of the balance system is not working.
Your physician orders this test when the answer will change your care. Ordered tests are tracked at each visit of our physician-directed physiotherapy program until they are complete.
What is VNG?
VNG (videonystagmography) records eye movement to test the inner ear and balance system. Camera goggles track your eyes while you watch moving lights and shift into different positions. Our balance and fall-risk testing page explains why balance matters in a pain practice.
How does it help with pain?
Dizziness and unsteadiness can come from the inner ear or from the nerves that steer eye movement. The test helps show which piece is failing, so treatment and home exercise are aimed correctly.
What will you feel?
A few steps may leave you dizzy for a moment; that is expected. Your technician stays with you throughout.
How do you get ready?
Come without eye makeup. A day or two ahead, check with your physician about pausing medicines such as sleep aids or dizziness pills.
What should you tell us first?
- Let us know ahead of time about limited neck movement, a recent eye operation, or any seizures
How long does it take?
Forty-five to sixty minutes.
What to remember
- Feeling dizzy for a moment is expected.
- No eye makeup that day.
- Ask which medicines to hold before.
Show us you have it: Name the medicines you plan to check with your physician about before testing. If any part is unclear, ask, and we will walk through it again at your next visit.
Related reading: headaches that start in the neck.