Electronystagomgraphy (ENG) Testing

This testing provides an objective measure of the balance (vestibular) system. During this test electrodes will be attached at different locations on your face in order to track and record eye movement during the test.
The test consists of 3 parts: (1) Eye movement- measurements will be taken with you watching a stationary target as well as a moving target. (2) Positional movement- you will be put in the various positions to measure any how you vestibular system response to movement. (3) Calorics- A measurements taken while either warm or cool water is inserted into the earcanal for a couple of minutes while a response is recorded to measure your vestibular system's response.

The balance system is altered by certain medications, caffeine, and alcoholic beverages. In order for us to obtain accurate measurements you are asked to follow the following guidelines.

Do Not take the following medications or substances 72 hours prior to testing:

Sleeping pills
Cold or Allergy Medication
Barbituarates Pain killers with codeine antihistamines
Dizziness medications
Asprin
Anti-depressants
Narcotics of any kind
Tranquilizers
Alcoholic beverages

If you forget and take any of the above items within 72 hours of testing, you need to call immediately to the clinic and reschedule your appointment.

Do not discontinue medications for diabetes, heart disease, thyroid problems, blood pressure, epilepsy or seizures, antibiotics, or birth control.

Be sure to get a good night's sleep the night before the test. A light breakfast or lunch is fine, but do not smoke or drink caffeine 2 hours before the testing. Do not wear any kind of make-up or moisturizer. Please remove any contact lenses and wear comfortable clothing for the testing.

The test will take approximately 1 ½ hours and try to be prompt for your appointment.

Posturography

The posturagraphy is a 20 to 30 minute computerized clinical test used to assess balance function. This test breaks down our balance system into the three areas of our body that we use to maintain our balance. These include or muscles and nerves in our legs (somatosensory system), our inner ear of balance (vestibular system), and our vision. In addition to the posturography test isolating each of these categories for any deficiencies, it also evaluates the body's motor ability in recovering from unexpected movements.

During this testing, the patient stands in a central spot on a platform with a jacket on (similar to a parachute) to prevent the patient from falling. The platform and the back wall of the machine move in many different positions with the patients' eyes open and eyes closed to detect how the patient will respond in different conditions.

The posturography test is useful in determining a baseline for vestibular rehabilitation therapy and in designing an individual program for the patient. It is the results from this test that help determine which exercises will benefit you the most in vestibular therapy. The testing can then be repeated at a later date to compare to the baseline assessment.

Dix-Hallpike Test

The Dix-Hallpike test is performed in the office to test for BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Postitional Vertigo). In this test, you are brought from a sitting postion on an examination table to a supine (laying down) postion, with the head turned 45 degrees to one side and extended about 20 degrees backward. During this test, the examiner is looking for nystagmus (eye movement). A positive dix-hallpike test would be indicated if the eyes jump upward as well as twist so that the top part of the eye jumps toward the down side. A positive dix-hallpike test along with BPPV symptoms would prompt treatment such as the Semont Maneuver.