Patient Instructions for VNG/ENG Tests

Patient Instructions for VNG/ENG Tests

Your doctor has determined a need for further testing and has scheduled you for Videonystagmography (VNG) testing on ______at ______AM/PM. If you need to reschedule or cancel the testing, please call our office at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled appointment. The VNG/ENG evaluations are a series of tests designed to give your physician information regarding the source of your dizziness/vertigo/imbalance. The tests require up to one hour of your time for completion. There are three main parts of the tests: 1. Tracking (following a light with your eyes); 2. Sitting and laying in different body positions and following a light with your eyes; and 3. “Irrigating” each ear with warm and cool air. Throughout the tests you will be wearing infrared goggles that will record your eye movements. Portions of the tests may induce a sensation of vertigo, but this effect is brief and temporary. There is no pain or needle sticks with these tests; however, we recommend you have someone drive you from your appointment in case you experience dizziness from the testing.

Pre-Test Instructions

Following these instructions is imperative to an accurate and reliable testing result. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in the need to reschedule your appointment.

1.  Discontinue all medications 48 hours prior to the day of your test EXCEPT those medications taken for your heart, blood pressure, diabetes or seizures. (Refer to list for examples of medications).

2.  No alcoholic beverages or any liquid containing alcohol for two days prior to testing.

3.  No caffeine, including caffeinated beverages, caffeinated foods such as cocoa and chocolate, or caffeinated medications, such as diet pills, one day prior to testing.

4.  Please do not use any form of tobacco on the day of your test.

5.  Do not eat for four hours prior to the tests. If you must eat for health reasons, please eat lightly.

6.  Your face should be thoroughly washed and free of make-up of any kind, including foundations and powder; remove all eye makeup, including mascara, etc. Do not use facial moisturizers on the day of the test.

7.  Dress comfortably for sitting and lying down.

8.  You will be asked to remove your glasses for the tests. Do not wear contact lenses during your tests.

Examples of medications you should not take 48 hours prior to testing:

All pain medications, including:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tylenol PM, etc)

Aspirin or anything with aspirin in it

Codeine or anything with codeine in it

Ibuprofen (Excedrin, Midol, Motrin, etc)

Naproxyn (Aleve)

Darvocet

Any medications prescribed for migraine headaches

All anti-anxiety medications (if allowed by prescribing physician) including:

Valium/Diazepam

Ativan/Lorazepam

Pamelor/Nortriptyline

Compazine

Xanax

Prozac

Zoloft

All anti-dizzy medications, including:

Antivert/Meclizine

Valium

Phenergan

Dramamine

Scopolamine (Transderm patch)

All diuretics/water pills, including:

Dyazide

Neptazane

Maxide

Lasix

All sleep medications, including:
Ambien

Tylenol PM

Halcion

All allergy medications, including:

Antihistamines

Decongestants

If medications for anxiety or depression cannot be discontinued, please notify our office in advance of your appointment.

The VNG/ENG test results will not be available immediately. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled for you after your testing to discuss the results with your physician.

If you arrive more than 15 minutes late for your scheduled appointment time, we may need to reschedule your tests.

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