This DrCraigKasper.com column explores questions presented by actual patients. If you have a question or comment, please submit it through the email address located on the “About” page. Questions may be featured in upcoming "Ask The Audiologist" segments.
Q: Over the past few months, my wife has been experiencing episodes of dizziness. Her doctor wants her to take a test called "ENG". What exactly is an ENG and what should we expect?
A: If your wife is experiencing dizziness, she is not alone. Dizziness is the second most common complaint heard in doctors’ offices and according to the National Institutes of Health, 70% of the US population will experience dizziness at some point in their lifetime. ENG stands for Electronystagmography. It is one of the first-line tests completed when a patient presents with symptoms of dizziness, vertigo or imbalance.
Many people have heard horror stories about the ENG and usually arrive for the evaluation with some level of anxiety. Patients believe the test might exacerbate their problem or they might leave feeling dizzy for days. The truth is, although your wife might experience some imbalance or dizziness during the test, she will most likely leave the office feeling fine.
The ENG test takes approximately one hour to complete and your wife will be asked to watch some lights on a screen, she will be placed in various head and body positions and either water or air will be passed in her ear canals. During testing, her eye movements will be monitored with either small recording electrodes placed around the eyes or through video goggles. Throughout the test, her clinician will be able to interpret those eye movements and translate them into a possible problem site somewhere within the complex balance system.
Once her physician obtains the results he or she will utilize that information as a piece to fill out the puzzle to understand what might be the underlying cause of the dizziness. Please keep in mind that dizziness can be a complex issue with numerous causes (including visual issues, inner ear abnormalities, joint problems, nervous system issues or a combination of any of the above). The ENG is just one of a number of tests her doctor might recommend. So don’t be alarmed if she is sent on for further evaluation to fine-tune the diagnosis.
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