Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, launched the Videonystagmography (VNG) technology in its ENT department on Saturday, marking a significant Dr. L. Arul Sundaresh Kumar, Dean of highlighted that is a cut-edge technique crucial for the precise diagnosis and treatment of balance disorders, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), and inner ear conditions like Meniere's disease, vestibular migraine and vestibular neuritis.
This advanced tool aids in the prevention of prolonged drug use for vertigo, offering more targeted and effective treatment options. The procedures will take 30-60 minutes, and track the eye movements. Following the diagnosis, treatment plans may include physical therapy, medication, or lifestyle modifications to address specific conditions. National Medical Council (NMC) member Dr K Senthil, Head, Department of ENT, Dr Alaguvadivel were present.
What is Videonystagmography (VNG)?
VNG is a test that evaluates your eye movements to check for a specific condition known as nystagmus. Nystagmus occurs when there are involuntary eye movements, i.e. either up and down or side to side. These movements can be rapid or slow.
It is normal to experience brief episodes of nystagmus when you move your head quickly. However, suppose you notice or experience involuntary eye movements while sitting still or for long periods. In that case, it may indicate an inner ear (vestibular disorder) that is crucial in maintaining balance and spatial orientation.
Hence VNG helps clinicians to analyze these eye movements and potentially diagnose vestibular dysfunction (balance disorders) effectively.
How Does It Work?
During the VNG test, individuals are given special goggles that eye movements following various visual cues.
Here are the few tests performed:
Saccades
Test to check how quickly your eyes move between two points. It suggests how well your eyes can refocus and reveals your visual coordination.
Smooth Pursuit
In this assessment, you'll follow moving objects on a screen. It evaluates how smoothly your eyes can track motion, which is crucial for activities like driving or playing sports.
Optokinetic Testing
Here, your eyes will respond to large, continuously moving patterns. This test helps determine how well you can track objects in dynamic environments, such as busy streets or crowded places
Spontaneous Testing
This part of the test looks for involuntary eye movements when there is no specific target to focus on. The test detects the underlying vestibular dysfunctions.
Gaze Testing
Here you'll be asked to maintain a steady gaze in different directions. This test detects any issues with gaze stability, which is essential for keeping your vision clear during movements.
Head-Shaking Test
This test examines the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) which helps to stabilize the gaze during head movements. The clinicians assess how well your vestibular system compensates for the changes in head position.
Hyperventilation Testing
In this test, you'll take rapid breaths to see how it affects your eye movements. This can help detect vestibular dysfunction that might arise from changes in blood chemistry.
Positional Testing
Here the test monitors your eye movements as your head and body are placed in different positions, crucial for diagnosing positional vertigo or related conditions.
The test helps to pinpoint the source of balance issues, vertigo or dizziness by determining how the inner ear and brain interact to control the eye movements.
Reference:
1. Mekki S. The role of videonystagmography (VNG) in assessment of dizzy patient. The Egyptian Journal of Otolaryngology. 2014 Apr;30(2):69-72.
2. Noreikaite G, Winters R, Shermetaro C. VNG/ENG Testing. InStatPearls [Internet] 2024 Jan 11. StatPearls Publishing.
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22630-videonystagmography
(Input From Various Sources)
(Rehash/Josna Lewis/MSM)