Feeling dizzy? Losing balance? Let's talk about the ENG test (Electronystagmography)

Do you also feel dizzy when you get out of bed? Do you feel nauseous when you look down from a high place? Do you sometimes feel like the whole world is spinning around you, even though you are standing still? This experience is really uncomfortable. Many people have experienced this. We medically call this condition ' Vertigo '. It is a very annoying condition. But finding the cause of this is a bit of a challenge. Most of the time, this is caused by a problem in your inner ear . But your doctor wants to know exactly what is the root of this problem. That is, is it caused by a disease, an accident, or a virus. This special test called `Electronystagmography` helps us find that cause. Simply put, ENG is a series of tests that measure the sensitivity of your eyes and ears. This involves placing small electrodes around your eyes and measuring how your body responds to light, movement, distance, and the fluid in your ear. These tests can help pinpoint the cause of your dizziness.

At what time does the doctor write an ENG test?

Although dizziness is very common, treating it can be a bit complicated. Sometimes it just goes away. Other times it comes back again and again. This condition can be especially common in people with inner ear diseases like Meniere's disease . An ENG test is a powerful tool that can detect even the smallest movements in your eyes. Therefore, it is very important to diagnose vertigo, as well as any problems with balance, movement, the inner ear, and the nerves that carry messages to the brain, called the vestibular system. Your doctor may order an ENG test if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Dizziness that comes on for no reason
• Vomiting or nausea
• Loss of balance while walking or standing
• The sensation of hearing a ringing sound in the ears. We call this tinnitus .

How to prepare for this test?

You will need to do some preparations before taking this test. Following these steps exactly is very important for accurate test results. This test usually takes 90 minutes, or about an hour and a half. You can go home after the test.

What happens during the ENG test?

Okay, now let's see how this test is done. You may be a little hungry, and maybe a little scared. But don't worry. This is not a painful test. ENG is actually a combination of several tests. Before the test begins, your forehead, temples, and the sides of your head are cleaned with alcohol. Then, a paste-like substance is applied to those areas and small electrodes are attached. In some cases, instead of these electrodes, you may wear a special camera that looks like VR glasses. This method is called `videonystagmography` or `VNG`. This device can also record your eye movements and measure them as accurately as the electrodes.

What do the results say?

After the series of tests is over, the doctor will remove the electrodes or camera from your face. If you feel dizzy, he will ask you to lie still for a few minutes. Then the most important thing is to analyze the data received and figure out what it all means. The ENG test is a very good test for diagnosing diseases of the inner ear . Since the inner ear controls the balance of our body, it can be like a key to diagnosing many different diseases.

• If your ENG test identifies you as having vertigo, your doctor will prescribe appropriate treatment, which may include physical therapy , surgery , or medications for vestibular disorders.
• If the ENG test doesn't give a clear answer, your doctor may recommend further tests, such as rotational chair testing, fistula tests (a test that applies pressure to the ear), or an MRI scan.

Dizziness, Vertigo, ENG, Electronystagmography, Balance, Inner Ear, Tinnitus