Semin Hear 2009; 30(4): 242-252
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1241125
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Current Role of the Videonystagmography Examination in the Context of the Multidimensional Balance Function Test Battery

Devin L. McCaslin1 , Gary P. Jacobson1
  • 1Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center for Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences, Nashville, Tennessee
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
21 October 2009 (online)

ABSTRACT

Assessment of the vestibular system once consisted of electronystagmography (ENG), and now more recently, videonystagmography (VNG). Over the last few decades this standard assessment has been expanded into a balance function assessment. The area of balance assessment now incorporates many different fields of study and possesses a strong research base. This multidisciplinary collaboration has resulted in newer tests such as vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) and off-axis rotation. However, despite its age, the ENG/VNG examination still remains the bedrock test of the balance function test battery. This article describes the role of the ENG/VNG examination in the contemporary assessment of vertigo, dizziness, and imbalance.

REFERENCES

  • 1 Barber H, Stockwell C. Manual of Electronystagmography. St. Louis, MO; Mosby 1980
  • 2 Jacobson G P, McCaslin D L. Detection of ophthalmic impairments indirectly with electronystagmography.  J Am Acad Audiol. 2004;  15 258-263
  • 3 Lightfoot G R. The origin of order effects in the results of the bi-thermal caloric test.  Int J Audiol. 2004;  43(5) 276-282
  • 4 Kandel E, Schwartz J, Jessell T. The control of gaze. In: Kandel ER, Schwartz JH, Jessell TM Principles of Neural Science. New York, NY; McGraw-Hill 2000: 792-793
  • 5 Leigh R, Zee D. The Neurology of Eye Movements. 4th ed. New York, NY; Oxford University Press 2006
  • 6 Shepard N, Schubert M. Background and Technique of Ocular Motility Testing. Balance Function Assessment and Management. San Diego, CA; Plural Publishing 2008: 144
  • 7 Curthoys I S. Generation of the quick phase of horizontal vestibular nystagmus.  Exp Brain Res. 2002;  143(4) 397-405
  • 8 Wagner J N, Glaser M, Brandt T, Strupp M. Downbeat nystagmus: aetiology and comorbidity in 117 patients.  J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2008;  79(6) 672-677
  • 9 Goebel J. Practical Management of the Dizzy Patient. Philadelphia, PA; Lippincott Williams and Wilkins 2001
  • 10 Barber H O, Wright G. Positional nystagmus in normals.  Adv Otorhinolaryngol. 1973;  19 276-283
  • 11 Brandt T. Central positional vertigo. In: Brandt T Vertigo: Its Multisensory Syndromes. London, United Kingdom; Springer-Verlag 2002: 292
  • 12 Barber H O, Wright G, Demanuele F. The hot caloric test as a clinical screening device.  Arch Otolaryngol. 1971;  94(4) 335-337
  • 13 Jacobson G P, Means E D. Efficacy of a monothermal warm water caloric screening test.  Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 1985;  94(4 Pt 1) 377-381
  • 14 Enticott J C, Dowell R C, O'Leary S J. A comparison of the monothermal and bithermal caloric tests.  J Vestib Res. 2003;  13(2-3) 113-119
  • 15 Jacobson G P, Calder J A, Shepherd V A, Rupp K A, Newman C W. Reappraisal of the monothermal warm caloric screening test.  Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 1995;  104(12) 942-945
  • 16 Murnane O, Akin F, Lynn S, Cyr D. Monothermal caloric screening test performance: a relative operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.  Ear Hear. 2009;  30 313-319
  • 17 Jacobson G, Newman C, Peterson E. Interpretation and usefulness of caloric testing. In: Jacobson G, Newman C, Kartush J Handbook of Balance Testing Function. St. Louis, MO; Mosby Year Book 1993: 193-233

Devin L McCaslinPh.D. 

Vanderbilt Medical Center, Division of Audiology, Medical Center East-South Tower

1215 21st Avenue South, Suite 9302, Nashville, TN 37232-8025

Email: devin.mccaslin@vanderbilt.edu