Electronystagmography

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Electronystagmography is a test that looks at eye movements to see how well two nerves in the brain are working. These nerves are:

• Acoustic nerve, which runs from the brain to the ears
• Occulomotor nerve, which runs from the brain to the eyes

ENG

Patches called electrodes, are placed above, below, and on each side of your eyes. They may be sticky patches or attached to a headband. Another patch is attached to the forehead.

The health care provider will deliver cold water or air into each ear at seperate times. The patches record eye movements that occur when the inner ear and nearby nerves are stimulated by the water or air. When cold water enters the ear, you should have rapid, side-to-side eye movements called nystagmus.

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Next, warm water or air is placed into the ear. The eyes should now move rapidly toward the warm water then slowly away.

Patients may also be asked to use their eyes to track objects, such as flashing lights or moving lines.

The test takes about 90 minutes.

No preparation is necessary. Check with your health care provider if you are taking any medications.

There is minimal discomfort. You may find cold water in the ear uncomfortable. Brief dizziness (vertigo) may occur during the test.

The test is used to determine whether a balance or nerve disorder is the cause of dizziness or vertigo.

Your doctor may order this test if you have dizziness or vertigo, impaired hearing, or suspected damage to the inner ear from certain medications.

Review Date: 04/30/2011
Reviewed By: Kevin Sheth, MD, Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine;David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).