New and Improved VNG or Videonystagmography

More than a year ago, I took a VNG or Videonystagmography test to find out why I was constantly dizzy. The result was satisfactory as it was able to determine that I indeed have BPPV or Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. I was on medication for a few days and my vertigo went away. However, mid-April 2010, I suddenly felt dizziness when I look down and I thought it was just an isolated instance when we were shopping but it continued on for a couple of days and got worse. I went to an ENT (ear, nose and throat) doctor and he suggested that I go back and do the test again.

It was still at the same hospital and the same department. The name of the medical staff who took over the test was Dawn. I won't forget her as she took really good care of me. Anyway, it's pretty much the same process. I had to do the same preparations as I did before such as avoiding taking in medications for dizziness 48 hours prior to the test, full sleep/rest before the test, light meal and to bring a companion with me. I was also advised to bring my medication (Serc) so that I can take it after the test if I continue to be dizzy afterwards.

After filling out the long forms, I went in to the test room. There are a couple of noticeable changes from the test I had before. First thing that I noticed, there's only 1 medical staff administering the test. Also, the headgear was a lot lighter. Even though I hadn't taken the test for more than a year, I was easily able to notice that it's much lighter and smaller than the headgear I used before. This makes it easier for me to relax since I won't exert extra effort to keep my head straight.

This time, my head wasn't tilted abruptly. Unlike before, they had to push me down abruptly and quickly to try and trigger my dizziness. This reduces the risk of me having any head or neck injuries. That is one of the major risks in taking Videonystagmography.

Another difference that I have noticed was that they used hot and cold water instead of blowing hot and cold air it into my ear. But before they did that, their resident ENT doctor checked my ears if it's ok to proceed with the water test. When the doctor gave the go ahead, Dawn gently squirted cold and hot water into my ear. I immediately asked what the difference is between using air and water.

She said that blowing air will induce dizziness that lasts longer making it uncomfortable for the patient. As for water, it easily induces dizziness making it easier for them to record my eye movements and the most important thing is that in using water, the dizziness dissipates faster after the water is drained.

It also seemed that I can pretty much handle myself when I'm dizzy. Dawn was very surprised that I was actually conversing with her normally even though my eyes were already moving quickly. In any case, with those changes, the test became more comfortable and a bit faster (1 hour and 15 minutes or so). I find the Videonystagmography improvements quite impressive.