Electronystagmography (ENG) Instructions

Electronystagmography (ENG) evaluates the balance function of the inner ear. Electrodes will be placed on your face to measure eye movements (ladies, bring your makeup for touching up, we will remove some of your makeup for placement of electrodes). The test consists of three parts and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. First, you will be asked to watch a series of lights on the wall. Next, you will be asked to turn your head in several different positions. Finally, your ears will be irrigated with cool and warm air to measure back and forth eye movements called nystagmus. The cooling and warming effect of the air may make you feel dizzy. If so, it will only last several minutes.

Certain medications may change the findings of the ENG examination. We ask that you not take any non-essential medications for a period of 48 hours before your appointment time. Please avoid the following medication categories.

1. Anti-histamines
2. Anti-Dizzy pills
3. Cold and Allergy medications
4. Sleeping pills
5. Tranquilizers
6. Pain medications
7. Alcoholic beverages
8. Caffeine (including diet pills) Limit of one small cup of coffee the day of the exam.
9. Diuretics / Water pills
10. Narcotics & Barbiturates
11. Herbal remedies (Gingko Biloba and Valerian)
12. Sedatives
13. Muscle relaxants
14. Anti-Anxiety / Anti-depression meds ONLY IF ALLOWED BY PRESCRIBING PHYSICIAN.

DO CONTINUE TO TAKE THE FOLLOWING MEDICATIONS:

1. Heart Medications
2. Blood Pressure Medications
3. Thyroid Medications
4. Diabetes Medications
5. Seizure Control Medications

FOOD Please do not eat 3 hours prior to your ENG test. If you are medically unable to go 3 hours without food, then you may have a light snack. You may want to bring a snack with you to eat once the testing is complete.