A clearer understanding of dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues
Feeling off-balance, dizzy, or lightheaded can affect every part of your life. When these symptoms don’t go away, it’s important to understand what’s causing them. Video Nystagmography (VNG) is a safe, non-invasive test that helps identify whether a balance issue is coming from your inner ear or nervous system. Apex Neurology offers VNG testing in Forest Hills, Brooklyn, Roslyn Heights, and New York to help patients get answers and feel steady again.
What Is Video Nystagmography?
Video Nystagmography (VNG) is a diagnostic test that evaluates how your eyes move in response to visual cues and changes in head position. These movements are directly connected to your inner ear and brain, which work together to help you stay balanced.
The test uses special goggles fitted with cameras that track your eye movements while you follow a moving target, change head positions, and respond to mild stimulation in your ears. These movements, particularly involuntary ones called nystagmus, can reveal whether there is a problem with your vestibular system.
VNG helps your provider understand how well your balance system is functioning. It is especially helpful for people who have unexplained dizziness or vertigo that hasn’t improved with other treatments.
Who Can Benefit?
VNG testing is recommended for people experiencing:
- Repeated or chronic dizziness
- Sudden spinning sensations or vertigo
- Imbalance or difficulty walking straight
- Nausea triggered by motion
- Fainting episodes with no known cause
- Hearing changes or pressure in the ears
- Unexplained falls or unsteadiness
The test is also helpful in evaluating conditions such as Meniere’s disease, vestibular neuritis, or migraines with balance symptoms. It can be used for both adults and children, depending on the situation.
If you’ve been to multiple providers without clear answers about your dizziness or balance issues, VNG may help identify the cause.
What to Expect
The VNG test is performed in a quiet, controlled setting. Before your appointment, your provider may ask you to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and certain medications for 24 to 48 hours. These substances can affect your inner ear and may interfere with the accuracy of the test.
During the appointment:
- You’ll wear a pair of video goggles that record your eye movements
- You will follow a moving light or dot with your eyes
- Your head and body may be gently moved into different positions
- A small amount of warm or cool air will be introduced into each ear, one at a time
- Your reactions and eye movements will be recorded and reviewed
The entire process usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes. Some people may feel a bit dizzy during the test, especially when the ears are stimulated, but the sensation goes away shortly afterward. You can usually return to your normal routine the same day.
Your neurologist will analyze the results and explain what the findings mean. If an imbalance is found, the test can help determine whether the issue is in the inner ear, brain, or elsewhere in the nervous system.
Where This Service Is Often Used
VNG testing is a common tool in neurology and ENT (ear, nose, and throat) clinics. It’s part of a larger diagnostic approach for:
- Balance disorders
- Unexplained dizziness
- Post-concussion symptoms
- Migraine-related vertigo
- Inner ear disorders such as BPPV or Meniere’s disease
- Recovery after a stroke or head injury
This test is often combined with other evaluations, such as hearing tests or physical exams, to form a complete picture of how your balance system is working.
Apex Neurology offers this test across its four locations in Forest Hills, Brooklyn, Roslyn Heights, and New York, making it easy to access care close to home.
Why Clients Choose This Service
- Accurate diagnosis: Helps pinpoint the cause of dizziness when imaging and bloodwork can’t
- Safe and comfortable: Uses gentle testing methods without radiation or invasive procedures
- Personalized support: Results lead to targeted treatment plans or therapy
- Timely answers: Offers fast results so patients can take action sooner
- Trusted expertise: Provided by experienced neurologists at locations in Forest Hills, Brooklyn, Roslyn Heights, and New York
How Apex Neurology Can Help
Struggling with dizziness or balance problems can affect your independence, confidence, and quality of life. Without clear answers, it can be difficult to know what steps to take next. VNG testing offers a way to finally understand the problem and move toward treatment that works.
Apex Neurology supports patients from the moment they walk through the door. The process begins with a full review of your symptoms, health history, and any previous evaluations you may have had. Your provider will explain whether VNG is the right next step and help you prepare for the test.
During the procedure, our team ensures you are comfortable and informed. We take extra care with patients who may feel nervous, especially if dizziness is already part of their daily life. The test is performed in a calm, quiet room, and the equipment is designed to feel secure and non-restrictive.
Once testing is complete, your neurologist will review the recordings and discuss what the eye movements show. You’ll have the chance to ask questions, understand the findings, and explore follow-up options such as vestibular therapy or medication.
Patients across Forest Hills, Brooklyn, Roslyn Heights, and New York trust Apex Neurology to deliver care that is both professional and compassionate. Our goal is to help you regain your sense of balance, both physically and emotionally.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
You don’t have to live with constant dizziness or uncertainty. VNG testing can give you the answers you’ve been searching for. The results not only explain what’s going on but also guide your next steps in recovery. Contact Apex Neurology to schedule your appointment. With offices in Forest Hills, Brooklyn, Roslyn Heights, and New York, expert care is always within reach.
FAQs
Related Conditions and Services
VNG (videonystagmography) testing diagnoses vertigo and dizziness and balance disorders. When VNG confirms BPPV, treatment is often performed in the same visit using canalith repositioning (the Epley maneuver). Book an appointment for vestibular evaluation.
No. The test is non-invasive and does not hurt. Some parts may cause mild dizziness, but this passes quickly.
The entire process usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on how many parts of the test are needed.
Most patients are fine to drive afterward. If you’re concerned about dizziness, it’s a good idea to arrange a ride just in case.
Some medications may need to be paused before the test. Your provider will give you specific instructions based on your health needs.
Results are typically available within a few days. Your neurologist will contact you to review the findings and discuss next steps.