An electronystagmography (ENG) test measures your eye movements and the health of your cranial nerves. It involves placing small metal discs (electrodes) around your eyes, which measure nerve function. You might have an ENG test to check for balance disorders or other inner ear problems.

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ENGs are low-risk tests. You may have some back or neck pain because of the quick movements of an ENG. Most people don’t have any severe complications from the test.

Electronystagmography (ENG) is a test to examine how well certain nerves in your brain are working. It analyzes the nerves that control your eye movements, hearing and balance. Your healthcare provider may order an ENG if you have a suspected or diagnosed disorder that affects your sense of balance.

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Rarely, high water pressure in your ear canal may injure your eardrum. Your healthcare provider may avoid putting water in your ear if you recently had a hole (perforation) in your eardrum.

An ENG test uses small metal discs called electrodes. Your healthcare provider attaches the electrodes above, below and near the outer corner of each eye. You also have one electrode on your forehead. The electrodes may be attached to a headband that you wear. Or they may be separate sticky patches.

Tell your healthcare provider about all medications or supplements you take. They may instruct you to stop taking certain medications, like sedatives or antivertigo medications, for 24 to 48 hours before the test.

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If your ENG results show irregular eye movements, your healthcare provider may order more diagnostic tests. Follow-up and treatment depend on the underlying cause of the irregular eye movements or nerve damage.

You can typically return home and resume usual activities on the day of the test. You may feel dizzy or nauseated for a brief period during the test. These symptoms usually go away that same day.

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Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions to prepare for an electronystagmography. Typically, you don’t need to do anything special.

An electronystagmography (ENG) is a test to measure your eye movements and check the health of your cranial nerves. It involves placing electrodes around your eyes, which measure your nerve function. Your healthcare provider may send a small burst of warm or cold air into your ears during the test. You might also move your head in specific ways or follow flashes of light with your eyes. ENGs that show atypical eye movements could point to issues with one or more of your cranial nerves. Your healthcare provider will determine if follow-up tests are needed and appropriate treatment.

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An ENG involves placing small metal discs (electrodes) around your eyes. A videonystagmography (VNG) uses special goggles and infrared cameras. ENGs assess the strength of eye muscles, while VNGs assess eye movements. They give healthcare providers similar information about your nerves and inner ear function.

If your eyes don’t move as expected during an ENG, it could point to cranial nerve damage. Cranial nerve damage can occur for several reasons, including: