A battery of tests that evaluates the inner ear's balance system by recording eye movements — helping identify the cause of dizziness or imbalance.
ENG evaluates the vestibular (balance) system by recording eye movements, since the inner ear's balance organs are directly linked to eye movement control. Involuntary eye movements, called nystagmus, reveal how the balance system on each side is functioning.
The test is made up of several subtests — including oculomotor tracking, positional testing, and caloric testing — usually completed in one session.
ENG helps distinguish whether dizziness is coming from the inner ear (a peripheral cause) or from the brain and nervous system (a central cause), which is an important distinction for planning treatment.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | Roughly 60–90 minutes for the full battery |
| Preparation | Certain medications may need to be paused beforehand — your doctor will advise which and for how long |
| What Happens | Electrodes or video goggles track eye movement during oculomotor, positional, and caloric (warm/cool air or water) testing |
| Who It's For | Anyone with recurrent dizziness, vertigo, or unexplained imbalance |
ENG is recommended when dizziness or balance problems need to be traced to a specific cause, rather than managed on symptoms alone.
Signs to Watch For
| Other Reasons for Referral
|
Pinpoints the CauseHelps distinguish an inner ear cause of dizziness from a neurological one. | Experienced Audiology TeamThe full test battery is conducted by a team familiar with guiding patients through each subtest. | |
Coordinated CareResults are reviewed alongside your history and, where needed, coordinated with ENT or neurology. | Clear Explanation of FindingsYou'll understand what a normal versus abnormal response means as the test progresses. | |
Most parts simply involve watching or following targets with your eyes. The caloric part may cause brief, mild dizziness for a minute or two — this is a normal and expected response.
Yes, certain medications such as anti-vertigo drugs, sedatives, and some antihistamines can affect results. Your doctor will give you specific instructions.
The complete battery of subtests typically takes 60–90 minutes, depending on how many components are needed for your evaluation.
Since some subtests can briefly provoke dizziness, it's advisable to arrange for someone to drive you home or to rest at the clinic before travelling.
Get to the root cause of dizziness or balance problems at Apollo Clinic, Shyamnagar.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is general and is not a substitute for a consultation with a qualified audiologist or ENT specialist. Test results should always be interpreted by a professional in the context of your full clinical picture. All procedures are performed after clinical assessment and informed consent.
