Does anyone know if being on antivrials will affect the results of the VNG test? Will it mask MM in anyway?
Seems to me if the cause of the mm was viral, then it would depend on how complete the success of the antivirals. It seems plausible to me that if caught early on, it might suppress the virus and 'cure' the mm thus there would be no mm to detect whether one was taking antivirals or not at the moment. I would think the range of possible results would depend on the degree of healing which had occurred not whther antivirals were in the body.
Good question. It would be interesting if someone had a VNG prior to a/v to have one after to see if there are any noticeable differences. I would "think" there would be if the a/v is helping something - but since I have no idea what the VNG actually proves anyway not sure if it would be conclusive.
Yes, good point. What does the vng have to do with mm in particular. I had that test for other problems but not for ch. Isnt it just a balance test?
meaning the eye movements, balance the issues we deal with having MM, yes but balance or should I say imbalance is part of having MM.
I can't answer the question directly because I never had a VNG after taking antivirals, however, the last VNG I had before my VNS surgery, the nurse had a terrible time to even get my bad ear to react, in fact, she took a trip to the lunch room so she could get ice cubes to lower the cold water temperature to try and get a response, which she finally was able to do.This leads me to believe that MM had damaged my balance system to the extent that normal VNG water temps had no affect on me, meaning my vestibular system in that ear was so damaged that it was barely working at all, except of course when the attacks occurred. It's hard to comprehend that antivirals would reverse the damage caused by the MM. It should be noted that the damaged vestibular system made my recover much easier.
It can be with hydrops but it is not necessarily part of hydrops. If the diagnosis is menieres then the assumption is that it includes vertigo and therefore balance issues but not with cochlear hydrops. Also it is not diagnostic for menieres or any kind of hydrops. Many other things can cause this symptom.
I am afraid i have no idea what we are tlking about. ;D But basically, doesnt it just tell you how far gone your balance is at any given point?
yes I was just asking if being on an antiviral would mask anything that if one had MM and took the VNG test, it is not being used to diagnose MM.
VNG testing is used to determine if a vestibular (inner ear) disease may be causing a balance or dizziness problem, and is one of the only tests available today that can decipher between a unilateral (one ear) and bilateral (both ears) vestibular loss. VNG testing is a series of tests designed to document a persons ability to follow visual objects with their eyes and how well the eyes respond to information from the vestibular system. This test also addresses the functionality of each ear and if a vestibular deficit may be the cause of a dizziness or balance problem. To monitor the movements of the eyes, infrared goggles are placed around the eyes to record eye movements during testing. VNG testing is non-invasive
There are 4 main parts to a VNG test: 1. Occular Mobility You will be asked to have your eyes follow objects that jump from place to place, stand still, or move smoothly. The technician will be looking for any slowness or inaccuracies in your ability to follow visual targets. This may indicate a central or neurological problem, or possibly a problem in the pathway connecting the vestibular system to the brain. 2. Optokinetic Nystagmus 2. You will be asked to view a large, continuously moving visual image to see if your eyes can appropriately track these movements. Like the occular mobility tests, the technician will be looking for any slowness or inaccuracies in your ability to follow visual targets. This may indicate a central or neurological problem, or possibly a problem in the pathway connecting the vestibular system to the brain. 3. Positional Nystagmus The technician will move your head and body into various positions to make sure that there are no inappropriate eye movements (nystagmus), when your head is in different positions. This test is looking at your inner ear system and the condition of the endolymph fluid in your semi-circular canals. The technician is verifying that small calcium carbonate particles called otoconia are not suspended in the fluid and causing a disturbance to the flow of the fluid. 4. Caloric Testing The technician will stimulate both of your inner ears (one at a time) with warm and then cold air. They will be monitoring the movements of your eyes using goggles to make sure that both of your ears can sense this stimulation. This test will confirm that your vestibular system for each ear is working and responding to stimulation. This test in the only test available that can decipher between a unilateral and bilateral loss.
Years ago, i had the one where they put water in my ears and also some click tests. I do not remember any goggles. They told me the balance in my soon to be operated ear was pretty well shot therefore recovering my balance would not be much work. Wrong! Lol. So at least as the state of the art was 20 years ago, i dont think it was very reliable.
I had all of those tests several years ago in trying to confirm that there was not another cause to the vertigo attacks. It was not an entirely pleasant experience (not horrible but not fun either!) so would not want to repeat if not necessary. I prefer not to trigger my vertigo or nausea if at all possible. LOL
I agree nicmger it was awful. I was asking my original question for a friend who needs to take the vng again has MM and is on antivirals.
In "theory" due to the ongoing damage caused by the Meniere's (when active) it would "seem" like whether on/off anti virals that the testing would not be as awful because if your ear & system don't react anymore it shouldn't impact us. And I am not sure that the a/v (unless started immediately) can reverse damage already done.....Will be interesting to hear how it goes with your friend. (Prepare the rest of us just in case!)