Name of the Procedure:

Spontaneous Nystagmus Assessment with Gaze Testing

Summary

This procedure involves evaluating a patient for spontaneous nystagmus—an involuntary, rapid movement of the eyes—and assessing eye movements when the patient gazes in different directions. It is a non-invasive, diagnostic examination performed primarily to assess vestibular (inner ear) function and neurological health.

Purpose

The goal of this procedure is to diagnose conditions affecting the vestibular system or brainstem, which can cause vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. By detecting abnormal eye movements, clinicians can identify underlying problems such as vestibular neuritis, Meniere's disease, or even central nervous system disorders.

Indications

• Persistent dizziness or vertigo
• Unexplained balance problems
• Complaints of double vision
• Symptoms associated with vestibular disorders
• Suspected neurological disorders

Preparation

• No special preparation is required for this test.
• Patients should remove any glasses or contact lenses during the examination.
• It's advisable to avoid caffeine or nicotine a few hours before the procedure as these can affect eye movements.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is seated comfortably in a chair.
2. The examiner uses a penlight or a finger for the patient to focus on.
3. The patient is asked to look straight ahead, followed by looking left, right, up, and down without moving their head.
4. The examiner closely observes the patient's eye movements for any signs of nystagmus.
5. Further tests may include using video-oculography (VOG) goggles to provide a detailed assessment of eye movements.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 10-20 minutes.

Setting

This assessment is usually performed in an outpatient clinic or a specialized neurology or ENT office.

Personnel

• Neurologist
• ENT specialist (Otolaryngologist)
• Trained technician or nurse

Risks and Complications

• The procedure is generally risk-free and non-invasive.
• Occasionally, patients might feel mild discomfort or dizziness during the test.

Benefits

• Accurate diagnosis of vestibular and neurological disorders.
• Early detection allows for timely treatment and better management of symptoms.

Recovery

• No recovery time is needed.
• Patients can immediately return to their normal activities after the assessment.

Alternatives

• Electronystagmography (ENG) – another method to evaluate eye movements associated with vestibular function.
• MRI or CT scan – to investigate central nervous system causes if vestibular tests are inconclusive.

Patient Experience

• The procedure is painless, though steady eye fixation might feel slightly uncomfortable.
• If dizziness occurs during the test, it is usually brief and resolves quickly.
• Open communication with the examiner during the procedure ensures a comfortable experience.