Often not, and this is the one balance study where the answer is genuinely different. VNG deliberately provokes dizziness, particularly during the caloric portion, and some people remain unsteady or nauseated for a period afterwards. Arrange for someone to drive you home.
Often not, and this is the one balance study where the answer is genuinely different. VNG deliberately provokes dizziness, particularly during the caloric portion, and some people remain unsteady or nauseated for a period afterwards. Arrange for someone to drive you home.
Most neurological studies record passively. VNG is different: part of it is designed to stimulate the balance system and produce a response, and the caloric portion, which puts warm and cool air or water into the ear canal, provokes a spinning sensation on purpose. That is the point of the test. For some people the sensation settles within minutes; for others it lingers along with nausea.
Plan for a driver rather than deciding on the day, because you cannot predict which group you will be in. If nobody is available, arrange a ride service and allow yourself time to sit before leaving. Eat lightly beforehand rather than arriving either very full or completely empty.
You will usually be asked to stop certain medications beforehand, because sedatives, antihistamines, anti-nausea drugs and alcohol suppress exactly the responses the test is measuring and can invalidate it. You will be given a specific list; do not stop anything without checking. Avoid eye make-up, since the goggles track your eyes. Bring sunglasses if bright light bothers you afterwards, and allow more time than the appointment itself suggests. If you use a wheelchair or need help moving between positions, say so when booking rather than on the day, since parts of the test involve changing position and that can be planned around.
Clinical Neurology Specialists has been physician-owned since 1998, when Leo Germin, M.D., FAANEM founded it. Five board-certified neurologists and four advanced practice providers see patients at the Las Vegas and Henderson offices, each with its own AANEM-accredited electrodiagnostic laboratory.
Clinical Neurology Specialists is an adult outpatient neurology practice for patients 18 and older. The practice performs no surgery and operates no imaging suite, infusion suite or interventional pain programme, and provides no emergency or inpatient care.
Physician-reviewed. Reviewed by the physicians of Clinical Neurology Specialists — board-certified neurologists, AANEM-accredited electrodiagnostic laboratories, physician-owned since 1998. Reviewed 1 August 2026. This article is general education for adults 18 and older and is not a substitute for a consultation.
Sources and further reading: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; American Academy of Neurology.
Adults 18 and older, at the Las Vegas and Henderson offices. Call 702-804-1212 or request an appointment online.