ENG – Electronystagmography Balance Test is a patient-friendly glossary entry reviewed for vertigo and ENT education.

Electronystagmography, or ENG, is an older vestibular test that records eye movements using electrodes near the eyes.

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What electronystagmography means

Electronystagmography, or ENG, is an older vestibular test that records eye movements using electrodes near the eyes. The term matters because patients often use one word, dizziness, for several different body sensations.

A clear definition helps decide whether the likely problem is inner-ear vertigo, blood pressure, migraine, medicine effect, anxiety-related dizziness, neck-related dizziness or a neurological warning sign.

Why it matters

It was used before modern VNG goggles became common and can still appear in old reports or referral notes. This is why the symptom story, timing, triggers, hearing symptoms, eye movements and balance examination are all important.

For medical SEO and patient safety, this glossary page should guide the reader toward the right canonical guide rather than replacing a diagnosis.

How I use it in clinic

In clinic, I explain ENG and VNG together because both use eye movements to infer vestibular function. I also check for red flags such as new weakness, double vision, slurred speech, severe headache, fainting, chest pain, new hearing loss or inability to walk.

That clinical filter prevents two common mistakes: treating every dizzy spell as BPPV, or treating every patient only with tablets without finding the cause.

What patients should do next

If a doctor recommends VNG today, it is usually the video-based version of this testing idea. The result must be matched with symptoms because test numbers alone do not diagnose every dizziness cause.

Before a consultation, note the first day of symptoms, attack duration, triggers, ear symptoms, headache history, neck problems, falls, medicines and any previous test reports.

This page is for patient education only and does not replace examination by a qualified doctor.