Testing
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Ambulatory EEG - Brain activity is continuously recorded while the patient goes about normal activities for 24 hours. A resting EEG usually precedes this test.
Pre-Test Instructions
- Wash your hair thoroughly.
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Audiometric Evaluation
- This includes a standard hearing test and other specialized hearing tests to
locate problem areas in your ear and its nerve. There are no special
preparations. If you wear a hearing aid, please bring it with you. Test time: 1 hour
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Auditory Brainstem Response
(ABR) - This test uses a computer to check the pathway from ear to brainstem. Electrodes are placed on your ears and head as you lie on a reclining chair and listen to clicks and tones through earphones. Test time: 1 hour
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Electroencephalogram
(EEG) - An EEG detects and records electrical impulses in the brain. Twenty-two electrodes are applied to key areas on the head. Test time: 2 hours
Pre-Test Instructions
- Wash your hair thoroughly.
- Take your normal medications unless otherwise instructed by your physician.
- If your physician has ordered a sleep-deprived EEG, adjust your sleeping schedule.
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Electronystagmogram (ENG)/Videonystagmography (VNG) - This test evaluates the balance portion of your inner ear. Your eye movements are recorded on a computer as you follow a moving target and move your head and body. Cool and warm water are placed in your ear canals, which may make you slightly dizzy. Test time: 1-2 hours
Pre-Test Instructions
Do not take any of the following within 24 hours before the test:
- sleeping pills
- tranquilizers
- antihistamines
- medication for dizziness
- narcotics
- nausea medication
- over-the-counter cold or allergy medications
- alcoholic beverages
Continue to take medication for heart conditions, blood pressure, diabetes or seizures.
Please do not eat, drink or smoke 2-4 hours before the ENG. If you are diabetic or hypoglycemic, eat a light snack instead of skipping a meal.
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Electroretinogram (ERG) - ERG is used to study inherited and acquired disorders of the retina. The eyes are dilated and contact electrodes are placed on each eye. A series of color and bright white flashes are presented to the eyes. The patient will not be able to drive home and will need to make transportation arrangements. Test time: 1 hour
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Equitest - Equitest evaluates the role of the inner ear, vision, muscles and joints in the maintenance of balance. It also assesses motor problems affecting posture. The patient stands on a platform. A safety harness is worn to prevent falling. Women should wear slacks. Test time: 45 minutes
Pre-Test Instructions
Do not take any of the following within 24 hours before the test:
- sleeping pills
- tranquilizers
- antihistamines
- medication for dizziness
- narcotics
- nausea medication
- over-the-counter cold or allergy medications
- alcoholic beverages
Continue to take medication for heart conditions, blood pressure, diabetes or seizures.
Inpatient Testing
EMG (Electromyography) - Records electrical activity in muscles-diagnoses diseases of nerves and muscles.
Long-Term Digital Video EEG - Simultaneous recording of routine EEG over a long period of time in combination with a video recording (useful in the diagnosis of seizure or epilepsy).
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Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) - This test records sounds in the external ear canal following an acoustic stimulus, evaluating peripheral hearing sensitivity. A probe is placed in the ear and records sounds. There are no special preparations. Test time: 15 minutes
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Pediatric ABR - The ABR evaluates hearing loss. It is necessary for your child to be relaxed in order to obtain results and medication may be required to encourage sleep. Medication will be administered by hospital nursing staff. Test time: 1-3 hours
Pre-Test Instructions
Infants and children up to age 6: Do not eat or drink (other than sips of water) three hours prior to the appointment.
Children 6 to adult: Do not eat or drink (other than water) six hours prior to the appointment.
- If your child has a cold or fever the day of the appointment, please call us at (912) 819-2479; we may need to reschedule.
- Try to keep your child up late the night before the test and awaken him/her early the morning of the test so he or she will be tired. Even if medication is being used to encourage sleep, it often does not work if the child has not been deprived of sleep prior to the test. Also, try not to allow your child to nap prior to testing, especially while riding in the car on the way to the hospital.
- Two adults must be available to accompany the child home.
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Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SER) - SER evaluates the brain's response to brief electrical pulses, which are applied to peripheral nerves. Stimulation produces small muscle twitches. These responses are generated in the spinal canal and brainstem to the brain's somatosensory area. Electrodes are applied to appropriate areas. For adults there are no special preparations. Test time: 3 hours
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Visual Evoked Response (VER) - This test measures the time it takes for a televised image to go from your eyes through the brain's occipital lobe. Please bring your glasses. Test time: 1 hour
