Which special exam evaluates balance function?

Which special exam evaluates balance function?

• A. Electronstagmography (ENG)
• B. Audiometry
• C. Tympanometry
• D. MRI

Answer: (A)

Balance function is tied to the vestibular system in the inner ear and how it controls eye movements through the vestibulo-ocular reflex. Electronystagmography records the electrical activity of the eye muscles to detect involuntary eye movements (nystagmus) when the vestibular system is stimulated, such as with caloric testing or rotation. By evaluating these eye movements, ENG reveals how well the vestibular pathways on each side are functioning, making it the most direct test for assessing balance function. In contrast, audiometry checks hearing sensitivity, tympanometry assesses middle-ear pressure and mobility, and MRI provides anatomical images but does not directly measure how the balance system is functioning.

Balance function is tied to the vestibular system in the inner ear and how it controls eye movements through the vestibulo-ocular reflex. Electronystagmography records the electrical activity of the eye muscles to detect involuntary eye movements (nystagmus) when the vestibular system is stimulated, such as with caloric testing or rotation. By evaluating these eye movements, ENG reveals how well the vestibular pathways on each side are functioning, making it the most direct test for assessing balance function. In contrast, audiometry checks hearing sensitivity, tympanometry assesses middle-ear pressure and mobility, and MRI provides anatomical images but does not directly measure how the balance system is functioning.