A Comparative Study on Videonystagmography in Patients with Vertigo between Open-Loop and Closed-Loop Irrigation Technique

Abstract Background and Aims: Patients with balance disorders are evaluated by a battery of vestibular function tests including videonystagmography (VNG). However, the caloric test component of VNG is risky to be performed in patients with ear infections. In order to perform the test in such patients, closed-loop technique has been performed. This study aimed to compare the efficacies of closed- and open-loop techniques of the caloric test using VNG in patients with vertigo so that it can be applied to patients with ear infections also. Setting and Design: A prospective study was conducted at the neurotology clinic in our tertiary health-care Institution between May 2019 and April 2020. Subjects and Methods: The study involved 83 patients aged between 20 and 60 years with complaints of giddiness patients who were evaluated using videonystagmography with open-loop and closed-loop method and the results were compared. Results: By comparing the outcome of caloric responses in both ears using both these techniques, it is evident that both techniques’ outcome is similar in detecting the caloric response of the ear as there was no statistically significant differences among both irrigation techniques. Conclusions: Closed-loop irrigation technique is equally as effective as open-loop technique in the evaluation of vertigo so that it can be used for the evaluation of vestibular system for patients in whom the open-loop technique is contraindicated.