Magnetic resonance imaging results in patients with central electronystagmography findings

The objective of this study was to determine the findings on magnetic reson ance imaging (MRI) in patients identified as having central vestibular abno rmalities on electronystagmography (ENG) testing, to discuss the issue of g old standard' in the investigation of central oculo-vestibular system disea ses and to present a model for understanding this area. A retrospective rev iew of the case notes of patients (n = 23) found to have central ENG findin gs at vestibular assessment and for whom MRI scanning data was available wa s undertaken. Each patient underwent a full ENG evaluation, including gaze, ocular-motor and caloric testing, and MRI. Only seven of the patients with central ENG findings had abnormal MRI scans. Thus, the incidence of the id entification of structural abnormality on MRI in patients with central ENG findings is low, These investigations are complementary in the investigatio n of balance disorder patients.