Artifacts in Electronystagmographic Recordings

Abstract

Electronystagmography is an important part of the otoneurological investigation. It is mandatory that it is performed in an efficient way, avoiding the many pitfalls and sources of error that the method entails. High quality results crave that the patient is well informed and motivated, relaxed and not under the influence of tranquillizers, hypnotics or alcohol. The technician should be familiar with the equipment, in order to avoid mistakes concerning shielding, time constant and filtering. The most common errors, however, tend to appear in the patient-equipment contact, i.e. the electrodes. A thorough preparation of the skin and high quality Ag/AgCl electrodes and use of electrolyte paste are necessary.