[Errors in computerized electronystagmography]

Computerized electronystagmography (ENG) is the analysis of the eye movement recordings using a computer program to identify nystagmus and quantitate response parameters. The results of 100 consecutive bithermal caloric tests of patients complaining of peripheral vertigo were analyzed by computer. All computer analyses were reviewed by authors and either were deemed accurate as made by the computer or were corrected manually. Final test interpretations with and without manual intervention were compared. In 48 tests the computer analysis was not modified. In 20 tests canal paresis and directional preponderance changed after manual review, but not the final diagnosis. In the remaining 20 tests, manual review yielded a different final diagnosis. Computerized ENG provides rapid and accurate vestibular studies, but recordings should be reviewed because system algorithms sometimes identify other ocular movements as nystagmus.