FasTrak – Fall Assessment Stability Test

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Fall Risk Assessment & VNG Testing

Whats the difference between VNG and ENG?

• Key Features	VNG	ENG	Practical Implication
  Resolution	Resolution of about 0.1° In laboratory conditions, can detect movements as small as 0.5°	Resolution of about 1° In laboratory conditions, cannot detect movements less than 2-3°	VNG can measure smaller amplitude of eye movements.
  Type of Eye Movements	Measures and displays horizontal and vertical eye movements; only displays torsional eye movements. No major difference in the accuracy of horizontal and vertical eye movements.	Measures horizontal and vertical positions but cannot measure or display torsional eye movements. Vertical eye movements are usually noisy and contaminated by eye blinks.	VNG can visualize torsional nystagmus. Vertical tracings are cleaner and more accurate in VNG.
  Limitations	Under certain circumstances, it may not be possible to test patients with ptosis and similar eye abnormalities. Some patients do not tolerate wearing goggles.	Cannot test patients with absent corneo-retinal potential. Many older patients develop skin reaction to electrodes.	Have both ENG and VNG, if you can afford it. However, ENG is needed in less than 5% of patients. So, if you can only afford one…get a FasTrak VNG System!
  Most Important Difference	Allows direct visualization of eye movements, uses digital image processing to measure movements of the center of the pupil electrode-free.	Indirectly measures eye movements, uses changes in corneo-retinal potentials from surface electrodes to measure eye position.	VNG tracings are verifiable by direct visual inspection. They are also cleaner and drift-free whereas ENG tracings can be noisier.

How long does the procedure take? How soon can I get the results?

• A study takes approximately 25-30 minutes to perform. Best of all, the results can be printed immediately.

Who can perform the procedure?

• A trained technician, a nurse, a medical assistant or a physician may perform the procedure.

How much space is needed to perform the procedure?

• The entire system can be perform in any average exam room or a hallway. When not in use the system can simply be rolled out of the way.

Can you tell me about the training?

• The initial set up, training, and follow-up training is all on site. Ongoing phone support will be readily available.

Is the equipment portable from one office to another?

• Yes! The equipment is portable. A custom metal case is available with the system to insure safe transport from office to office.

What’s my per-patient cost for a study/test?

• The cost per patient is negligible for prep wipes, paper, and other incidentals.

Is there on-site training and how long does it last?

• The training usually takes two days and it is very comprehensive.

What are the differences between Balance+Plus and other VNG/ENG equipment?

• Core Technology Differentiators:
  • Manufactured by the Inventors of the Technology
  • Exceeds FDA and ANSI requirements (since 1994)
  • Computerized video capture of eye movement reduces the amount of artifact over electrode-based systems, accuracy increases are exponential
  • Only system with built-in(VOR) or "Active-Head Rotation" Testing 92546
  • Only system that does not require light-bars, projectors or electrodes
  • Manufactured in the USA
  • Strong roadmap for future product development
  • Designed, developed and manufactured by a NASDAQ listed company
  • Largest install base of VNG/Balance systems nationwide
  • Currently used by some of the World’s most renown and respected institutions such as Mayo Foundation, The House Institute, University of Chicago Medical Center & Emory University, just to name a few
• Testing Differentiators:
  • No electrodes, and no calibration reduces testing time and artifact
  • Does not require a dedicated room, such as systems with light bars or projectors
  • Tests "VOR" or Vestibular Ocular Reflex, CPT 92546 1 or 2 units
  • Lightest Goggle at 8 oz.
  • All pursuit and Optokinetic testing is done on the laptop’s LCD Panel
  • Portable Laptop based unit, designed to be mobile
  • Eye-on-Screen Technology replaces external monitor and saves space
  • On-Screen normative values displayed in real-time
  • Simple, and easy to use software
  • Fastest, most efficient testing protocol on the market. (25-35 min. Complete)
• Support / Training Differentiators:
  • Introductory Data Analysis provided by Board Certified Neurologists
  • 2 day Onsite Installation and In-Service Training by seasoned Technician
  • Video Training Library
  • Toll Free and Online Customer Support

What can I earn providing Fall Risk Assessment and VNG testing?

• Your potential income depends on the needs of your patients. Based on national statistics, if you have a significant number of older patients who are at a high risk of falling, then your income could be substantial. The most important thing to remember however is that you are doing them and our insurance companies a great service by detecting a patient's propencity for falling BEFORE they have an accident.