Craniocorpography (CCG)

Explained in simple words

1CCG stands for Craniocorpography. In simple language, it is a test that records the way you stand and walk.

2A person with a balance problem often does not walk straight, even though he or she thinks the walking is perfectly straight.

3The body slowly drifts to one side, or the body sways more than normal while standing still. The person usually does not notice this.

4This test records that drift and that sway, and measures it, so that the doctor can see it clearly and compare it later.

5Small light markers are placed on your head and shoulders. Only markers are used — nothing is inserted anywhere and nothing hurts.

6A camera placed above records the position of these markers while you perform two very simple tasks.

7The first task is called the standing test. You stand still with your feet together, arms forward, and your eyes closed for about a minute.

8Because the eyes are closed, you cannot use the walls or floor to correct yourself. So your body has to depend only on the inner ear.

9If one ear is weak, the body sways more, or slowly turns to that side. The camera records the amount and the direction of this sway.

10The second task is called the stepping test. You are asked to march on the spot — lifting the knees up and down as if walking — with your eyes closed, for about fifty steps.

11A person with normal balance stays in nearly the same place. A person with a weak balance organ slowly rotates or moves forward to one side without realising it.

12The camera records this rotation and the distance moved, and the computer turns it into a picture and a set of numbers.

13The doctor then looks at the direction of drift and the amount of sway to understand which side is weak.

14The test is completely safe. There is no radiation, no injection, no electricity and no medicine involved.

15You will be supported and watched throughout, so there is no danger of falling. A helper or family member can stand nearby.

16It takes only about fifteen minutes and does not make you feel giddy.

17Wear comfortable clothes and flat footwear, or the test can be done barefoot.

18This test is particularly useful for older people, and for anyone who complains of unsteadiness while walking rather than actual spinning.

19It is also very valuable for follow-up. After treatment or balance exercises, we repeat the test and show you the improvement in a picture you can see with your own eyes.

20Many patients find this encouraging, because progress in balance is otherwise difficult to feel or describe.

21It also helps us decide when it is safe for you to walk without support, or to return to work and driving.

22The result is explained to you together with the rest of your tests, in simple language, before treatment is planned.