Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) with different recording procedures

BackgroundVestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) have become an important part of the neuro-otological test battery. They are recorded from averaged electromyography in response to intense auditory stimuli and are used for the assessment of the otolith function. VEMPs have been recorded from tonically contracted cervical muscles and this approach is called ‘‘cervical” VEMPs (cVEMPs). They can also be recorded from extra-ocular muscles in response to loud sound and are termed ‘‘ocular” VEMPs (oVEMPs). The combined VEMPs procedure can be substituted for individual oVEMPs and cVEMPs tests.ObjectivesComparing the results of combined (cVEMPs and oVEMPs) to individual cVEMPs and oVEMPs in healthy subjects.MethodIndividual cVEMPs and oVEMPs then combined (cVEMPs and oVEMPs) are measured and compared with each other in 50 normal healthy adults.ResultscVEMPs have a detectability of 100% in both individual and combined modes with comparable latency and amplitude. While the detectability of oVEMPs was 94% in both modes of recordings, with no significant difference as regard latencies or amplitudes.ConclusionBoth oVEMPs and cVEMPs tests can be recorded simultaneously with high degree of accuracy and without affecting results of each other. Combined VEMPs recording is a convenient screening tool for assessing crossed vestibule-ocular reflex and ipsilateral sacculo-collic reflex with shortened diagnostic test time and suitable for testing children and geriatric population.