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Semin Hear 2009; 30(4): 267-280
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1241127
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potentials

Owen D. Murnane1 , 2 , Faith W. Akin1 , 2
  • 1VA Medical Center, Audiology (126), Mountain Home, Tennessee
  • 2Department of Communicative Disorders, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee
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Publication History

Publication Date:
21 October 2009 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs) are recorded from the sternocleidomastoid muscle using air conduction or bone conduction acoustic stimuli, skull taps, or transmastoid current. The diagnostic usefulness of the cVEMP has been examined for various peripheral and central vestibulopathies. Recent reports indicate that it is possible to record short-latency ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (oVEMPs) from surface electrodes below the eyes in response to air conduction and bone conduction stimuli. Both methods provide diagnostic information about otolith function. This article provides an overview of each method and highlights the similarities and differences. Several cases are presented to illustrate the relation between the results for cVEMPs and oVEMPs in patients with well-defined audiovestibular disorders.

KEYWORDS

Vestibular - otolith organs - vestibular-evoked myogenic potential - cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential - ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potential

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Owen D MurnanePh.D. 

VA Medical Center

Audiology (126), Mountain Home, TN 37684

Email: Owen.murnane@va.gov