Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in young children: test parameters and normative data

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neuroscience
• Pediatric Audiology

Background:

• Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) testing is a standard diagnostic tool for adults, with established normative values and age-related changes.
• Limited data exists on VEMP test feasibility, normative values, and developmental changes in children.
• Understanding pediatric VEMP is crucial for diagnosing vestibular disorders in young populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish normative data for VEMP testing in children aged 3-11.
• To assess the feasibility, reproducibility, and subject compliance of VEMP testing in a pediatric population.
• To determine optimal test parameters for reliable VEMP assessment in young children.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study involving 30 normal-hearing children (ages 3-11) undergoing VEMP testing and audiograms.
• VEMP evoked by alternating clicks at 80, 85, and 90 dB nHL, with surface electromyograms recorded from the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
• Analysis of VEMP latencies, amplitude, compliance, test duration, and subject feedback, with data stratified by age groups.

Main Results:

• VEMP testing was successfully completed by 29 out of 30 children, demonstrating high feasibility and compliance.
• Bilateral VEMP reflexes with symmetric responses were recorded in 93% of subjects.
• Mean p1 latency was 11.3 ms, mean nII latency was 17.6 ms, and mean p1-nII amplitude was 122 µV; shorter nII latency observed in the youngest age group (3-5 years).

Conclusions:

• VEMP is a well-tolerated, reproducible, and time-efficient test for screening vestibular function in young children.
• Normative latency and amplitude values for pediatric VEMP were established, with observed differences compared to adult values.
• This study provides the first description of expected latencies and optimal testing parameters for VEMP in children.