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Published on: August 4, 2022
Ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials using air-conducted sound: test parameters and normative data in healthy
Ioannis Kastanioudakis1, Panagiotis Saravakos2, Theodoros Leontis1
1Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
Insights
Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) are well-tolerated in children over 4 years old. Testing in upright and supine positions showed similar results, with a slight trend favoring the supine position.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neuroscience
- Pediatric Audiology
Background:
- Ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (oVEMPs) assess otolith function.
- Standardization of oVEMP procedures in pediatric populations is needed.
- Understanding the impact of body positioning on pediatric oVEMPs is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate positioning techniques for enhancing oVEMP procedures in children.
- To assess the viability and tolerability of oVEMP testing in healthy children.
- To compare oVEMP responses in upright versus supine positions.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 41 healthy children (ages 4-16).
- Audiometry and tympanometry performed prior to oVEMP testing.
- oVEMP testing conducted in both upright and supine positions.
- Analysis of response presence and characteristics.
Main Results:
- oVEMP testing was well-tolerated by all pediatric participants.
- Typical biphasic oVEMPs were elicited in 97.56% (upright) and 90.25% (supine).
- No statistically significant difference in response rates or thresholds between positions, though a trend favored supine.
Conclusions:
- oVEMP testing is a viable and well-tolerated vestibular assessment for children aged 4 and above.
- Body positioning (upright vs. supine) did not significantly impact oVEMP outcomes in this cohort.
- Larger studies are recommended to confirm findings on positioning effects in pediatric oVEMP testing.
Abstract:
In the present prospective study, we both investigated positioning techniques for the enhancement of oVEMP procedures and the viability of oVEMP testing in a healthy children population. A total of 41 healthy children were enrolled in this study. 21 were boys and 20 were girls, with their ages ranging from 4 to 16 years. All children underwent audiometry and tympanometry prior to oVEMP test in upright and supine position. All subjects had normal hearing. The procedure was well tolerated by all children. Typical biphasic oVEMPs presented in 97.56 % in upright position and 90.25 % in the supine position. No statistically significant difference could be found concerning which position elicits the best or worst responses. However, a trend towards the supine position was noticed. It may be concluded that oVEMP test proved to be a well-tolerated examination of the vestibular system in children aged above 4 years old. Our results did not show a statistical difference on the oVEMP thresholds between the two body positions. However, further larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
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