Vestibular evoked myogenic potential in healthy adolescents

Vestibular dysfunction, which may lead to delayed motor development and reduced quality of life, is an overlooked entity among children and adolescents. Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) is a common, safe diagnostic tool in adults with vestibular disorders. No normative data exist for children and adolescents. Our objective was to collect and assess normative VEMP data for adolescents.

Cervical VEMP (cVEMP) with air-conducted sound. Endpoints were peak latencies after 13 and 23 ms (P13 and N23) and amplitude. Ocular VEMP (oVEMP) with bone-conducted vibration on the mastoid. Endpoints were latencies (N10 and P15) and amplitude. A meta-analysis of existing cVEMP data in children.

cVEMP response rate (RR) was 85%, mean P13 and N23 latencies were 15.44 and 25.55 ms, respectively, and the asymmetry ratio (AR) was 14%. oVEMP RR was 100%, mean N10 and P15 were 10.61 and 16.58 ms, respectively, and the AR was 12%. In the meta-analysis, the pooled mean P13 and N23 were 12.75 and 21.8 ms, respectively. Head elevation (HE) gave shorter latencies than head rotation (HR).

The oVEMP data represents normal values for adolescents aged 13-16 years. Height should be considered more important than age when interpreting cVEMP in adolescents. Separate normative cVEMP data should be established for HE and HR.