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Exploring Vestibulo-Masseteric Pathways: An Insight into Motion Sickness Susceptibility.
Siddhi Chauhan1, Anuj Kumar Neupane1
1Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), School of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, Pune, India.
Journal of the American Academy of Audiology
|July 6, 2026
Summary
Masseter vestibular evoked myogenic potential (mVEMP) responses were reduced in individuals with severe motion sickness. This suggests potential vestibular alterations and highlights mVEMP as a possible objective measure for assessing motion sickness susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Vestibular System Physiology
- Autonomic Nervous System Function
Background:
- Motion sickness is an autonomic response to sensory conflict, with symptoms including nausea and dizziness.
- While vestibular function is implicated, the role of the masseter vestibular evoked myogenic potential (mVEMP) remains under-explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate mVEMP responses in individuals with varying motion sickness susceptibility (MSS).
- To correlate individual MSS levels with peak-to-peak mVEMP amplitudes.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study of 45 adults (18-35 years) stratified into non-susceptible, mild-to-moderate, and severe MSS groups.
- Ipsilateral mVEMP was elicited using a 500 Hz CE-chirp via zygomatic electrodes.
- Analysis included P11/N21 latencies, P11-N21 peak-to-peak amplitudes, and interaural asymmetry.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in P11/N21 latencies were observed across MSS groups.
- Significant differences in P11-N21 peak-to-peak amplitudes were found across cohorts.
- Severe MSS participants exhibited significantly reduced mVEMP amplitudes compared to non-susceptible individuals.
Conclusions:
- Reduced mVEMP amplitudes in severe motion sickness may indicate vestibular alterations in the vestibulo-masseteric pathway.
- mVEMP shows potential as an objective measure for assessing vestibular integrity in motion sickness, but findings require cautious interpretation and further validation.
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