Vestibular evoked myogenic potential in healthy adolescents.

Objective: 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.

Methods: 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.

Results: 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).

Conclusion: 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.