Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potentials: Sound- and Bone-Conducted Stimuli and Clinical Applications

J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 32(4); 2014 > Article

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 2014;32(4): 231-239.

전정유발근전위: 소리자극과 진동자극에 의한 검사방법과 임상적용

김의중, 오선영

전북대학교 의학전문대학원 전북대학교병원 신경과 a , 군산시 보건소

Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potentials: Sound- and Bone-Conducted Stimuli and Clinical Applications

Eui-Joong Kim

Department of Neurology , Chonbuk National University Hospital , Chonbuk National University School of Medicine, Jeonju, Korea Gunsan Public Health Center, Gunsan, Korea

Abstract

Vestibular stimulation by air-conducted sound (ACS), bone-conducted vibration (BCV), or electrical currents (galvanic stimulation) elicits vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) that are now widely used to assess otolith function. Conventional cervical VEMPs, which are a manifestation of the vestibulocollic reflex, measure electromyographic activity from surface electrodes placed over the tonically activated sternocleidomastoid muscles. VEMPs can also be recorded from the extraocular muscles using surface electrodes placed over the inferior oblique and inferior rectus muscles, known as ocular VEMPs (oVEMPs). oVEMPs are a manifestation of the vestibulo-ocular pathways. We describe herein the neurophysiological properties of VEMPs obtained in response to ACS and BCV stimulation, and outline the known characteristics of VEMPs in central and peripheral disorders commonly encountered in neuro-otology clinics. Key Words: Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs), Air-conducted sound (ACS), Bone-conducted vibration (BCV), Otoliths, Saccule, Utricle