Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials in Young Children: Test Parameters and Normative Data

Abstract

VEMP is a well-tolerated test for screening vestibular function in young children, performed with minimal test time and reproducible results. Mean latencies in this study suggested a shorter initial negative peak (nII) than in adult studies, consistent with prolongation seen in previous research on the effects of age. Ninety-decibel normalized hearing level clicks were adequate for uniform response rates. Expected latency and amplitude values in single-channel VEMP-unrectified electromyograms were established. This is the first study describing expected latencies and optimal testing parameters in children.

Potenciais miogênicos evocados vestibulares: metodologias de registro em homens e cobaias

“…However, in the literature we also found band pass filters going from 10 to 2500Hz 10 ; 10 to 3000Hz 21 20 .…”

“…Currently, stimuli above 90 dBHL are used 2,[8][9][10][11][14][15][16]18,19,24,[28][29][30][31] . However, in many studies, the threshold is surveyed by means of stimuli of different intensities (with ascending or descending techniques) until the lowest stimulus intensity capable of triggering a response is found 2,21,25,32 .…”

“…Sound stimuli may be presented through ear phones or intra-canal phones 16,21,20 , when the stimuli passes through air conduction or through a bone vibrator (placed on the mastoid process), when the stimulus is provided through the bone 13,15,22,23 . Usually, the recordings are carried out using surface electrodes 13,15,16,18,24 , of the circular type, with a diameter above 8mm 20 .…”

“…VEMPs must be recorded in a silent room (there is no need to be sound proof) 8,21,10 , under mild and uniform temperature, and the patient must be sitting in a comfortable chair or laying down on a bed. The patient and/or family members must be educated about the procedures carried out during the test in order to avoid possible physical or emotional stress, which can interfere in the recordings.…”

“…The stimuli may be averaged by means of tone bursts (in the frequencies of 250Hz25, 500Hz 13,15,19,[25][26][27][28] , 1000Hz 25,28 , 3000Hz 10 , 5000Hz 15,21 ) or clicks 2,9,11,14,16,17,19,21,22,24 ,29 , which shall be employed at intensities above 75 dBHL. Currently, stimuli above 90 dBHL are used 2,[8][9][10][11][14][15][16]18,19,24,[28][29][30][31] .…”