Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP) in Children

Introduction: The vestibular-evoked myogenic potential is used as a complementary test in neurotological examination. It verifies the integrity of vestibular function through a muscular response originated from an acoustic stimulation which activates the saccular macula. It is estimated that vertigo accounts for 1% of outpatient neuropediatric consultations, and it is also present in 13% of children referred for audiological evaluation. Normal standards in adults have been established, however, there are few published data on the normal responses in children.

Objective: This study aims to establish normal standards for vestibular myogenic responses in children without neurotological complaints.

Methods: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study. The study group consisted of 30 subjects, 15 females (50%) and 15 males (50%).

Results: The age of the subjects ranged between 8 and 13 years, with a mean value of 10.2 (± 1.7). P1 curve showed an average latency of 17.26 (± 1.78) and a mean amplitude −49.34 (± 23.07), and the curve N2 showed an average latency of 24.78 (± 2.18) and mean amplitude of 66.23 (± 36.18). P1-N2 mean amplitude was 115.6 (± 55.7). There were no statistically significant differences when comparing by gender or by laterality.

Conclusion: Normal values of myogenic vestibular responses in children between 8 and 13 years without neurotological complaints were established.