VEMP の診断的価値

抄録

　VEMP (vestibular evoked myogenic potential) testing was first reported at 1992. Since then, it has been developed as the examination for the otolith organs including the saccule and utricle. VEMPs are applicable to evaluate the following pathological conditions; endolymphatic hydrops, BPPV, vertigo due to otolith organs and dysfunction of the inferior vestibular nerve. By first comparing the amplitude of cVEMP before and after furosemide administration, we can detect the presence of endolymphatic hydrops in Meniere's disease and even in silent ear. More than 60% of patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo indicated abnormal oVEMP results. Residual dizziness after successful results of physiological therapy may related to the abnormal oVEMP results. Abnormal cVEMP results have been noted in more than 80% of cases with acoustic neurinomas. Inferior vestibular neuritis, which shows normal result on caloric testing, can be diagnosed with abnormal cVEMP and video head impulse testing (vHIT) results in the posterior semicircular canal. VEMP and vHIT testing complement each other. With both examinations, we can diagnose the functions of 5 peripheral vestibular organs.