Neurogenic vestibular evoked potentials in three cases of vestibular system dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES

To demonstrate that neurogenic vestibular evoked potentials (NVsEP) may be specific to the vestibular system using three cases of vestibular system dysfunction and normal auditory function,

METHODS

Neurogenic vestibular evoked potentials were performed by recording from the parietal areas of the scalp using a tone-pip auditory stimulus via headphones. Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) and NVsEP were performed in all three cases.

RESULTS

Brainstem auditory evoked potentials were within normal limits in all three cases. All three patients showed abnormalities in their NVsEP In the third case, the responses normalized after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings support further the hypothesis that NVsEP are specific to the vestibular system and are a separate response from the BAEP SIGNIFICANCE: Neurogenic vestibular evoked potentials is an easy examination to carry out and can be performed in any clinical neurophysiological laboratory that is familiar with BAEPs. Examinations used to diagnose vestibular system disorders at present include the glycerol dehydration test, electrocochleography, myogenic vestibular evoked potentials and electronystagmography. Neurogenic vestibular evoked potentials may also prove to be useful.