Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP) in children with Enlarged Vestibular Aqueduct (EVA)

• Main Author: Youssif, Mostafa A
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01.01.2012
• Subjects: Audiology
• ISBN: 1267489812; 9781267489814

Enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) syndrome is considered one of the most common congenital anomalies of the inner ear which is radiologically detectable and associated with hearing loss. It is a minor dysmorphology belonging to the family of Mondini dysplasias. Although there are many studies about the effect of EVA on audiological function, there are only a small number of studies on its effect on the vestibular system especially in children. In spite of the frequent studies emerging in the last few years which proved that vestibular disorders in children are not as rare as thought, the data about one of the most important tests in vestibular assessment, vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) test, and its response characteristics at different ages in children are scant. This study was designed to collect normative data for VEMP response parameters in children from the age of 3 to 12 years and to examine the effect of age on these parameters. The differences between VEMP responses in normal children and children with EVA were investigated in an attempt to evaluate the effect of EVA on the saccular function. The VEMP test was conducted on 39 normal children and on 28 children with EVA. The results revealed that P1 and N1 latencies in normal children are shorter than published normal latencies in adult. The VEMP response was absent in 10% of children with EVA. Moreover, there was a direct correlation between the vestibular aqueduct (VA) diameter and VEMP threshold. Based on these results, using a specific normative data for VEMP test in children is recommended when assessing the pediatric population. In addition, the saccular function should be investigated using VEMP test in children with EVA. However, further studies using other vestibular tests are recommended to investigate the effect of EVA on different vestibular functions.