[Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo].
OBJECTIVE
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) seems to occur because of otoconia migration into the semicircular canals or their adherence to the cupula. Although the origin of these otoconia lies in the macula of the utricle, vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) can be used assess saccular function. The aim of this study is to assess the saccular function in patients diagnosed with BPPV.


METHODS
Nineteen patients diagnosed with BPPV of the posterior semicircular canal were included in this study. Their auditory function and their caloric, rotatory chair, and VEMP responses were tested. Ipsilateral and contralateral VEMP thresholds, ipsilateral and contralateral p13 and n23 latencies at 100 dB, inter-peak amplitude and the interaural amplitude difference were determined.


RESULTS
We found a lack of VEMP response in 52 % of the ears with BPPV. When adjusted for bilateral absence, VEMP response was absent in 20.3 % of ears.


CONCLUSIONS
Some patients with idiopathic BPPV show a degree of saccular dysfunction.
Boleas-Aguirre
Marisol
M
Departamento de Otorrinolaringología, Clínica Universitaria de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona Navarra, España. msboleas@unav.es
Sánchez-Ferrándiz
Noelia
N
Artieda
Julio
J
Pérez
Nicolás
N
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005071:Evoked Potentials / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014717:Vertigo / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D014724:Vestibular Function Tests; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000503:physiopathology*