Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential

전정유발근육전위

  • Kim, Sung Hun (Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Kangwon National University) ;
  • Nam, Eui Cheol (Department of Otolaryngology, College of Medicine, Kangwon National University)
  • 김성훈 (강원대학교 의과대학 신경과학교실) ;
  • 남의철 (강원대학교 의과대학 이비인후과학교실)
  • Published : 2005.05.31

Abstract

Loud click or tone burst sound can activate vestibular receptor and evoke reflex changes in tonic electromyographic activity within the stenocleidomastoid muscles. This reflex is assumed to originate in the saccule, the afferent pathways being the inferior vestibular nerve, and the efferent pathways the vestibulospinal tract. Averaging these muscular responses allows vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) to be obtained. The earliest response ipsilateral to a loud click, p13n23, is dependent upon vestibular activation, specifically saccular afferents. These new techniques are beginning to be applied clinically in the patient of vestibular neuritis, Meniere's disease, acoustic neuromas, Tullio phenomenon, etc. VEMP recording will provide both a straightforward non-invasive exploration of each vestibule independently and an attractive method by which to explore otolithic receptors and vestibulospinal pathways.

Keywords