VEMPs: pathophysiology, method and results (short review)

Objective New tests of otolithic function use air conducted sound (ACS) and bone vibration (BCV) as stimuli. These stimuli generate vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) from tensed neck muscles or extraocular which differentiate utricular saccular in each labyrinth.Methods anatomical physiological results show why these are valid stimuli: that within macula there effectively two co-existing sensing systems – addition to the classical response some otolith afferents low frequency linear accelerations like tilts translations by what is called sustained system, other afferent neurons a specialized band receptors activated ACS BCV (the transient system). synchronized (phase-locked) every cycle an stimulus up frequencies above 1000 Hz. In subserved with very different structure characteristics arising regions maculae because unique specialization not uniform homogenous receptor structures. Otolithic regular resting ischarge, originating mainly type II extrastriolar region constitute whereas irregular activity I at striola high system it so responsible for VEMPs.Results Reduced absent one asymmetric VEMP responses bilaterally equal stimuli.Conclusion VEMPs provide evidence unilateral bilateral loss even more remarkably, status separately.