Vestibular evoked myogenic potential latencies in Meniere disease and vestibular schwannoma.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) in Meniere disease and vestibular schwannoma. Given that the saccule and inferior vestibular nerve may be damaged in Meniere disease and vestibular schwannoma, respectively, VEMP latency may be prolonged in the patient's affected ear.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

Urban otolaryngology practice.

METHODS

Ten Meniere disease and 12 vestibular schwannoma patients. Subjects were tested with the VEMP head rotation protocol.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: VEMP latency.

RESULTS

In Meniere disease patients, the pI latencies (mean +/- SEM, milliseconds) were 12.26 +/- 0.75 (healthy ear) and 14.20 +/- 0.73 (affected ear) (p = .041). The nI latencies were 20.29 +/- 1.06 (healthy ear) and 25.06 +/- 1.64 (affected ear) (p = .013). In vestibular schwannoma patients, the pI latencies were 12.02 +/- 0.93 (healthy ear) and 15.88 +/- 1.35 (affected ear) (p = .016). The nI latencies were 20.98 +/- 1.59 (healthy ear) and 24.84 +/- 1.08 (affected ear) (p = .031).

CONCLUSION

VEMP pI and nI latencies were prolonged in the affected ear of Meniere disease and vestibular schwannoma patients. We propose classifying VEMP as abnormal if both the pI latency is > 1 ms longer and the nI latency is > 2 ms longer (sensitivity 66.7%, specificity 86.4%) compared with the other ear. This study suggests a role for VEMP in the clinical testing of these patients.