Ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in response to air-conducted sound in Ménière's disease.

BACKGROUND: Currently, Ménière's disease is predominantly diagnosed through clinical criteria. Additional standard vestibular testing, such as nystagmography, can show variable responses. In the last decade, the cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) has shown to be of additive value in diagnosing Ménière's disease. In this study, the results of the ocular VEMP (oVEMP) in response to air-conducted sound will be discussed.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate possible changes of the oVEMP in a large group (n = 37) of patients with Ménière's disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 55 subjects without Ménière's disease and 37 patients with Ménière's disease, oVEMPs in response to air-conducted sound stimulation (tone-burst, 500 Hz; maximum stimulus level, 120 dB sound pressure level) were studied. Recording was performed in upgaze with surface electrodes underneath both eyes. The burden of the test was scored by all subjects on a visual analogue scale.

RESULTS: In patients with Ménière's disease the response rates are lower, the oVEMP amplitudes are smaller, and thresholds are higher than in subjects without Ménière's disease. This effect is observed in both ears of patients with Ménière's disease. The affected ear is more altered than the clinically unaffected ear.

CONCLUSION: The air-conducted oVEMP can be a relevant addition to the current diagnostic workup of patients with possible Ménière's disease. A lower response rate, smaller amplitude, and higher threshold of the oVEMP indicate the pathologic disease in this population.