Concurrent abnormalities in galvanic cervical and ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials as a predictive marker for prolonged dizziness in vestibular neuritis.

Abstract

Background: Despite the growing use of cervical (cVEMP) and ocular (oVEMP) VEMP tests, their effectiveness in predicting chronic dizziness in vestibular neuritis (VN) patients remains unclear. Our research examines the link between long-lasting dizziness and inner ear assessments, encompassing VEMPs induced by air-conducted sound (ACS), bone-conducted vibration (BCV), and galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS).

Objectives: This study explores prognostic markers by examining the relationship between the persistence of dizziness symptoms and various inner ear test findings in VN patients.

Material and methods: A retrospective cohort of 60 unilateral VN patients underwent comprehensive audiovestibular tests, including pure tone audiometry, cVEMP and oVEMP induced by ACS, BCV, GVS, and caloric tests. Patient subgroups were established based on dizziness duration: short-term (<3 months) and long-term (≥3 months).

Results: No substantial correlation existed between the dizziness duration and the outcomes of any particular single inner ear test. However, patients exhibiting concurrent abnormal GVS-cVEMP and GVS-oVEMP were more likely to experience prolonged dizziness, indicating more extensive vestibular system involvement.

Conclusions: Concurrent abnormalities in GVS-cVEMP and GVS-oVEMP may indicate a higher chance of long-term dizziness in VN.

Significance: This study identifies concurrent abnormalities in GVS-cVEMP and GVS-VEMP as a potential prognostic marker for prolonged dizziness in VN.