Usefullness of Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials in Newborns

Usefullness of Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials in Newborns Hui Jung Lee and Jung Hak Lee Department of Audiology, Hallym University of Graduate School, Seoul, Korea Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) are used to evaluate the function of saccule and measure myogenic potentials evoked at the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) by the high level acoustic stimulation. It is also easy and objective to test and doesn't cause dizziness. The purpose of this study was to determine the normative VEMP data in healthy newborns. Forty six ears from 23 healthy newborns (14 boys, 9 girls) were used in this study. The results were as follows; First, the latency of p13 and n23 in healthy newborns were 16.65 ± 2.57 ms and 26.34 ± 3.14 ms, respectively. The interpeak latency of p13-n23 was 9.69 ± 2.41 ms with the amplitude of .47 ±.70 μV. Second, the latency of the VEMP was significantly longer in the newborns under 30 days than in the newborns over 30 days [P13 latency: t-test, t(44) = 0.80, p < .05; N23 latency: t-test, t(44) = 1.77, p < .05]. Third, the latency of the VEMP was significantly longer in all newborns than in adults [P13 latency: t-test, t(90) = 8.29, p < .05; N23 latency: t-test, t(90) = 3.62, p < .05]. In conclusion, normative VEMP data of healthy newborns were partially demonstrated. It is suggested that vestibular function test as well as hearing test be conducted to diagnose vestibular dysfunction at an early age, especially for newborns with high risk factors. Following research is required for clinical application.