Kathleen McNerney, Ph.D.
The Research
University at Buffalo, SUNY
The vestibular evoked myogenic potential: unanswered questions regarding stimulus and recording parameters
The vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) is a response that can be recorded from the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle as well as other neck muscles such as the trapezius. It is believed to be generated by the saccule, which is a part of our vestibular system that is normally responsible for our sense of balance. Recent studies have shown that it is also responsive to sound. Three types of stimuli that are used to elicit the VEMP are air-conducted (AC) stimuli, bone-conducted (BC) stimuli, and galvanic (electrical) stimuli. Although there are several universal findings that have held true throughout previous studies, there are several questions which remain unanswered. The present study will attempt to address these issues by making a direct comparison between the three types of stimuli listed above, within the same subjects. In addition, input/output functions will be defined for all three types of stimuli. Finally, we will be looking at the repeatability of the three types of stimuli across subjects as well as address the inconsistencies that have been found between monaural and binaural stimulation. This study will not only provide us with a better understanding of the VEMP, it will also enhance its clinical utility.