VEMP (Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials)

Why?

This test determines whether the saccule and the inferior vestibular nerve are intact and working normally. Sound stimulation of the labyrinth excites the saccule and leads to a reflex contraction of certain muscles of the neck It can also specifically identify a bony dehiscence of the superior semi-circular canal (SSCD) as the VEMP responses become sensitive and are present at much lower levels of sound stimulation.

How?

Headphones are placed over the ears and small electrodes are attached with an adhesive to the skin over the neck muscles. When sound is transmitted through the headphones, the electrodes record the response of the muscle to the vestibular stimuli.