An Indicator of Probable Semicircular Canal Dehiscence: Ocular Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials to High Frequencies

Abstract

The n10 component of the ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP) to sound and vibration stimuli is a crossed response that has enhanced amplitude and decreased threshold in patients with CT-verified superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD). However, demonstrating enhanced VEMP amplitude and reduced VEMP thresholds requires multiple trials and can be very time consuming and tiring for patients, so a specific indicator of probable SCD that is fast and not tiring would be preferred. Here we report a 1-trial indicator: that the oVEMP n10 in response to a very high frequency stimulus (4000 Hz), either air-conducted sound (ACS) or bone conducted vibration (BCV), is such a fast indicator of probable SCD. In 22 healthy subjects, oVEMP n10 at 4000 Hz was not detectable; however, in all 22 CT-verified SSCD patients tested, oVEMP n10 responses were clearly present to 4000 Hz to either ACS or BCV stimuli.