Role of Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP) in diagnosis of vestibular abnormalities in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

ObjectivesTo evaluate the role of ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (oVEMP) in diagnosis of vestibular abnormalities among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsEighty T2DM patients were selected for the study plus a group of 30 normal non-diabetic individuals. Both groups were assessed regarding oVEMP latency and amplitude.ResultsThere were statistically significant differences in the latencies of N1 and P1 in patients with DM in comparison to controls in both the right and left ears although there was no significant difference between both groups regarding the amplitude of N1 and P1. We found that there were statistically significant differences in the latencies of N1 and P1 in patients with DPN in comparison with patients without DPN. Also, we found that there was no significant relation between duration of diabetes and VEMP latency. According to type of treatment, there was significant difference between diabetic patients on insulin therapy and those on hypoglycemic medications regarding latency of N1 and P1 (Table 6).ConclusionIn patients with type 2 DM receiving primary health care, who are not seeking medical care due to sensory or balance decline, utricular function may be impaired even without history of falls.