Res Vestib Sci.  2010 Dec;9(4):139-143.

Inferior Vestibular Neuritis: Absence of Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials in the Presence of Normal Caloric Responses

• Kim KR
• Kim BK
• Hong SA
• Lim HY
• Son EJ

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
To report the clinical features of six patients diagnosed with cases of inferior vestibular neuritis based on abnormal vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) responses with normal caloric test results.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed 62 patients presenting with dizziness. All patients underwent a battery of audiovestibular testing, including hearing tests, caloric test and VEMP test.
RESULTS
Six patients were diagnosed as inferior vestibular neuritis. All patients presented with acute onset of prolonged vertigo. The pure tone audiograms and caloric test results were normal. VEMP response was absent unilaterally, and normal in the contralateral ear.
CONCLUSION
Inferior vestibular neuritis should be considered in patients presenting with acute vertigo, but normal caloric responses. Comprehensive vestibular testing including VEMP is necessary.

Keyword

Vertigo; Vestibular neuritis; Vestibular function test

MeSH Terms

Caloric Tests
Dizziness
Ear
Hearing Tests
Humans
Retrospective Studies
Vertigo
Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials
Vestibular Function Tests
Vestibular Neuronitis