Effect of irradiation on vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in nasopharyngeal carcinoma survivors
Journal
Head and Neck
Journal Volume
25
Journal Issue
6
Pages
482-487
Date Issued
2003
Author(s)
Abstract
Background. This study aims to investigate the effect of irradiation on vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) survivors, because radiotherapy to NPC covers a column from the basal skull to the clavicle level. Methods. Twenty-two irradiated NPC survivors and five fresh NPC patients were subjected to VEMP testing, which is evoked by short-tone burst (95 dBHL, 500 Hz) stimulation. Interactions among VEMPs and radiation effects, such as radiation dosage, postirradiation interval, radiation-induced otitis media, sensorineural hearing loss, or canal paresis, were then explored. Results. The mean latencies of p13 and n23 in irradiated ears were significantly delayed compared with either pr-irradiated ears or normal control ears. Delayed VEMPs represented 50% in ears with a mean radiation dosage of 71 Gy, whereas it represented 100% in those with a mean radiation dosage of 123 Gy. Ears with radiation otitis media revealed higher occurrence (65%) of delayed VEMPs than those without radiation otitis media (29%, p < .05), possibly because of radiation sequela affecting the brainstem and neck. However, delayed VEMPs were unrelated to sensorineural hearing loss or canal paresis caused by irradiation. Conclusions. Delayed VEMPs in NPC survivors are possibly due to radiation-induced otitis media, a brainstem lesion, or neck fibrosis. Hence, VEMP testing may expand the test battery for clinicians to explore balance problems in NPC survivors after irradiation. ? 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SDGs
Other Subjects
adult; aged; article; cancer radiotherapy; clinical article; evoked response; female; human; male; nasopharynx carcinoma; otitis media; perception deafness; priority journal; radiation dose; radiation response; Adult; Aged; Carcinoma; Case-Control Studies; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; Evoked Potentials, Auditory; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Otitis Media; Radiotherapy; Radiotherapy Dosage; Survivors; Vestibule
Type
journal article