Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in newborns
Journal
Audiology and Neurotology
Journal Volume
12
Journal Issue
1
Pages
59-63
Date Issued
2006
Author(s)
Abstract
This study presents a novel method for recording vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) in newborns, used to investigate the maturation of sacculocollic reflex at birth.Twenty full-term newborns aged 2-5 days old were enrolled in this study. During natural sleep, each newborn underwent distortion product otoacoustic emission test, and VEMP test using the head rotation method. For comparison, 20 healthy adults also underwent VEMP test using the same method. Based on adult criteria, 40 newborn ears revealed normal VEMPs in 40%, prolonged VEMPs in 35%, and absent VEMPs in 25%, indicating that great variation exists in the maturation of the sacculocollic reflex at birth. Comparison of VEMP characteristics between healthy newborns and adults revealed nonsignificant difference in the response rate and the latency of n23. However, significant differences existed in the latency of p13, interpeak p13-n23 interval and p13-n23 amplitude between newborns and adults. In conclusion, VEMPs in newborns can be easily recorded by the head rotation method. Prolonged or absent VEMPs in newborns may reflect incomplete maturity of the sacculocollic reflex pathway, especially the myelination. A further large number of newborns receiving MRI scan for other reasons may undergo VEMP test to verify this hypothesis. Copyright ? 2007 S. Karger AG.
SDGs
Other Subjects
adult; article; comparative study; controlled study; distortion product otoacoustic emission; evoked response; female; head movement; human; human experiment; hypothesis; latent period; male; myelination; newborn; newborn screening; normal human; priority journal; reflex; sacculocollic reflex; statistical significance; vestibular evoked myogenic potential; vestibular system; vestibular test; Acoustic Stimulation; Adult; Electromyography; Evoked Potentials; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Male; Muscle, Skeletal; Neonatal Screening; Vestibular Function Tests
Type
journal article