Profiling vestibular evoked myogenic potentials findings in cerebellar disorders

Abstract

Cerebellar dizziness is a common clinical sign in patients with cerebellar dysfunction with several multifaceted consequences in the life of an individual. The clinical diagnosis of this type of dizziness is delayed or overlooked as its frequency is underestimated. Inaccurate examination of the vestibular or ocular motor systems contributes to this effect. However, with expansion of use of ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (oVEMPs) in the diagnosis of central disorders, makes it an important tool used in routine practice. The present study shows that oVEMP is majorly affected in various cerebellar disorders, making it a sensitive test to be used in suspected patients. Based on the vestibular evoked myogenic potential results and complete audiological profile in the patients with cerebellar demyelination and cerebellar atrophy, medical team was able to arrive at a diagnosis when the radiological findings were inconclusive. This study shows that oVEMPs are neurological responses, sensitive to cerebellar dysfunction.