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. 2025 Sep 17;10(5):e70253.
doi: 10.1002/lio2.70253. eCollection 2025 Oct.

Evaluation of Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials in Different Dynamic Equilibrium Conditions

Nihal Evran  1 , Gulcin Hancer Arslan  2 , Murat Arslan  3   4 , Selis Gulseven Guven  4   5 , Ahmet Koder  5 , Erdogan Bulut  3   4   6
Affiliations

Evaluation of Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials in Different Dynamic Equilibrium Conditions

Nihal Evran et al. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. .

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate balance system modifications under different conditions using cervical Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (c-VEMP) testing. Specifically, we examined vestibular compensation mechanisms in various dynamic balance positions through evoked potential analysis.

Methods: The study conducted c-VEMP test repetitions on 45 healthy subjects under different conditions. Participants underwent comprehensive otoscopic examination and hearing and balance assessments, with only those demonstrating normal hearing included in the analysis. c-VEMP testing was performed under three distinct conditions: condition 1 (standing on a flat surface with eyes open), condition 2 (standing on a flat surface with eyes closed), and condition 3 (standing on a FoamPad with eyes open). The analysis evaluated P1-N1 latencies and amplitudes in c-VEMP responses, with subsequent statistical analysis of the collected data.

Results: Analysis revealed statistically significant differences in P1-N1 amplitudes and latencies in left ears when comparing conditions 1 and 2 (p < 0.01). Right ears demonstrated significant differences only in amplitudes between conditions 1 and 2 (p < 0.01). Comparison of conditions 2 and 3 yielded statistically significant differences in P1-N1 amplitudes and latencies for left ears (p < 0.01), while right ears showed significant differences in amplitudes and N1 latency only (p < 0.01). No significant differences were observed in either ear when comparing conditions 1 and 3 (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that while the vestibular system is fundamental, visual input plays a more substantial role in balance maintenance compared to proprioceptive input.

Level of evidence: 3.

Keywords: evoked potential; postural balance; proprioception; vestibular evoked myogenic potential; vestibular system.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Representative c‐VEMP waveform/diagram of an individual in three different dynamic equilibrium conditions (written permission was obtained from the individual for the diagram).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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