Examination of Utricular Response Using oVEMP and Unilateral Centrifugation Rotation Testing.
Christopher K Zalewski, R Steven Ackley, Devin L McCaslin and 3 others
PMID 29432406WHAT IT FOUND
In 47 healthy adults, oVEMP amplitude did not track rotation test measures of utricular sensitivity.
A larger oVEMP response was not shown to mean stronger utricular sensitivity.
Key findings
01All 47 analyzed participants produced a measurable oVEMP response, with amplitudes from 1.42 to 37.30 microvolts.
02oVEMP amplitude did not match the OCR-GIA slope.
03SVV tilt did not match oVEMP amplitude or the OCR-GIA slope.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
Only 47 healthy adults were analyzed, and the mean age was 27.19 years, so the results may not apply to older adults or patients. Reliable ocular counterroll was obtained from at least one eye in only 27 participants during right eccentric rotation and 20 during left eccentric rotation. No a priori power analysis was performed, and large inter-subject variance may require a larger sample. The study did not test balance-disordered patients, despite the goal of designing a tolerable paradigm for them. The OCR-GIA slope relied on a small GIA constant of 12.14 degrees, which produced a diminutive ocular counterroll and was technically difficult to measure.
Declared interests
Named authors reported no disclosures. Dr. Ackley is deceased, and disclosures were not included for that author. The article is listed as supported by NIH intramural and U.S. government non-PHS funding.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read a larger oVEMP amplitude as proof of stronger utricular function. In these 47 healthy adults, oVEMP amplitude did not correlate with the OCR-GIA slope, and the rotational measure was often technically difficult to obtain.