VEMP
Pronunciation: vee-emp
Also written as: VEMP — Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential
An objective electrophysiological test measuring the myogenic response of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (cVEMP) or extraocular muscles (oVEMP) to high-intensity sound, used to assess otolith organ function.
Full Definition
Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMPs) are short-latency electromyographic responses elicited by high-intensity auditory or vibratory stimuli, used clinically to evaluate the integrity of the otolith organs and their neural pathways. The cervical VEMP (cVEMP) assesses saccular function via the inferior vestibular nerve, recorded from the contracted sternocleidomastoid muscle, while the ocular VEMP (oVEMP) evaluates utricular function via the superior vestibular nerve, recorded from the inferior oblique muscle. VEMPs are used in the diagnosis of superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD), vestibular neuritis, and Ménière's disease, among other conditions. Editors should distinguish cVEMP from oVEMP and ensure the correct anatomical correlates are attributed to each subtype.
Usage
Usage note: Expand on first use. Specify cVEMP or oVEMP when the subtype is relevant to the clinical context. Do not conflate with ABR or other auditory evoked potentials—VEMPs assess vestibular, not auditory, pathways.
In Context
- "Cervical VEMP (cVEMP) testing revealed absent responses bilaterally, suggesting bilateral saccular dysfunction." — Vestibular assessment report
- "The author wrote 'VEMP' without specifying the subtype; the editor requested clarification as to whether cVEMP or oVEMP was performed." — Manuscript editing query