Objective: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
seems to occur because of otoconia migration into the semicircular
canals or their adherence to the cupula. Although
the origin of these otoconia lies in the macula of the utricle,
vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) can be
used assess saccular function. The aim of this study is to assess
the saccular function in patients diagnosed with BPPV.
Patients and method: Nineteen patients diagnosed with
BPPV of the posterior semicircular canal were included in
this study. Their auditory function and their caloric, rotatory
chair, and VEMP responses were tested. Ipsilateral and
contralateral VEMP thresholds, ipsilateral and contralateral
p13 and n23 latencies at 100 dB, inter-peak amplitude and
the interaural amplitude difference were determined.
Results: We found a lack of VEMP response in 52 % of the
ears with BPPV. When adjusted for bilateral absence, VEMP
response was absent in 20.3 % of ears.
Conclusions: Some patients with idiopathic BPPV show a
degree of saccular dysfunction