| Institution: | 1. Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China;2. Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, National Health Commission/Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, China;1. German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Grosshadern Medical Center, University of Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany;2. Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, University of Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany;3. Institute of Clinical Radiology, Grosshadern Medical Center, University of Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany;1. Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy;2. Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Italy;3. Sobell Department of Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK;1. Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Italy;2. Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy |
| Abstract: | ObjectiveTo evaluate the diagnostic value of vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) in the assessment of brainstem function integrity in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).MethodsThis was a prospective case-control study including 30 definite or probable ALS patients divided into two groups (with or without brainstem involvement) and 30 healthy controls. Cervical (c-), masseter (m-) and ocular VEMP (o-VEMP) measurements were obtained for all the participants.ResultsThe c-VEMP mean p13 and n23 were significantly prolonged in the ALS patients. The interside peak differences in p13 and n23 of c-VEMP and in n10 and p15 of o-VEMP were significantly prolonged. The rates of alteration in c-VEMP, m-VEMP and o-VEMP in the ALS patients were 67%, 40%, and 45%, respectively. The ALS patients with brainstem involvement had a significantly higher percentage of VEMP abnormalities than did those without brainstem involvement (p = 0.027).Conclusionsc-VEMP is a sensitive tool to detect lower levels of brainstem involvement. Impairments in o-VEMP and m-VEMP indicate involvement of the upper brainstem. The use of combined VEMPs may provide useful insights into the pathophysiological mechanism of ALS.SignificanceVEMPs may be useful in the evaluation of brainstem dysfunction in ALS patients. |
