Vestibular Evoked Potentials in Man: An Overview

Abstract

Evoked potentials (EPs) have been used to detect auditory, visual, and somatosensory dysfunction. Evoked potentials are recorded by averaging an optimal number of responses (that are time-locked) to the same number of appropriate stimuli. Adequate stimulus levels and “minimal” response latency are necessary for recording evoked potentials. Vestibular evoked potentials have received considerably less attention because of (1) the difficulty in providing appropriate stimuli, (2) the relatively long latency of vestibular responses, and (3) the adaptation of the vestibular system to repeated stimulation. Technological advances have made it possible to provide accurate stimuli by use of computer-controlled rotating chairs and computer-averaging procedures.