A vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) may be ordered as a diagnostic test when you have certain symptoms of dizziness.
While dizziness is common, there are many things that can cause it, and sometimes finding the cause can be challenging. Sometimes dizziness is related to problems in the inner ear.
The inner ear has two portions: the balance system (vestibular system), and the hearing system (cochlea).
The VEMP is a computerized test used to measure portions of the vestibular system that may be related to your dizziness.
No preparation is required for this test, except that you may want to avoid wearing turtlenecks or tighter clothing around the neck area, because flat electrodes (or wires) will be taped to your shoulders, forehead, and neck.
These electrodes will measure the response of the vestibular system when loud sounds are presented to your ears through small earplugs.
During the test, you will be lying flat or sitting upright on an exam table. You will hear loud sounds through earplugs, and when you hear the sound, you will be asked to raise or turn your head sharply in one direction for about 45 seconds. You may feel a slight strain in the muscles on your neck during the testing, but there is no real discomfort.
If you have severe neck problems that may prevent you from performing the test, please make the audiologist aware. After testing you are free to return to your daily activities.