The vestibular labyrinth consists of ? ve compartments: the lateral, anterior, and posterior semicircular canals, the utricule, and the saccule. At the beginning of the twentieth century, Robert Bárány proposed the caloric test as a clinical test of the lateral semicircular canal. This test enabled clinicians to assess the individual lateral semicircular canal function easily by using the simple method of irrigating the external ear canal with cold or warm water and observing the induced nyst- mus. We believe that the caloric test was a breakthrough in the ? eld of vestibular research. However, as far as the other compartments were concerned, there was no simple clinical test equal to the caloric test for the lateral semicircular canal function. At the end of the twentieth century, the vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) test was proposed as a new method for assessing the individual saccule function. This test has some unique attributes. First, it uses sound stimulation, even though it is a test of the vestibular system. This appears to be a contradiction n- rophysiologically. As a result, in its early stages there were controversies conce- ing the origin of the responses. However, such controversies have been overcome by basic neurophysiological studies and clinical studies. Above all, sound sensit- ity of the saccular afferents shown in cats and guinea pigs with single-unit recording methods became the main supporting evidence. Nowadays, VEMP is one of the routine clinical tests for balance disorder.

"It is uncertain whether clinically useful information of otolith function can be well characterized by vestibular-evoked-myogenic-potentials (VEMPs), i.e., electromyogenic activity recorded from sternomastoid muscles in response to brief loud auditory clicks. We aimed to assess the utility of VEMP testing in the differential diagnosis of dizziness (81 dizzy patients, 12 normals). We found that: (1) VEMP was reliably elicited from all controls and from 96% of patients without loss of vestibular function; (2) in patients with documented unilateral peripheral vestibular disorders, VEMP could reveal loss of otolith function that usefully facilitated diagnoses; and (3) such otolith function loss was independent of canal function loss revealed by caloric testing. We conclude that the VEMP-test is clinically useful to assess vestibular (otolith and/or inferior vestibular nerve) function, providing information complementary to that obtained from caloric testing (horizontal semicircular canal and/or superior vestibular nerve function)." --

Written by experts with extensive clinical and scientific experience, this comprehensive textbook presents the state of the art in auditory evoked potentials. Opening chapters explain the nature of electrical fields that generate surface recorded potentials, summarize the imaging modalities that complement evoked potential studies, and review acoustics and instrumentation. Major sections examine the anatomy and physiology of the auditory periphery, brainstem, and cortex and the principles and clinical applications of auditory, myogenic, visual, somatosensory, and vestibular evoked potentials. Chapters present hands-on laboratory exercises and clinical case studies. A full-color insert includes 3D images from multi-channel evoked potentials and functional imaging.

This text reviews the current understanding of vestibular anatomy allowing for a framework of reference, and how it's applied to vestibular testing, diagnosis and management of dizziness. Vestibular testing is an important tool in the evaluation and management of the patient with dizziness. It aids in establishing a diagnosis and determining the side or site of the lesion. In addition, it guides practitioners in selection of treatment and allows the ability of the patient’s condition to be evaluated over its time course. Common vestibular pathologies such as benign positional vertigo, Meniere’s disease, multisensory imbalance, vestibular neuritis, superior canal dehiscence, and vestibular migraine will be addressed in a concise and understandable manner. The text follows a clear format in which the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic features and medical or surgical management of such pathologies are discussed. The book gains increased importance as superior canal dehiscence and vestibular migraine are relatively new hot topics. Lastly, relatively rare entities such as bilateral vestibular hypofunction, pediatric vestibular disorders and central vestibular disorders are discussed. This text serves as a complete reference for clinicians, students and researchers interested in this common and severe disorder allowing for improved patient care and advancement of knowledge in the field. Chapters are written by acknowledged experts, allowing summary review of the newest and most up-to-date understanding of scientific information. Diagnosis and Treatment of Vestibular Disorders will be an invaluable resource for otolaryngologists, neurologists, otologists and neurotologists, basic science and translational researchers with interests in the vestibular system, fellows and residents in aforementioned fields, and general practitioners with an interest in patients with symptoms of dizziness.

Neuro-Otology: a volume in the Handbook of Clinical Neurology series, provides a comprehensive translational reference on the disorders of the peripheral and central vestibular system. The volume is aimed at serving clinical neurologists who wish to know the most current established information related to dizziness and disequilibrium from a clinical, yet scholarly, perspective. This handbook sets the new standard for comprehensive multi-authored textbooks in the field of neuro-otology. The volume is divided into three sections, including basic aspects, diagnostic and therapeutic management, and neuro-otologic disorders. Internationally acclaimed chapter authors represent a broad spectrum of areas of expertise, chosen for their ability to write clearly and concisely with an eye toward a clinical audience. The Basic Aspects section is brief and covers the material in sufficient depth necessary for understanding later translational and clinical material. The Diagnostic and Therapeutic Management section covers all of the essential topics in the evaluation and treatment of patients with dizziness and disequilibrium. The section on Neuro-otologic Disorders is the largest portion of the volume and addresses every major diagnostic category in the field. - Synthesizes widely dispersed information on the anatomy and physiology of neuro-otologic conditions into one comprehensive resource - Features input from renowned international authors in basic science, otology, and neuroscience - Presents the latest assessment of the techniques needed to diagnose and treat patients with dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance - Provides the reader with an updated, in-depth review of the clinically relevant science and the clinical approach to those disorders of the peripheral and central vestibular system

The second edition of this well-received text is at least 50% larger than its predecessor, with most of the additional pages devoted to clinical diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of common neuro-otologic disorders. Algorithms and tables guide the practitioner confronted with a patient complaining of dizziness or related symptoms. Newer tests are discussed, and the chapter on the evaluation of hearing has been significantly expanded. The highly praised sections on basic neurophysiology reflect the latest research. This edition features 87 new illustrations including tables, diagnostic charts, and MRI and CT scans.

"Vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) are essential in assessing the otolith function in individuals with various vestibular disorders. There are three types of vestibular evoked myogenic potentials: cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, and masseter vestibular evoked myogenic potentials are recorded in various clinical settings. The book Fundamentals of Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials covers all the information related to all three types of VEMPs. The book has eighteen chapters containing information on recording, factors affecting and applications of VEMPs in various vestibular pathologies such as Meniere's disease, Labyrinthitis, BPPV, NIHL, vestibular neuritis, third window syndrome, congenital sensorineural hearing loss, ototoxicity, vestibular Schwannoma and diseases of the central nervous system"--

Auditory neuropathy is gaining more attention as new findings come to light and as hearing screening of newborns has been introduced in many countries in the past decade. A compilation of research topics from around the world, this book provides the latest knowledge on the neuropathy of the auditory and vestibular eighth cranial nerves, with valuable information on pathophysiology and genetics, new subtypes, and recent research on cochlear implants in patients with auditory neuropathy, including children. Among the several major sections of the book, one presents neurological cases and another focuses on historical issues. Covering a wide range of related topics, the book provides a wealth of insights on this disease entity and on auditory and vestibular neuropathy in particular. It is a useful and informative reference for all those interested in and concerned with auditory nerve disease, especially for medical students, researchers, and clinicians.