Vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials after superior semicircular canal obliteration.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) characteristics in patients with superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS) after surgical plugging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five surgical plugging of SCD were performed on 4 patients presenting uni- or bilateral SCD. VEMPs were recorded before and after surgery. RESULTS: Postoperative VEMP testing revealed in all cases a normalization of the response on the operated side. DISCUSSION: Patients with SCDS typically have VEMPs with pathologically low thresholds and large amplitude potentials. VEMPs represent a screening investigation for SSCD and a valuable tool in the postoperative follow-up to confirm the successful repair of the dehiscence. In bilateral SSCD cases, VEMPs help to localize the worst side which is operated first. CONCLUSION: VEMPs are essential in both preoperative planning and postoperative monitoring of patients with SCDS.