Vestibular evoked myogenic potential in congenitally blind patients versus normal subjects

Conventional balance tests such as electronystagmography and videonystagmography, which are vision-dependant, are not practical in blind patients. Instead, vestibular evoked myogenic potential, not needing any vision, seems to be a more appropriate test for evaluating the vestibular system, in these patients. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and the latencies of p13 and n23 waves among congenitally blind and sighted participants evaluated by vestibular evoked myogenic potential. In a cross-sectional study, vestibular evoked myogenic potential was recorded for 20 sighted and 20 congenitally blind subjects, aged 18 to 30 years old, using 500 Hz-tone bursts (95 dBnHL). Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials responses were present in all (100%) of the participants. Considering the results of the both ears, there was no significant difference between mean p13 and n23 latencies of the two groups (p>0.05). Formation of vestibular evoked myogenic potentials reflex arc and neural pathway in congenitally blind patients is similar to sighted individuals; hence, the development of this pathway is independent of the visual system. Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials test is a useful test to assess vestibular function of the blinds.