The role of Vestibular Evoked Potentials in multiple sclerosis-related vertigo

Evoked Potentials use in MS diagnosis and monitoring has declined significantly following the availability of MRI scans. This review aims to re-evaluate this role in MS-related vertigo.

Vertigo is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis that can be caused by a central or peripheral involvement of the vestibular pathways. MRI is commonly used to evaluate progression of MS but is not sensitive enough to detect small lesions. Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) are commonly used to evaluate function of vestibular-cochlear pathways.

It concluded that VEMPs may detect very small lesions in the vestibular pathways and can have a role in the diagnosis of MS-related vertigo and in the monitoring of vertigo in MS patients as a tool additional to traditional MRI.

Time to re-consider Vestibular EP?