Effect of stimulation repetition rate on galvanic-evoked vestibulo-collic reflexes

Acta Otolaryngol. 2005 Feb;125(2):159-62. doi: 10.1080/00016480410017512-1.

Abstract

Conclusion: Taking examination time and patient compliance into consideration, we propose that 5 Hz is the optimal stimulation rate of galvanic vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials for clinical use.

Objectives: To evaluate the influence of stimulation repetition rate on galvanic-evoked vestibulo-collic reflexes and to propose the optimal stimulation rate for clinical use.

Material and methods: Both ears of 30 healthy adults were tested at 5 different galvanic stimulation rates (1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 Hz) in a random order.

Results: Responses were evident in all 60 ears only at 5 Hz; some ears showed no response at the other frequencies. The relative amplitudes in individual ears were higher at 1, 3 and 5 Hz than at 7 and 9 Hz. Comparison of the latencies of p13g and n23g showed no significant difference among the five stimulation rates.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Electromyography / instrumentation
  • Female
  • Galvanic Skin Response / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscle, Skeletal / innervation
  • Reflex, Vestibulo-Ocular / physiology*
  • Vestibule, Labyrinth / physiology