The ocular VEMP (oVEMP) test primarily assesses which structure of the peripheral vestibular system?

• A Posterior semicircular canal via superior vestibular nerve
• B Utricle via superior vestibular nerve ✓
• C Saccule via inferior vestibular nerve
• D Horizontal semicircular canal via superior vestibular nerve

Explanation

The oVEMP (ocular VEMP) tests utricular function: sound or vibration stimulates the utricle, whose signals are transmitted via the superior vestibular nerve through the utriculoocular reflex to the contralateral inferior oblique muscle (measured as an excitatory response under the contralateral eye). This contrasts with cVEMP which tests saccular function via the inferior vestibular nerve. Therefore, oVEMP and cVEMP together can differentially assess the two vestibular otolith organs and help localize lesions to specific branches of the vestibular nerve.

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.