Ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP) responses are recorded from which muscle, following stimulation of which side?
- A Ipsilateral sternocleidomastoid, stimulated ear down
- B Ipsilateral superior rectus, recorded during upward gaze
- C Contralateral inferior oblique, with surface electrodes beneath the eye opposite the stimulated ear ✓
- D Bilateral orbicularis oculi simultaneously
Correct answer: C. Contralateral inferior oblique, with surface electrodes beneath the eye opposite the stimulated ear
Explanation
The oVEMP pathway runs from the utricle via the superior vestibular nerve, crosses through the medial longitudinal fasciculus, and activates the contralateral inferior oblique, so the first negative peak N1 is recorded under the eye opposite the stimulated ear. This contrasts with cVEMP, which records an inhibitory potential from the ipsilateral sternocleidomastoid via the saccule and inferior vestibular nerve, making option A the tempting distractor.
Reference: Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery, 7th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.