Normative Parameters of Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential and Video Head Impulse Testing in Children

Background: Despite growing access to pediatric vestibular testing, normative age-specific data remain scarce and inconsistent. Establishing reference values is crucial for distinguishing normal developmental variation from true vestibular dysfunction Aim of the study: to determine normative reference values for video head impulse testing (vHIT), ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (oVEMP), and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP) in developing children for further vestibular examination. Methods: Thirty children aged 5–17 years with normal hearing sensitivity underwent vestibular evaluation. Testing included c and o VEMPs using 500-Hz tone burst stimuli at 95 dBnHL. The analyzed parameters were amplitudes, latencies, and asymmetric ratios. Lateral semicircular canal function was assessed using vHIT to obtain vestibulo-ocular reflex gain. Results: cVEMP: the mean corrected P1–N1 amplitude was 0.79 ± 0.48 μV, with mean P1 and N1 latencies of 18.01 ± 4.38 ms and 24.71 ± 4.80 ms, respectively. Mean AR was 16.73 ± 16.68%. oVEMP: the mean N1–P1 amplitude was 9.98 ± 8.32 μV, with mean N1 and P1 latencies of 12.31 ± 1.88 ms and 17.55 ± 1.69 ms. The mean AR was 18.94 ± 14.87%. vHIT: the mean lateral canal VOR gain was 0.97 ± 0.12. All values were within normal ranges and consistent with previous studies. Conclusion: This study establishes normative cVEMP, oVEMP, and lateral canal vHIT values for children aged 5–17, showing that reliable vestibular recordings are achievable using child-friendly protocols and appropriate methods. These normative data enhance diagnostic accuracy, support early detection of vestibular dysfunction, and promote standardized pediatric vestibular assessment.