Vestibular disorders: cervical VEMP: practice question

A ENT question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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ENT · Vestibular disorders: cervical VEMP

Sample item

Which test evaluates saccular function and the inferior vestibular nerve by recording an inhibitory response from the sternocleidomastoid muscle after loud clicks?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential

The cervical VEMP is a sound-evoked inhibitory potential from the ipsilateral sternocleidomastoid that reflects the sacculo-collic reflex pathway. Ocular VEMP tests the utricle and superior vestibular nerve. VEMP thresholds are abnormally low in superior canal dehiscence.

Option by option

  • A. Caloric test

    The caloric test assesses the lateral canal and superior vestibular nerve.

  • B. Electrocochleography

    Electrocochleography records cochlear potentials.

  • C. Rotational chair test

    Rotational chair testing assesses bilateral horizontal canal function.

  • D. Cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (correct)

    Correct. It tests the saccule and inferior vestibular nerve.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is D, Cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential. The cervical VEMP is a sound-evoked inhibitory potential from the ipsilateral sternocleidomastoid that reflects the sacculo-collic reflex pathway.

Why is "Caloric test" not the answer?

The caloric test assesses the lateral canal and superior vestibular nerve.

Why is "Electrocochleography" not the answer?

Electrocochleography records cochlear potentials.

Why is "Rotational chair test" not the answer?

Rotational chair testing assesses bilateral horizontal canal function.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Vestibular disorders: cervical VEMP in ENT. Ocular VEMP tests the utricle and superior vestibular nerve. VEMP thresholds are abnormally low in superior canal dehiscence.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Vestibular disorders: cervical VEMP?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.