A Clinical Framework for Video Head Impulse Testing and Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential Assessments in Primary School-Aged Children

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to offer normative data and age trends of an age-appropriate vestibular test protocol in a large group (n = 140) of school-aged children (6 to 13 years old) as well as to provide a practical and clinical framework for accurate performance and interpretation of vestibular test results in this specific age group. Design: The typically developing participants (mean age of 9.51 ± 2.04 years) were recruited to provide a representative group of 20 children for each of the seven age groups that were composed of children aged from 6 to 13 years in 1-year intervals. Each age group consisted of 10 boys and 10 girls. The protocol comprises the video head impulse test, and cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential assessments to provide a child-friendly, noninvasive, short, and portable test battery, which is equally applicable in the hospital and office-practice, and which provides information on the integrity of all five parts of the peripheral vestibular system. Results: The study demonstrates that all included tests and methods, with an overall test duration of 25 min 12 sec ± 5 min 10 sec, were feasible to perform in primary school-aged children, taking into account some practical adaptations. Concerning the video head impulse test, no clinically relevant sex and age effects were noted. However, t tests revealed significant differences for the mean gain of the horizontal (right > left; t[139] = 14.563; p < 0.001) and posterior semicircular canals (left > right; t[139] = −4.823; p < 0.001) between both sides. For the cVEMP assessment, no laterality differences were observed for any of the parameters, but a significantly shorter N1 latencies in the youngest age categories (<8 years), compared with the oldest groups were observed [F(6,118) = 8.336; p < 0.001; partial ƞ² = 0.298]. For all oVEMP parameters, no laterality, sex, or age differences were seen. On the basis of the presented normative data, cutoff criteria were proposed with accompanying clinical recommendations to perform vestibular function testing in this target population. Conclusions: This is the first study in a large group of school-aged children offering normative data and age trends of an age-appropriate vestibular test protocol that evaluates the integrity of all parts of the peripheral vestibular organ. The reported normative values and clinical cutoff values will enable appropriate and age-specific interpretation of clinical and scientific results. Moreover, in combination with extensive history taking, and additional vestibular testing (e.g., rotatory chair test, caloric testing) when needed, the results of this study may support clinicians in the diagnosis of side-specific and location-specific vestibular deficits, which is required for accurate counseling and referral for further follow-up and/or intervention.