Assessment of otolith function using cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in individuals with motion sickness

Abstract

The involvement of otolith organs in motion sickness has long been debated; however, equivocal findings exist in literature. The present study thus aimed at evaluating the otolith functioning in individuals with motion sickness. Cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials were recorded from 30 individuals with motion sickness, 30 professional drivers and 30 healthy individuals. The results revealed no significant difference in latencies and amplitudes between the groups (p>0.05). Nonetheless, thresholds were significantly elevated and inter-aural asymmetry ratio significantly higher in motion sickness susceptible group (p < 0.001) for both the potentials. All the individuals in the motion sickness group had high asymmetry ratio at least on one of the two potentials. Thus, reduced response and/or asymmetric otolithic function seem the likely reasons behind motion sickness susceptibility.

Abstract

Practitioner Summary: Motion sickness is among the most rampant conditions affecting travellers across the globe. Otolith abnormality has been floated as a possible pathologic factor for motion sickness but has not been authenticated as yet. This study explores otolith functionality in individuals with motion sickness in order to evaluate this theory.

Keywords::

• motion sickness
• otolith
• cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential
• ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential

Acknowledgements

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the director of our institute and head of the Department of Audiology for granting permission to carry out the study. We would also like to thank all the participants for participation and kind cooperation during the course of the study.

Conflict of interest

Authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This research work was not funded by any government or non-government agency.