EVS as a diagnostic for vestibular dysfunction
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Electrical Vestibular Stimulation as a test for peripheral vestibular dysfunction
IRAS ID
331453
Contact name
Raymond Reynolds
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Caloric irrigation is the most commonly used test of vestibular function but suffers practical limitations due to its invasive nature and numerous health contraindications. We have developed a more convenient and well-tolerated non-invasive test which measures the ocular torsion response to Electrical Vestibular Stimulation (EVS). This is a simple seated test in which the eye movement response to small current applied to the mastoid processes is measured in darkness using an infrared camera. We have established the proof of principle that EVS can detect vestibular paresis and that it compares well to caloric irrigation in its ability to diagnose vestibular asymmetry. In this project we will perform a direct comparison of EVS, caloric irrigation, Vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPS) and the video Head Impulse Test (vHIT), a more recently developed test of peripheral vestibular function, in the following patient groups: Vestibular Schwannoma (VS), Ménière’s disease, and patients with suspected but undiagnosed peripheral vestibular disorders. VS presents a relatively well-defined peripheral vestibular dysfunction which will enable us to validate EVS against the other tests. Ménière’s disease is often difficult to diagnose, and EVS will offer useful additional diagnostic information not offered by Caloric, VEMPs or vHIT. The ultimate goal is to use EVS to inform diagnosis, which is why we will also test patients pre-diagnosis. Test results will be dichotomised into normal versus pathological for all three tests, and then statistically compared to determine parity among tests. This project will allow us to demonstrate parity between EVS and Calorics/VEMPs/vHIT as well as aiding differential diagnosis. Ultimately, EVS has the potential to provide a faster, cheaper and less invasive diagnostic than existing tests
REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/PR/0886
Date of REC Opinion
7 Nov 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion