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Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP) Testing

What is VEMP testing?

A Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential test, or VEMP test, is an inner ear test. It helps check how parts of your balance system are working.

During the test, you may hear brief loud sounds or feel gentle vibration. Small sticky sensors are placed on your skin. These sensors measure tiny muscle responses in your neck or near your eyes.

There are two common types of VEMP tests:

  • cVEMP checks muscle responses in the neck.
  • oVEMP checks muscle responses near the eyes.

These tests can help your provider better understand why you may feel dizzy, off-balance, or unsteady.

An example of a VEMP test

Why Am I Having This Test?

You may have a VEMP test to:

  • Check parts of your inner ear that help with balance
  • See how signals travel from your inner ear to certain muscles
  • Add more information to other tests, like VNG or head impulse testing
  • Look for signs of some inner ear problems
  • Help your provider understand dizziness, falls, or feeling unsteady

VEMP testing may help your provider look for patterns seen with conditions such as Superior Canal Dehiscence, Ménière’s Disease, or Vestibular Neuritis.

Is a VEMP Test Safe?

Yes. A VEMP test is non-invasive and is commonly used in balance clinics.

Most people do well with the test. Some people may feel:

  • Mild dizziness
  • Mild nausea
  • Neck or eye muscle tiredness
  • Temporary ringing in the ears
  • Temporary sound sensitivity

Serious problems are uncommon when the test is done with safe sound levels and proper testing steps.

You can always tell your provider how you are feeling during the test. You can also ask to:

  • Take a break
  • Stop the test if needed

Before Your Appointment

Your provider may ask you to:

  •  Pause any dizziness medicines
  •  Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before testing
  • Avoid caffeine on the day of the test
  •  Eat a light meal before the test
  • Tell them if you have neck pain, a neck injury, or trouble holding your head up
  • Wear comfortable clothing
  • Remove makeup and contact lenses

Do not stop any medicine unless your provider tells you to.

What to Bring

  • Photo ID
  • Insurance card
  • List of your medicines or your medicine bottles
  • Glasses or hearing aids, if you use them
  • Someone to drive you home, if needed

Should I Bring a Ride? 

You may need a ride home if testing makes you feel dizzy, nauseated, or unsafe to drive. Ask your provider before the appointment if you should plan for a ride.

Questions You May Want To Ask Before Your Appointment:

  • Am I having cVEMP, oVEMP, or both?
  • Will the sounds be loud?
  • How will my hearing be protected?
  • Should I stop any medicines before the test?
  • Should I avoid caffeine or alcohol?
  • How long will the VEMP test take?
  • When will I get my results?
  • What are the next steps after testing?

These questions can help you gain a better understanding of the test and its potential outcomes.

What Happens During the Test?

  • Small sticky sensors will be placed on your skin. These may be placed on your forehead, neck, or under your eyes.
  • You may wear earphones or small ear inserts. You will hear a series of loud clicks or tones. You may also feel gentle vibration.
  • For a cVEMP test, you may be asked to lift or turn your head to tighten your neck muscles.
  • For an oVEMP test, you may be asked to look upward.
  • You can take short breaks if your muscles get tired.
  • The test usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on what is being tested.
This video explains and shows how a VEMP test works

How Might I Feel During the Test?

  • Startled by the loud sounds
  •  A little dizzy or “off”
  • Mild neck tiredness or soreness
  • Eye tiredness
  • Mild nausea

These symptoms are usually short-term. Tell your provider if you feel uncomfortable.

After the Test

How Will I Feel?

Most people feel normal right away.

Some people may feel:

  • A little tired
  • Mildly dizzy
  • Mildly nauseated
  • Mild neck soreness
  • Brief ringing in the ears

These feelings usually go away quickly.

What Should I Do?

Most people can return to normal activities the same day.

If you feel dizzy, nauseated, or tired:

  • Rest for a little while
  • Drink water
  • Avoid driving until you feel steady

If your neck feels sore, gentle movement and rest may help.

When Will I Get Results?

Sometimes your provider can give you a general idea right away. Often, VEMP results need to be reviewed first.

Your results are usually discussed along with your symptoms and other balance test results.

Ask your provider when and how you will get your results.

When Should I Call My Provider?

Call your provider if you have:

  • Severe dizziness that does not improve
  • Vomiting that will not stop
  • New or worse hearing loss
  • Severe ear pain
  • Ear drainage
  • Fainting or feeling like you may pass out
  • Severe headache
  • Weakness, numbness, confusion, chest pain, or trouble speaking

Call 911 for stroke-like symptoms, chest pain, or trouble speaking.

Key Points To Remember 

  • A VEMP test checks certain inner-ear balance organs and nerve pathways.
  • The test uses sticky sensors and brief loud sounds or vibration.
  • The test is non-invasive and commonly used in balance clinics.
  • Some people feel mild dizziness, nausea, or muscle tiredness for a short time.
  • Follow your clinic’s instructions about medicines, caffeine, and alcohol.
  • Do not stop medicine unless your provider tells you to.
  • Ask when you will get your results and what the next steps are.

Additional Resources