Advanced Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP) Screening and Testing System

项目描述（申请人提供）：该项目的目的是开发一种先进的前庭诱发肌源性电位（VEMP）筛查和测试设备。VEMP测试已被认为是球囊、耳石的一部分、前庭下神经或球囊的其他中枢连接的功能完整性的间接测量。VEMP目前是使用标准听觉诱发电位（AEP）系统获取的，该系统不能对记录一致和有效的VEMP响应所需的背景EMG活动提供足够的控制。所提出的系统将作为SmartEP中的VEMP特定模块提供，SmartEP是智能听力系统制造的AEP系统，集成了听力和前庭评估，或者作为紧凑的便携式VEMP设备用于前庭筛查，测试，耳毒性监测和其他相关应用。在第一阶段，VEMP模块结合背景肌电图监测和患者反馈与视频显示强化测试儿童的开发和测试。链式刺激和CLAD高刺激率测试技术也成功地应用于VEMP测试。采集和数据分析参数也进行了优化。在II期，将进行一项全面的临床试验，以获得300例受试者的规范性数据。还将开发一种计算机控制的颅骨敲击刺激器和骨振动器头带，以便于使用这些技术进行VEMP测试。拟议的设备将通过标准化VEMP响应的采集对公众健康产生直接影响，VEMP响应在集成测试模块中提供了球囊功能的独特和客观测试。VEMP测试已成为一种重要而有效的程序，检测球囊和前庭下神经的功能完整性。预计使用拟议的VEMP系统将大大提高VEMP测试的临床实用性和数据质量。因此，拟议的工作将通过开发更好的VEMP测试系统对公共卫生产生重大影响。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The purpose of the project is to develop an advanced Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP) screening and testing device. VEMP testing has been recognized as an indirect measure of the functional integrity of the saccule, a portion of the otoliths, the inferior vestibular nerve or other central connections of the saccule. VEMPs are currently acquired using standard Auditory Evoked Potential (AEP) systems which do not provide adequate controls over background EMG activity required to record consistent and valid VEMP responses. The proposed system will be made available either as a VEMP specific module within SmartEP, an AEP system manufactured by Intelligent Hearing Systems, integrating hearing and vestibular assessment, or as a compact portable VEMP device to be used for vestibular screening, testing, ototoxicity monitoring and other related applications. During Phase I, a VEMP module incorporating background EMG monitoring and patient feedback with video display reinforcement for testing children was developed and tested. Chained-Stimuli and CLAD high stimulation rate testing techniques were also successfully applied to VEMP testing. Acquisition and data analysis parameters were also optimized. During Phase II, a comprehensive clinical trial will be conducted to obtain normative data from 300 subjects. A computer controlled skull tap stimulator and bone vibrator headband will also be developed to facilitate VEMP testing using these techniques. The proposed device will have a direct impact on public health by standardizing the acquisition of VEMP responses, which provide a unique and objective test of saccule function, in an integrated testing module. VEMP testing has emerged as an important and valid procedure that detects the functional integrity of the saccule and the inferior vestibular nerve. The use of the proposed VEMP system is expected to greatly improve the clinical utility and data quality of VEMP testing. As such, the proposed work will greatly impact public health by developing better VEMP testing systems.