Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials In The Advanced Boxers

Background: Head trauma may result in many kinds of otoneurologic disorders. However, there are very few studies associated with the evaluation of the disorder. Research question: The aim of the study is to clarify the effects of long-term impact to the head in advanced boxers regarding vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP). Type of study: Prospective study. Material and methods: VEMPs were collected from 14 advanced boxers (13 M, 1 F, aged 16-28 years). The otoscopic findings, audiograms and caloric test were recorded. The VEMP responses of strong side (right for right-handed) and weak side were compared to each other and to the healthy volunteers. Results: The 14 enrolled subjects had been engaged in the sport of boxing for 4 to 15 years (median: 8.9 years). In comparison with the control group, the results of the caloric test of the subjects were not significantly different (p>0.05). The VEMP responses in boxers showed significant delay of p13 and n23 latencies in both strong side and weak sides in comparison with healthy volunteers (p<0.05). Moreover, the p13 and n23 latencies of VEMP responses showed significant delay over strong side as compared with the weak side (p<0.05). Conclusion: VEMP responses were significantly affected by chronic head trauma in the boxers. Furthermore, p13 and n23 latencies of VEMP responses of strong side showed significant delay compared with those of the weak side.