Assessment Protocol and Reference Values of Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR) Gain in the Horizontal Plane Recorded with Video-Head Impulse Test (VHIT) in a Pediatric Population

Abstract

Purpose: To develop an assessment protocol and establish reference values of vestibulo-ocular reflex gain of the horizontal semicircular canal obtained with vHIT in a pediatric population without vestibular changes. Methods: Quantitative, non-experimental, analytical study with a non-probabilistic convenience sample. A total of 39 subjects aged 5 to 17 years were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: The mean gain obtained of the horizontal right semicircular canal was 0.93 and of the left one, 1.08, with statistically significant differences between the ears. There were no statistically significant differences between the 5-to-10-year and 11-to-17-year subgroups. Conclusion: The vestibulo-ocular reflex gain in children neared the values found in the international scientific literature and the adult population. The protocol developed can guide beginning professionals in the otoneurological evaluation of children.