Assessment of vestibular findings in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) test findings in order to determine the possible effect on the vestibular reflex arc due to hypoxia in patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and to determine the scores of the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Method: Forty patients aged between 18 and 60 years, who had undergone polysomgraphy for snoring / sleep apnea complaints were included in the study. The control group consisted of 20 people and the moderate and severe OSAS group consisted of 20 people. The study included individuals who had no audiological, vestibular, systemic disease and ototoxic/vestibulotoxic drug use. All subjects were evaluated with cVEMP and oVEMP tests, ABC scale and BBS. Results: The mean age of 40 individuals in the study was; 42,35 ± 7,23 (30 - 56) of the control group and 46,35 ± 7,12 (36 - 59) of the OSAS group. Of 20 patients with OSAS, 14 were male (70%), 6 were female (30%), Control group included 20 patients, 10 males (50%) and 10 females (50%), respectively. In the control group, cVEMP and oVEMP thresholds were obtained in all individuals (100%). In the OSAS group, cVEMP response from 20 subjects (40 ears) was obtained in 65% (26 ears) and oVEMP response was obtained in 62.5% (25 ears). There was no significant difference in terms of P13-N23 latencies of cVEMP, N1,P1 latencies of oVEMP, interaural latencies and amplitude asymmetry ratio (p>0,05). P13-N23 amplitudes of cVEMP and N1 and P1amplitudes of oVEMP were significantly lower in the OSAS group (p <0,001). When ABC and BBS scores were examined; There was a statistically significant decrease in the OSAS group compared to the control group (p <0,05). Conclusion: In patients with moderate and severe OSAS, vestibular function may be affected due to hypoxia. Key words: Hypoxia, OSAS, vestibular reflex arc, cVEMP, oVEMP, ABC Scale, Berg Balance Scale