Simple Neck Test Helps Find Brainstem Issues in MS

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Key Takeaway

A simple neck muscle test called cVEMP can often detect brainstem changes in people with relapsing‑remitting MS and may help doctors spot balance and nerve pathway problems earlier.

What They Found

Researchers compared 32 people with relapsing‑remitting MS to 32 healthy people using a test called cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP), which measures how the ear and brainstem cause neck muscles to react to sound. The MS group often showed slower responses (longer times called latencies) on both left and right sides, meaning signals took longer to travel through the brainstem pathways. Some MS ears (about 8% of total ears tested) showed no response at all, which can mean more serious pathway damage. Overall, when using cVEMP to look for brainstem involvement in MS, the test correctly identified about 70% of people who had problems (this is called sensitivity). The authors suggest cVEMP could be a useful extra test alongside MRI and clinical exams to better understand balance and brainstem-related symptoms in MS.

Who Should Care and Why

People with relapsing‑remitting MS and their caregivers should care because cVEMP can give a simple, noninvasive clue about brainstem function that relates to balance, dizziness, and neck reflexes — common problems in MS. Think of cVEMP like a traffic light test for nerve signals: if the light is delayed or doesn’t turn on, it tells doctors where the traffic (nerve signals) might be slowed or blocked. Neurologists and rehab therapists can use this information to tailor treatments, such as balance training, physical therapy, or closer monitoring, earlier than waiting for symptoms or MRI changes alone. Caregivers may find it helpful because the test is quick and can explain why a person with MS feels off‑balance even if their MRI looks similar to before. People who have unexplained dizziness, falls, or neck-related symptoms may benefit most from asking their doctor about cVEMP testing.

Important Considerations

This study was fairly small (32 people with MS), so results need confirming in larger groups before we treat them as certain. cVEMP finds many, but not all, brainstem problems (about 70% sensitivity), so a normal test does not rule out MS‑related issues — it’s one piece of the puzzle. The test looks at function (how signals travel) while MRI looks at structure (what the brain looks like); both are useful together but neither alone gives the full picture.

Categories:

MS Diagnostics Specific Symptoms Clinical Trials

Article Topics:

Course of diseaseEvoked potentialsMultiple sclerosisSensitivityVestibular

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or are seeking to broaden your understanding of this complex, neurodegenerative disease, navigating the latest research can feel overwhelming. Studies published in respected medical journals like Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology often range from early-stage, exploratory work to advanced clinical trials. These evidence-based findings help shape new disease-modifying therapies, guide symptom management techniques, and deepen our knowledge of MS progression.

However, not all research is created equal. Some clinical research studies may have smaller sample sizes, evolving methodologies, or limitations that warrant careful interpretation. For a more comprehensive, accurate understanding, we recommend reviewing the original source material—accessible via the More Details section above—and consulting with healthcare professionals who specialize in MS care.

By presenting a wide range of MS-focused studies—spanning cutting-edge treatments, emerging therapies, and established best practices—we aim to empower patients, caregivers, and clinicians to stay informed and make well-informed decisions when managing Multiple Sclerosis.

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