A New Mouse Model That Determines The Effects Of A Unilateral Vestibular Prosthesis On Vestibular Plasticity.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$455,678.00
Summary
Much like a cochlear implant restores auditory function, a vestibular prosthesis restores balance function. It is not clear whether the limited results from vestibular prostheses is due the device not stimulating one component (the otoliths) of the vestibular system essential for self-repair. We will test mutant mice that lack otoliths to determine the importance of stimulating the otoliths in restoring function. This work will shape the future direction of prosthesis development.
Our vestibular system provides us with the important sense of balance. When it fails we suffer debiltating bouts of vertigo and dizziness. A great deal is known about how balance signals are sent from the inner ear to our brains, but virtually nothing is known about the important signals the brain sends to the inner ear. In this study we will use a new perparation develped in our laboratory to examine how these essential brain signals control the function of our balance organs.
The Vestibulo-collic Reflex In Humans And Its Use In Diagnosis Of Vertigo
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$278,691.00
Summary
This project will investigate the vestibulo-collic reflex (VCR): a head-stabilising reflex of the neck muscles. The VCR plays an important role in human balance, but is not well-understood. A form of the reflex is used to test vestibular (balance) function in patients with dizziness and vertigo, however the accuracy and interpretation of the test as it is currently used is not optimal. This project aims to improve the accuracy of the VCR in the diagnosis of balance disorders.
Ictal Characteristics Of Common Vestibular Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$281,573.00
Summary
vertigo is a disabling symptom affecting 1 million Australians at any given time. Acute vertigo is associated with abnormal eye movements or nystagmus, the pattern of which points to its origin. In this project, we extract the unique characteristics of distinct vertigo syndromes to enable their separation
Mechanisms Underlying Efferent Feedback In The Vestibular System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$491,475.00
Summary
The balance system has a remarkable, but poorly understood capacity for self-repair. An intrinsic feedback mechanism, the Efferent Vestibular System or EVS is thought to play a major role in this self-repair. Surprisingly, we know little about EVS function in animals or humans. We will study the EVS in mice and humans to gain a better understanding of how it works. This information will then drive the design of therapies that improve and restore balance in disease, injury, or ageing.
Development Of Human Sensory Receptors Of The Inner Ear
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$418,281.00
Summary
Normal development of our special sense organs is crucial for sight, taste, hearing, and balance. The balance system mediates important postural and eye reflexes that are essential for movement and vision. Abnormal development of the balance system results in dizziness, vertigo, gait deficits, and impaired learning and reading ability in children. This study will investigate how the organs of balance mature and connect with nerve fibres of the inner ear during human development.