Optimising Balance Function In Vestibular Schwannoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$271,817.00
Summary
This project examines human balance function in subjects with vestibular Schwannoma, a slow growing tumor that presents with hearing loss and imbalance. We will measure inner ear balance function using 2 new non invasive tests called the video head impulse and the vestibular evoked myogenic potential. We will seek test parameters that predict tumor growth, explore reasons for post surgical imbalance, develop and validate home-based rehabilitation methods to optimise balance after surgery.
Optimising And Applying Ocular Vestibulat Evoked Myogenic Potentials (oVEMPs)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$228,931.00
Summary
This project seeks to optimise techniques for a new method of assessing the balance organs (vestibular organs) and then apply these techniques. Three conditions will be studied: vestibular neuritis - a condition causing acute and severe dizziness; Parkinson's disease, in which disorders of balance are common and superior canal dehiscence (SCD) in which there is a hole in the bone overlying one of the semicircular canals, leading to sensitivity to sound.
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.
Comprehensive Clinical Tests Of Vestibular Function To Track Vestibular Compensation And Meniere’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$390,625.00
Summary
This Project will apply new, fast, safe, comprehensive, balance tests we have developed to measure the function of the balance receptors of the inner ear. We will track changes in balance function during disease and recovery in the many, and increasing, number of Australian patients with balance disorders. These tests will give us insight into changes in the inner ear associated with severe attacks of vertigo and why some patients recover so poorly after damage to inner ear balance receptors.
A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Dizziness Interventions Based On A Multidisciplinary Assessment In Older People: Towards The Development Of A Multiple Profile Assessment Of Dizziness – The MPA-D
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$617,656.00
Summary
Dizziness is highly prevalent among older people and often leads to functional disability and psychological distress. However, it is not well understood and is consequently often unresolved, ill-diagnosed, and inappropriately treated. This research will investigate whether a multidisciplinary assessment and intervention can reduce reported dizziness and improve quality of life in older people, to ultimately develop a validated assessment tool for providing a differential diagnosis of dizziness.
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.
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.
The aim of my project grant is to develop a portable electrodiagnostic test to classify balance disorders by compiling a statistically validated database of eye movement patterns associated with specific balance disorders. What is unique about this electrodiagnostic balance disorder test, which distinguishes it from but also complement conventional balance function tests, is its ability not only to show an impairment of balance function, but it can differentiate between balance disorders.
Effects Of Increased Endolymph Volume On Cochlear And Vestibular Function And Morphology Of Inner Ear Tissues
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$313,391.00
Summary
Our recent research suggests that the vertigo attacks associated with enlarged fluid volumes in the inner ear, in diseases such as Ménière's Disease, maybe triggered when the fluid pressure forces open tissue valves located in the fluid-ducts connecting the hearing and balance organs. This project aims to identify the functional role of these valves, and to develop an animal model of abrupt changes in vestibular activity due to hydrops, to allow future treatments to be developed.
Local Sleep In The Awake Brain: An Underlying Cause Of Neurobehavioural Deficits In Sleep Apnea?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$582,330.00
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder which significantly impacts daytime functioning leading to excessive sleepiness, and problems with attention and thinking. Currently, the causes for cognitive impairment in OSA (including attentional lapses and performance deficits) are poorly understood. In the awake state, groups of neurons can briefly go “offline” as they do in sleep. These periods of “local sleep” may explain impaired task performance in OSA.