Vestibular Activation in Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo and Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence

Funded Activity Summary

Vestibular Activation in Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo and Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence The aim of this project is to study the pathological activation of the vestibular system in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and superior canal dehiscence in order to achieve an improved diagnosis in both conditions and a more effective treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. These diseases provide unique opportunities to study unilateral activation of an otherwise normal human vestibular system. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and its variants is prevalent, especially amongst the elderly, as a major cause of dizziness and imbalance. These conditions describe a variety of vestibular lithiasis where free-floating otoconia misplaced in a semicircular canal cause abnormal deflection of the cupula, resulting in activation of the semicircular canal in a vestibular system during changes in gravitational head position. This study endeavours to develop a scientific basis for accurate diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and its variants. Online real-time 3-D recording and vector analysis of the nystagmus could be adapted to a 3-D video-oculography system for a more systematic approach to diagnosis and treatment. Thus, we aim to develop and trial a suitable particle repositioning manoeuvre using a mechanical device as treatment for patients who did not respond to the clinical Epley or Semont manoeuvre. Superior semicircular canal dehiscence permits sound or pressure to abnormally activate the vestibular system. In the superior canal dehiscence study, we seek to develop a more sensitive diagnostic test. If the click-evoked 3-D VOR is due to direct activation of the otoliths, then it offers an avenue to examine otolithic function. Understanding the mechanism of unilateral activation of a normal human vestibular system is important for the development of implantable vestibular prosthesis.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2004

End Date: 01-01-2006

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $340,350.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Medical microbiology not elsewhere classified

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

There are no SEO codes available for this funding activity

Other Keywords

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo | Dizziness | Imbalance | Nystagmus | Otoliths | Semicircular canals | Superior canal dehiscence | Tullio Phenomenon | Vertigo | Vestibular system

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