Neural mechanisms of vestibular symptoms and imbalance
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The neural mechanisms underpinning vestibular symptoms and imbalance
IRAS ID
321000
Contact name
Diego Kaski
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
UCL
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2023/08/95, UCL Data protection reference number
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
This research project aims to deepen our understanding of the neural mechanisms that allow humans to maintain balance, and how these become deficient in individuals with balance problems. This program of work will utilise a range of scientific techniques that reflects the range of systems and processes involved in healthy postural control. As such, we will be using brain imaging techniques to explore the brain areas involved in balance function and dysfunction, focussing on structural abnormalities (e.g., measures of cerebral small vessel disease, brain volume in regions of interest, and functional connectivity). We will be measuring brain activity using electroencephalography and functional near infrared spectroscopy) during static tests of balance and dynamic balance function (e.g., 6m walk, sit to stand etc.). In a subgroup of individuals, we will perturb balance using a combination of visual motion stimuli, ankle vibration, and galvanic vestibular stimulation to prob the individual effects of these perturbation on balance, in health and disease. We will undertake a comprehensive clinical assessment of neurological function, including a standardised neurological examination, neuro-otological examination and investigations, including vestibular and hearing tests. We will record peripheral nerve function (often affected in elderly individuals with balance dysfunction) using clinical measures and neurophysiological techniques (nerve conduction studies and electromyography). We will record balance outcomes, static and dynamic, using established behavioural methods, such as posturography, spatiotemporal gait parameters using motion and video capture. These will be complemented by perceptual and self-reported measures of balance function, balance and dizziness handicap, functional outcomes, and psychological outcomes (e.g., anxiety, depression, psychological flexibility, cognitive fusion). There will be also electrical non-invasive ear and brain stimulation. We will compare these measures and outcomes in patients with established inner ear (vestibular) dysfunction, neurological causes of balance impairment (e.g. cerebellar ataxia, parkinsonian syndromes, peripheral neuropathy, chronic pain), and healthy controls.
REC name
London - Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/PR/1233
Date of REC Opinion
7 Dec 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion