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Loos E, Stultiens JJA, Volpe B, Vermorken BL, Van Boxel SCJ, Devocht EMJ, van Hoof M, Postma AA, Guinand N, Pérez-Fornos A, Van Rompaey V, Denys S, Desloovere C, Verhaert N, van de Berg R. Optimizing vestibular implant electrode positioning using fluoroscopy and intraoperative CT imaging. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2024; 281:3433-3441. [PMID: 38180608 PMCID: PMC11211140 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-023-08428-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Vestibular implant electrode positioning close to the afferent nerve fibers is considered to be key for effective and selective electrical stimulation. However, accurate positioning of vestibular implant electrodes inside the semicircular canal ampullae is challenging due to the inability to visualize the target during the surgical procedure. This study investigates the accuracy of a new surgical protocol with real-time fluoroscopy and intraoperative CT imaging, which facilitates electrode positioning during vestibular implant surgery. METHODS Single-center case-controlled cohort study with a historic control group at a tertiary referral center. Patients were implanted with a vestibulocochlear implant, using a combination of intraoperative fluoroscopy and cone beam CT imaging. The control group consisted of five patients who were previously implanted with the former implant prototype, without the use of intraoperative imaging. Electrode positioning was analyzed postoperatively with a high-resolution CT scan using 3D slicer software. The result was defined as accurate if the electrode position was within 1.5 mm of the center of the ampulla. RESULTS With the new imaging protocol, all electrodes could be positioned within a 1.5 mm range of the center of the ampulla. The accuracy was significantly higher in the study group with intraoperative imaging (21/21 electrodes) compared to the control group without intraoperative imaging (10/15 electrodes), (p = 0.008). CONCLUSION The combined use of intraoperative fluoroscopy and CT imaging during vestibular implantation can improve the accuracy of electrode positioning. This might lead to better vestibular implant performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Loos
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Neurosciences, Research Group Experimental Oto-Rhino-Laryngology (ExpORL), KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Joost J A Stultiens
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Benjamin Volpe
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Bernd L Vermorken
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Stan C J Van Boxel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Elke M J Devocht
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marc van Hoof
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Alinda A Postma
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Nils Guinand
- Service of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Angelica Pérez-Fornos
- Service of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Van Rompaey
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Sam Denys
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurosciences, Research Group Experimental Oto-Rhino-Laryngology (ExpORL), KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christian Desloovere
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurosciences, Research Group Experimental Oto-Rhino-Laryngology (ExpORL), KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Verhaert
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurosciences, Research Group Experimental Oto-Rhino-Laryngology (ExpORL), KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Raymond van de Berg
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Vermorken BL, Volpe B, van Boxel SCJ, Stultiens JJA, van Hoof M, Marcellis R, Loos E, van Soest A, McCrum C, Meijer K, Guinand N, Pérez Fornos A, van Rompaey V, Devocht E, van de Berg R. The VertiGO! Trial protocol: A prospective, single-center, patient-blinded study to evaluate efficacy and safety of prolonged daily stimulation with a multichannel vestibulocochlear implant prototype in bilateral vestibulopathy patients. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301032. [PMID: 38547135 PMCID: PMC10977751 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A combined vestibular (VI) and cochlear implant (CI) device, also known as the vestibulocochlear implant (VCI), was previously developed to restore both vestibular and auditory function. A new refined prototype is currently being investigated. This prototype allows for concurrent multichannel vestibular and cochlear stimulation. Although recent studies showed that VCI stimulation enables compensatory eye, body and neck movements, the constraints in these acute study designs prevent them from creating more general statements over time. Moreover, the clinical relevance of potential VI and CI interactions is not yet studied. The VertiGO! Trial aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of prolonged daily motion modulated stimulation with a multichannel VCI prototype. METHODS A single-center clinical trial will be carried out to evaluate prolonged VCI stimulation, assess general safety and explore interactions between the CI and VI. A single-blind randomized controlled crossover design will be implemented to evaluate the efficacy of three types of stimulation. Furthermore, this study will provide a proof-of-concept for a VI rehabilitation program. A total of minimum eight, with a maximum of 13, participants suffering from bilateral vestibulopathy and severe sensorineural hearing loss in the ear to implant will be included and followed over a five-year period. Efficacy will be evaluated by collecting functional (i.e. image stabilization) and more fundamental (i.e. vestibulo-ocular reflexes, self-motion perception) outcomes. Hearing performance with a VCI and patient-reported outcomes will be included as well. DISCUSSION The proposed schedule of fitting, stimulation and outcome testing allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the feasibility and long-term safety of a multichannel VCI prototype. This design will give insights into vestibular and hearing performance during VCI stimulation. Results will also provide insights into the expected daily benefit of prolonged VCI stimulation, paving the way for cost-effectiveness analyses and a more comprehensive clinical implementation of vestibulocochlear stimulation in the future. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04918745. Registered 28 April 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd L. Vermorken
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Balance Disorders, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHENS), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Benjamin Volpe
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Balance Disorders, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHENS), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Stan C. J. van Boxel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Balance Disorders, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHENS), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Joost J. A. Stultiens
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Balance Disorders, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHENS), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marc van Hoof
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Balance Disorders, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHENS), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rik Marcellis
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Elke Loos
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Balance Disorders, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHENS), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurosciences, Research Group Experimental Oto-Rhino-Laryngology (ExpORL), KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alexander van Soest
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Balance Disorders, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHENS), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Chris McCrum
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Kenneth Meijer
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Nils Guinand
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Balance Disorders, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHENS), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Angélica Pérez Fornos
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Vincent van Rompaey
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Balance Disorders, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHENS), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Elke Devocht
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Balance Disorders, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHENS), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Raymond van de Berg
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Balance Disorders, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHENS), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Wuehr M, Eder J, Kellerer S, Amberger T, Jahn K. Mechanisms underlying treatment effects of vestibular noise stimulation on postural instability in patients with bilateral vestibulopathy. J Neurol 2024; 271:1408-1415. [PMID: 37973635 PMCID: PMC10896912 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12085-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies indicate that imbalance in patients with bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP) may be reduced by treatment with low-intensity noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS). OBJECTIVE To elucidate the potential mechanisms underlying this therapeutic effect. In particular, we determined whether nGVS-induced balance improvements in patients are compatible with stochastic resonance (SR)-a mechanism by which weak noise stimulation can paradoxically enhance sensory signal processing. METHODS Effects of nGVS of varying intensities (0-0.7 mA) on body sway were examined in 19 patients with BVP standing with eye closed on a posturographic force plate. We assumed a bell-shaped response curve with maximal sway reductions at intermediate nGVS intensities to be indicative of SR. An established SR curve model was fitted on individual patient outcomes, and three experienced human raters had to judge whether responses to nGVS were consistent with the exhibition of SR. RESULTS nGVS-induced reductions of body sway compatible with SR were found in 12 patients (63%) with optimal improvements of 31 ± 21%. In 10 patients (53%), nGVS-induced sway reductions exceeded the minimally important clinical difference (optimal improvement: 35 ± 21%), indicative of strong SR. This beneficial effect was more likely in patients with severe vestibular loss (i.e. lower video head impulse test gain; R = 0.663; p = 0.002) and considerable postural imbalance (baseline body sway; R = 0.616; p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS More than half of the assessed patients showed robust improvements in postural balance compatible with SR when treated with nGVS. In particular, patients with a higher burden of disease may benefit from the non-invasive and well-tolerated treatment with nGVS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Wuehr
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
| | - Josefine Eder
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Silvy Kellerer
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Tamara Amberger
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Klaus Jahn
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Schön Klinik Bad Aibling, Bad Aibling, Germany
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4
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van Stiphout L, Szmulewicz DJ, Guinand N, Fornos AP, Van Rompaey V, van de Berg R. Bilateral vestibulopathy: a clinical update and proposed diagnostic algorithm. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1308485. [PMID: 38178884 PMCID: PMC10766383 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1308485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP) is characterized by its heterogeneous and chronic nature with various clinical presentations and multiple etiologies. This current narrative review reflects on the main insights and developments regarding clinical presentation. In addition, it proposes a new diagnostic algorithm, and describes available and potential future therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa van Stiphout
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Balance Disorders, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - David J. Szmulewicz
- Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Bionics Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nils Guinand
- Service of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Angélica Pérez Fornos
- Service of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Van Rompaey
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Raymond van de Berg
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Balance Disorders, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
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5
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Stultiens JJA, Lewis RF, Phillips JO, Boutabla A, Della Santina CC, Glueckert R, van de Berg R. The Next Challenges of Vestibular Implantation in Humans. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 2023; 24:401-412. [PMID: 37516679 PMCID: PMC10504197 DOI: 10.1007/s10162-023-00906-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with bilateral vestibulopathy suffer from a variety of complaints, leading to a high individual and social burden. Available treatments aim to alleviate the impact of this loss and improve compensatory strategies. Early experiments with electrical stimulation of the vestibular nerve in combination with knowledge gained by cochlear implant research, have inspired the development of a vestibular neuroprosthesis that can provide the missing vestibular input. The feasibility of this concept was first demonstrated in animals and later in humans. Currently, several research groups around the world are investigating prototype vestibular implants, in the form of vestibular implants as well as combined cochlear and vestibular implants. The aim of this review is to convey the presentations and discussions from the identically named symposium that was held during the 2021 MidWinter Meeting of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology, with researchers involved in the development of vestibular implants targeting the ampullary nerves. Substantial advancements in the development have been made. Yet, research and development processes face several challenges to improve this neuroprosthesis. These include, but are not limited to, optimization of the electrical stimulation profile, refining the surgical implantation procedure, preserving residual labyrinthine functions including hearing, as well as gaining regulatory approval and establishing a clinical care infrastructure similar to what exists for cochlear implants. It is believed by the authors that overcoming these challenges will accelerate the development and increase the impact of a clinically applicable vestibular implant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost Johannes Antonius Stultiens
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University Medical Center, P. Debyelaan 25, Maastricht, 6202 AZ, The Netherlands.
| | - Richard F Lewis
- Department of Otolaryngology and Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James O Phillips
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Anissa Boutabla
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Charles C Della Santina
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rudolf Glueckert
- Department of Otolaryngology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Raymond van de Berg
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University Medical Center, P. Debyelaan 25, Maastricht, 6202 AZ, The Netherlands
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Soto E, Pliego A, Vega R. Vestibular prosthesis: from basic research to clinics. Front Integr Neurosci 2023; 17:1161860. [PMID: 37265514 PMCID: PMC10230114 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2023.1161860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Balance disorders are highly prevalent worldwide, causing substantial disability with high personal and socioeconomic impact. The prognosis in many of these patients is poor, and rehabilitation programs provide little help in many cases. This medical problem can be addressed using microelectronics by combining the highly successful cochlear implant experience to produce a vestibular prosthesis, using the technical advances in micro gyroscopes and micro accelerometers, which are the electronic equivalents of the semicircular canals (SCC) and the otolithic organs. Reaching this technological milestone fostered the possibility of using these electronic devices to substitute the vestibular function, mainly for visual stability and posture, in case of damage to the vestibular endorgans. The development of implantable and non-implantable devices showed diverse outcomes when considering the integrity of the vestibular pathways, the device parameters (current intensity, impedance, and waveform), and the targeted physiological function (balance and gaze). In this review, we will examine the development and testing of various prototypes of the vestibular implant (VI). The insight raised by examining the state-of-the-art vestibular prosthesis will facilitate the development of new device-development strategies and discuss the feasibility of complex combinations of implantable devices for disorders that directly affect balance and motor performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Soto
- Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Instituto de Fisiología, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Adriana Pliego
- Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Instituto de Fisiología, Puebla, Mexico
- Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEMéx), Facultad de Medicina, Toluca, Mexico
| | - Rosario Vega
- Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Instituto de Fisiología, Puebla, Mexico
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Deng J, Zhu Q, Zhang K, Xie D, Wu W. Vestibular function in children with cochlear implant: Impact and evaluation. Front Neurol 2022; 13:938751. [PMID: 36090862 PMCID: PMC9449973 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.938751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last 30 years, cochlear implant (CI) has been dedicated to improving the rehabilitation of hearing impairments. However, CI has shown potential detrimental effects on vestibular function. For children, due to atypical symptoms and difficulty in cooperating with vestibular function tests, systematic and objective assessments of vestibular function with CI have been conducted sparsely. This review focuses on the impact of vestibular function in children with CI and summarized the evaluation of vestibular function in children. In addition, some recommended strategies are summarized and proposed.
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8
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Clinard CG, Lawlor KJ, Thorne AP, Piker EG. Nonlinearity in bone-conducted amplitude-modulated cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials: Harmonic distortion products. J Neurophysiol 2022; 127:791-800. [PMID: 35171737 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00347.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Otolith organs of the balance system, the saccule and utricle, encode linear acceleration. Integrity of the saccule is commonly assessed using cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs) arising from an inhibitory reflex along the vestibulospinal pathway. Conventional approaches to eliciting these responses use brief, transient sounds to elicit onset responses. Here we used long-duration amplitude-modulated (AM) tones to elicit cVEMPs (AMcVEMPs) and analyzed their spectral content for evidence of nonlinear processing consistent with known characteristics of vestibular hair cells. Twelve young adults (ages 21-25) with no hearing or vestibular pathologies participated in this study. AMcVEMPs were elicited by bone-conducted AM tones with a 500 Hz carrier frequency. Eighteen modulation frequencies were used between 7 and 403 Hz. All participants had robust distortion products at harmonics of the modulation frequency. Total harmonic distortion ranged from approximately 10 to 80%. AMcVEMPs contain harmonic distortion products consistent with vestibular hair cell nonlinearities, and this new approach to studying the otolith organs may provide a non-invasive, in vivo method to study nonlinearity of vestibular hair cells in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher G Clinard
- Communication Sciences and Disorders, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, United States
| | - Kerri J Lawlor
- Communication Sciences and Disorders, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, United States
| | - Andrew P Thorne
- Communication Sciences and Disorders, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, United States
| | - Erin G Piker
- Communication Sciences and Disorders, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, United States
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van Stiphout L, Lucieer F, Guinand N, Pérez Fornos A, van de Berg M, Van Rompaey V, Widdershoven J, Kingma H, Joore M, van de Berg R. Bilateral vestibulopathy patients' perspectives on vestibular implant treatment: a qualitative study. J Neurol 2021; 269:5249-5257. [PMID: 34894283 PMCID: PMC9467961 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10920-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to explore expectations of patients with bilateral vestibulopathy regarding vestibular implant treatment. This could advance the definition of recommendations for future core outcome sets of vestibular implantation and help to determine on which characteristics of bilateral vestibulopathy future vestibular implant research should focus. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 50 patients diagnosed with bilateral vestibulopathy at Maastricht UMC + . Interviews followed a semi-structured interview guide and were recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were analyzed thematically by two independent researchers. A consensus meeting took place to produce a joint interpretation for greater dimensionality and to confirm key themes. Results Overall, patient expectations centralized around three key themes: (physical) symptom reduction, functions and activities, and quality of life. These themes appeared to be interrelated. Patient expectations focused on the activity walking (in a straight line), reducing the symptom oscillopsia and being able to live the life they had before bilateral vestibulopathy developed. In general, patients indicated to be satisfied with small improvements. Conclusion This study demonstrated that patient expectations regarding a vestibular implant focus on three key themes: symptom reduction, functions and activities, and quality of life. These themes closely match the functional improvements shown in recent vestibular implantation research. The results of this study provide a clear guideline from the patient perspective on which characteristics of bilateral vestibulopathy, future vestibular implant research should focus. Trial registration NL52768.068.15/METC Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00415-021-10920-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa van Stiphout
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Balance Disorders, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Florence Lucieer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Balance Disorders, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Nils Guinand
- Service of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Angélica Pérez Fornos
- Service of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maurice van de Berg
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Balance Disorders, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent Van Rompaey
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Josine Widdershoven
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Balance Disorders, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Herman Kingma
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Balance Disorders, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Manuela Joore
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment (KEMTA), Maastricht University Medical, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Raymond van de Berg
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Balance Disorders, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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van de Berg R, Ramos A, van Rompaey V, Bisdorff A, Perez-Fornos A, Rubinstein JT, Phillips JO, Strupp M, Della Santina CC, Guinand N. The vestibular implant: Opinion statement on implantation criteria for research. J Vestib Res 2021; 30:213-223. [PMID: 32651339 PMCID: PMC9249290 DOI: 10.3233/ves-200701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
This opinion statement proposes a set of candidacy criteria for vestibular implantation of adult patients with bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP) in a research setting. The criteria include disabling chronic symptoms like postural imbalance, unsteadiness of gait and/or head movement-induced oscillopsia, combined with objective signs of reduced or absent vestibular function in both ears. These signs include abnormal test results recorded during head impulses (video head impulse test or scleral coil technique), bithermal caloric testing and rotatory chair testing (sinusoidal stimulation of 0.1 Hz). Vestibular implant (VI) implantation criteria are not the same as diagnostic criteria for bilateral vestibulopathy. The major difference between VI-implantation criteria and the approved diagnostic criteria for BVP are that all included vestibular tests of semicircular canal function (head impulse test, caloric test, and rotatory chair test) need to show significant impairments of vestibular function in the implantation criteria. For this, a two-step paradigm was developed. First, at least one of the vestibular tests needs to fulfill stringent criteria, close to those for BVP. If this is applicable, then the other vestibular tests have to fulfill a second set of criteria which are less stringent than the original criteria for BVP. If the VI-implantation is intended to excite the utricle and/or saccule (otolith stimulation), responses to cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials must be absent in addition to the above mentioned abnormalities of semicircular canal function. Finally, requirements for safe and potentially effective stimulation should be met, including implanting patients with BVP of peripheral origin only, and assessing possible medical and psychiatric contraindications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond van de Berg
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Faculty of Physics, Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russian Federation
| | - Angel Ramos
- Department of Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery. Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno Infantil de Gran Canaria. Department of Otolaryngology. Las Palmas University. (ULPGC). Psychoacoustic & Equilibrium Laboratory. Las Palmas University (ULPGC)
| | - Vincent van Rompaey
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Department of Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Alexandre Bisdorff
- Clinique du Vertige, Centre Hospitalier Emile Mayrisch, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Angelica Perez-Fornos
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jay T Rubinstein
- Otolaryngology-HNS, Virginia Merrill Bloedel Hearing Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - James O Phillips
- Otolaryngology-HNS, Virginia Merrill Bloedel Hearing Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael Strupp
- Department of Neurology and German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Charles C Della Santina
- Departments of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery and Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nils Guinand
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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11
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Rodriguez Montesdeoca I, Ramos de Miguel A, González JCF, Barreiro SB, Pérez Fernández N, Vanspauwen R, Ramos-Macias A. Differences in Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potential Responses by Using Cochlear Implant and Otolith Organ Direct Stimulation. Front Neurol 2021; 12:663803. [PMID: 34113311 PMCID: PMC8185293 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.663803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Several studies have demonstrated the possibility to obtain vestibular potentials elicited with electrical stimulation from cochlear and vestibular implants. The objective of this study is to analyze the vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) obtained from patients implanted with cochlear and vestibulo-cochlear implant. Material and Methods: We compared two groups: in the first group, four cochlear implant (CI) recipients with present acoustic cVEMPs before CI surgery were included. In the second group, three patients with bilaterally absent cVEMPs and bilateral vestibular dysfunction were selected. The latter group received a unilateral cochleo-vestibular implant. We analyze the electrically elicited cVEMPs in all patients after stimulation with cochlear and vestibular electrode array stimulation. Results: We present the results obtained post-operatively in both groups. All patients (100%) with direct electrical vestibular stimulation via the vestibular electrode array had present cVEMPs. The P1 and N1 latencies were 11.33-13.6 ms and 18.3-21 ms, respectively. In CI patients, electrical cVEMPs were present only in one of the four subjects (25%) with cochlear implant ("cross") stimulation, and P1 and N1 latencies were 9.67 and 16.33, respectively. In these patients, the responses present shorter latencies than those observed acoustically. Conclusions: Electrically evoked cVEMPs can be present after cochlear and vestibular stimulation and suggest stimulation of vestibular elements, although clinical effect must be further studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaura Rodriguez Montesdeoca
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno Infantil de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Angel Ramos de Miguel
- Hearing and Balance Laboratory, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria University (SIANI), Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Falcon González
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno Infantil de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Silvia Borkoski Barreiro
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno Infantil de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | | | - Robby Vanspauwen
- European Institute for Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Gasthuiszusters Antwerpen Hospitals Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Angel Ramos-Macias
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno Infantil de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain.,Hearing and Balance Laboratory, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria University (SIANI), Las Palmas, Spain
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12
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An Implanted Vestibular Prosthesis Improves Spatial Orientation in Animals with Severe Vestibular Damage. J Neurosci 2021; 41:3879-3888. [PMID: 33731447 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2204-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Gravity is a pervasive environmental stimulus, and accurate graviception is required for optimal spatial orientation and postural stability. The primary graviceptors are the vestibular organs, which include angular velocity (semicircular canals) and linear acceleration (otolith organs) sensors. Graviception is degraded in patients with vestibular damage, resulting in spatial misperception and imbalance. Since minimal therapy is available for these patients, substantial effort has focused on developing a vestibular prosthesis or vestibular implant (VI) that reproduces information normally provided by the canals (since reproducing otolith function is very challenging technically). Prior studies demonstrated that angular eye velocity responses could be driven by canal VI-mediated angular head velocity information, but it remains unknown whether a canal VI could improve spatial perception and posture since these behaviors require accurate estimates of angular head position in space relative to gravity. Here, we tested the hypothesis that a canal VI that transduces angular head velocity and provides this information to the brain via motion-modulated electrical stimulation of canal afferent nerves could improve the perception of angular head position relative to gravity in monkeys with severe vestibular damage. Using a subjective visual vertical task, we found that normal female monkeys accurately sensed the orientation of the head relative to gravity during dynamic tilts, that this ability was degraded following bilateral vestibular damage, and improved when the canal VI was used. These results demonstrate that a canal VI can improve graviception in vestibulopathic animals, suggesting that it could reduce the disabling perceptual and postural deficits experienced by patients with severe vestibular damage.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Patients with vestibular damage experience impaired vision, spatial perception, and balance, symptoms that could potentially respond to a vestibular implant (VI). Anatomic features facilitate semicircular canal (angular velocity) prosthetics but inhibit approaches with the otolith (linear acceleration) organs, and canal VIs that sense angular head velocity can generate compensatory eye velocity responses in vestibulopathic subjects. Can the brain use canal VI head velocity information to improve estimates of head orientation (e.g., head position relative to gravity), which is a prerequisite for accurate spatial perception and posture? Here we show that a canal VI can improve the perception of head orientation in vestibulopathic monkeys, results that are highly significant because they suggest that VIs mimicking canal function can improve spatial orientation and balance in vestibulopathic patients.
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13
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Simultaneous activation of multiple vestibular pathways upon electrical stimulation of semicircular canal afferents. J Neurol 2020; 267:273-284. [PMID: 32778921 PMCID: PMC7718208 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-020-10120-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background and purpose Vestibular implants seem to be a promising treatment for patients suffering from severe bilateral vestibulopathy. To optimize outcomes, we need to investigate how, and to which extent, the different vestibular pathways are activated. Here we characterized the simultaneous responses to electrical stimuli of three different vestibular pathways. Methods Three vestibular implant recipients were included. First, activation thresholds and amplitude growth functions of electrically evoked vestibulo-ocular reflexes (eVOR), cervical myogenic potentials (ecVEMPs) and vestibular percepts (vestibulo-thalamo-cortical, VTC) were recorded upon stimulation with single, biphasic current pulses (200 µs/phase) delivered through five different vestibular electrodes. Latencies of eVOR and ecVEMPs were also characterized. Then we compared the amplitude growth functions of the three pathways using different stimulation profiles (1-pulse, 200 µs/phase; 1-pulse, 50 µs/phase; 4-pulses, 50 µs/phase, 1600 pulses-per-second) in one patient (two electrodes). Results The median latencies of the eVOR and ecVEMPs were 8 ms (8–9 ms) and 10.2 ms (9.6–11.8 ms), respectively. While the amplitude of eVOR and ecVEMP responses increased with increasing stimulation current, the VTC pathway showed a different, step-like behavior. In this study, the 200 µs/phase paradigm appeared to give the best balance to enhance responses at lower stimulation currents. Conclusions This study is a first attempt to evaluate the simultaneous activation of different vestibular pathways. However, this issue deserves further and more detailed investigation to determine the actual possibility of selective stimulation of a given pathway, as well as the functional impact of the contribution of each pathway to the overall rehabilitation process.
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14
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Martin EC, Leue C, Delespaul P, Peeters F, Janssen AML, Lousberg R, Erdkamp A, van de Weijer S, Widdershoven J, Blom H, Bruintjes T, Zwergal A, Grill E, Guinand N, Perez-Fornos A, van de Berg MR, Stultiens JJA, Kingma H, van de Berg R. Introducing the DizzyQuest: an app-based diary for vestibular disorders. J Neurol 2020; 267:3-14. [PMID: 32712867 PMCID: PMC7718207 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-020-10092-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Background Most questionnaires currently used for assessing symptomatology of vestibular disorders are retrospective, inducing recall bias and lowering ecological validity. An app-based diary, administered multiple times in daily life, could increase the accuracy and ecological validity of symptom measurement. The objective of this study was to introduce a new experience sampling method (ESM) based vestibular diary app (DizzyQuest), evaluate response rates, and to provide examples of DizzyQuest outcome measures which can be used in future research. Methods Sixty-three patients diagnosed with a vestibular disorder were included. The DizzyQuest consisted of four questionnaires. The morning- and evening-questionnaires were administered once each day, the within-day-questionnaire 10 times a day using a semi-random time schedule, and the attack questionnaire could be completed after the occurrence of a vertigo or dizziness attack. Data were collected for 4 weeks. Response rates and loss-to-follow-up were determined. Reported symptoms in the within-day-questionnaire were compared within and between patients and subgroups of patients with different vestibular disorders. Results Fifty-one patients completed the study period. Average response rates were significantly higher than the desired response rate of > 50% (p < 0.001). The attack-questionnaire was used 159 times. A variety of neuro-otological symptoms and different disease profiles were demonstrated between patients and subgroups of patients with different vestibular disorders. Conclusion The DizzyQuest is able to capture vestibular symptoms within their psychosocial context in daily life, with little recall bias and high ecological validity. The DizzyQuest reached the desired response rates and showed different disease profiles between subgroups of patients with different vestibular disorders. This is the first time ESM was used to assess daily symptoms and quality of life in vestibular disorders, showing that it might be a useful tool in this population. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00415-020-10092-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- E C Martin
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - C Leue
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - P Delespaul
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - F Peeters
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - A M L Janssen
- Department of ENT/Audiology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHENS), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Methodology and Statistics, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - R Lousberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - A Erdkamp
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - S van de Weijer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - J Widdershoven
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - H Blom
- Department of ENT, HagaZiekenhuis, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - T Bruintjes
- Apeldoorns duizeligheidscentrum, Gelre ziekenhuizen, Apeldoorn, The Netherlands
| | - A Zwergal
- Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - E Grill
- Department of Medical Informatics, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - N Guinand
- Service of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - A Perez-Fornos
- Service of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - M R van de Berg
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - J J A Stultiens
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - H Kingma
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Faculty of Physics, Tomsk State Research University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - R van de Berg
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands. .,Faculty of Physics, Tomsk State Research University, Tomsk, Russia.
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15
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Crétallaz C, Boutabla A, Cavuscens S, Ranieri M, Nguyen TAK, Kingma H, Van De Berg R, Guinand N, Pérez Fornos A. Influence of systematic variations of the stimulation profile on responses evoked with a vestibular implant prototype in humans. J Neural Eng 2020; 17:036027. [PMID: 32213673 PMCID: PMC8630998 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ab8342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the impact of different electrical stimulation profiles in human recipients of the Geneva-Maastricht vestibular implant prototypes. APPROACH Four implanted patients were recruited for this study. We investigated the relative efficacy of systematic variations of the electrical stimulus profile (phase duration, pulse rate, baseline level, modulation depth) in evoking vestibulo-ocular (eVOR) and perceptual responses. MAIN RESULTS Shorter phase durations and, to a lesser extent, slower pulse rates allowed maximizing the electrical dynamic range available for eliciting a wider range of intensities of vestibular percepts. When either the phase duration or the pulse rate was held constant, current modulation depth was the factor that had the most significant impact on peak velocity of the eVOR. SIGNIFICANCE Our results identified important parametric variations that influence the measured responses. Furthermore, we observed that not all vestibular pathways seem equally sensitive to the electrical stimulus when the electrodes are placed in the semicircular canals and monopolar stimulation is used. This opens the door to evaluating new stimulation strategies for a vestibular implant, and suggests the possibility of selectively activating one vestibular pathway or the other in order to optimize rehabilitation outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Crétallaz
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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