1
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Clark TK, Galvan-Garza RC, Merfeld DM. Intra-individual consistency of vestibular perceptual thresholds. Atten Percept Psychophys 2024; 86:1417-1434. [PMID: 38658516 DOI: 10.3758/s13414-024-02886-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Vestibular perceptual thresholds quantify sensory noise associated with reliable perception of small self-motions. Previous studies have identified substantial variation between even healthy individuals' thresholds. However, it remains unclear if or how an individual's vestibular threshold varies over repeated measures across various time scales (repeated measurements on the same day, across days, weeks, or months). Here, we assessed yaw rotation and roll tilt thresholds in four individuals and compared this intra-individual variability to inter-individual variability of thresholds measured across a large age-matched cohort each measured only once. For analysis, we performed simulations of threshold measurements where there was no underlying variability (or it was manipulated) to compare to that observed empirically. We found remarkable consistency in vestibular thresholds within individuals, for both yaw rotation and roll tilt; this contrasts with substantial inter-individual differences. Thus, we conclude that vestibular perceptual thresholds are an innate characteristic, which validates pooling measures across sessions and potentially serves as a stable clinical diagnostic and/or biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torin K Clark
- Jenks Vestibular Physiology Lab, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Man Vehicle Laboratory, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Bioastronautics Laboratory, Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado-Boulder, 3375 Discovery Dr. AERO N301, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA.
| | - Raquel C Galvan-Garza
- Jenks Vestibular Physiology Lab, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Man Vehicle Laboratory, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Daniel M Merfeld
- Jenks Vestibular Physiology Lab, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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2
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Geno O, Critelli K, Arduino C, Crane BT, Anson ER. Psychometrics of inertial heading perception. J Vestib Res 2024; 34:83-92. [PMID: 38640182 DOI: 10.3233/ves-230077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inertial self-motion perception is thought to depend primarily on otolith cues. Recent evidence demonstrated that vestibular perceptual thresholds (including inertial heading) are adaptable, suggesting novel clinical approaches for treating perceptual impairments resulting from vestibular disease. OBJECTIVE Little is known about the psychometric properties of perceptual estimates of inertial heading like test-retest reliability. Here we investigate the psychometric properties of a passive inertial heading perceptual test. METHODS Forty-seven healthy subjects participated across two visits, performing in an inertial heading discrimination task. The point of subjective equality (PSE) and thresholds for heading discrimination were identified for the same day and across day tests. Paired t-tests determined if the PSE or thresholds significantly changed and a mixed interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) model examined test-retest reliability. Minimum detectable change (MDC) was calculated for PSE and threshold for heading discrimination. RESULTS Within a testing session, the heading discrimination PSE score test-retest reliability was good (ICC = 0. 80) and did not change (t(1,36) = -1.23, p = 0.23). Heading discrimination thresholds were moderately reliable (ICC = 0.67) and also stable (t(1,36) = 0.10, p = 0.92). Across testing sessions, heading direction PSE scores were moderately correlated (ICC = 0.59) and stable (t(1,46) = -0.44, p = 0.66). Heading direction thresholds had poor reliability (ICC = 0.03) and were significantly smaller at the second visit (t(1,46) = 2.8, p = 0.008). MDC for heading direction PSE ranged from 6-9 degrees across tests. CONCLUSION The current results indicate moderate reliability for heading perception PSE and provide clinical context for interpreting change in inertial vestibular self-motion perception over time or after an intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Geno
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester, Rochester NY, USA
| | - Kyle Critelli
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Rochester, Rochester NY, USA
| | - Cesar Arduino
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Rochester, Rochester NY, USA
| | - Benjamin T Crane
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester, Rochester NY, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Rochester, Rochester NY, USA
| | - Eric R Anson
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester, Rochester NY, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Rochester, Rochester NY, USA
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3
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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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4
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La Scaleia B, Brunetti C, Lacquaniti F, Zago M. Head-centric computing for vestibular stimulation under head-free conditions. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1296901. [PMID: 38130821 PMCID: PMC10734306 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1296901] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The vestibular end organs (semicircular canals, saccule and utricle) monitor head orientation and motion. Vestibular stimulation by means of controlled translations, rotations or tilts of the head represents a routine manoeuvre to test the vestibular apparatus in a laboratory or clinical setting. In diagnostics, it is used to assess oculomotor postural or perceptual responses, whose abnormalities can reveal subclinical vestibular dysfunctions due to pathology, aging or drugs. Objective: The assessment of the vestibular function requires the alignment of the motion stimuli as close as possible with reference axes of the head, for instance the cardinal axes naso-occipital, interaural, cranio-caudal. This is often achieved by using a head restraint, such as a helmet or strap holding the head tightly in a predefined posture that guarantees the alignment described above. However, such restraints may be quite uncomfortable, especially for elderly or claustrophobic patients. Moreover, it might be desirable to test the vestibular function under the more natural conditions in which the head is free to move, as when subjects are tracking a visual target or they are standing erect on the moving platform. Here, we document algorithms that allow delivering motion stimuli aligned with head-fixed axes under head-free conditions. Methods: We implemented and validated these algorithms using a MOOG-6DOF motion platform in two different conditions. 1) The participant kept the head in a resting, fully unrestrained posture, while inter-aural, naso-occipital or cranio-caudal translations were applied. 2) The participant moved the head continuously while a naso-occipital translation was applied. Head and platform motion were monitored in real-time using Vicon. Results: The results for both conditions showed excellent agreement between the theoretical spatio-temporal profile of the motion stimuli and the corresponding profile of actual motion as measured in real-time. Conclusion: We propose our approach as a safe, non-intrusive method to test the vestibular system under the natural head-free conditions required by the experiential perspective of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara La Scaleia
- Laboratory of Visuomotor Control and Gravitational Physiology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Brunetti
- Laboratory of Visuomotor Control and Gravitational Physiology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Lacquaniti
- Laboratory of Neuromotor Physiology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico—Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine and Centre of Space Bio-medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Myrka Zago
- Laboratory of Visuomotor Control and Gravitational Physiology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine and Centre of Space Bio-medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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5
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Gonzalez ELC, King SA, Karmali F. Your Vestibular Thresholds May Be Lower Than You Think: Cognitive Biases in Vestibular Psychophysics. Am J Audiol 2023; 32:730-738. [PMID: 37084775 PMCID: PMC10721247 DOI: 10.1044/2023_aja-22-00186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Recently, there has been a surge of interest in measuring vestibular perceptual thresholds, which quantify the smallest motion that a subject can reliably perceive, to study physiology and pathophysiology. These thresholds are sensitive to age, pathology, and postural performance. Threshold tasks require decisions to be made in the presence of uncertainty. Since humans often rely on past information when making decisions in the presence of uncertainty, we hypothesized that (a) perceptual responses are affected by their preceding trial; (b) perceptual responses tend to be biased opposite of the "preceding response" because of cognitive biases but are not biased by the "preceding stimulus"; and (c) when fits do not account for this cognitive bias, thresholds are overestimated. To our knowledge, these hypotheses are unaddressed in vestibular and direction-recognition tasks. CONCLUSIONS Results in normal subjects supported each hypothesis. Subjects tended to respond opposite of their preceding response (not the preceding stimulus), indicating a cognitive bias, and this caused an overestimation of thresholds. Using an enhanced model (MATLAB code provided) that considered these effects, average thresholds were lower (5.5% for yaw, 7.1% for interaural). Since the results indicate that the magnitude of cognitive bias varies across subjects, this enhanced model can reduce measurement variability and potentially improve the efficiency of data collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Lopez-Contreras Gonzalez
- Jenks Vestibular Physiology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Susan A. King
- Jenks Vestibular Physiology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston
| | - Faisal Karmali
- Jenks Vestibular Physiology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Schellenberg S, Straumann D, Green DA, Schuetz P, Zehnder Y, Swanenburg J. Earth-vertical motion perception assessment using an elevator: a feasibility study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9450. [PMID: 37296287 PMCID: PMC10256722 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36655-7] [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: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A feasible, inexpensive, rapid, and easy-to-use method to measure vestibular vertical movement perception is needed to assess the sacculus-mediated low-frequency otolith function of dizzy patients. To evaluate the feasibility of reaction time assessment in response to vertical motion induced by an elevator in healthy young individuals. We recorded linear acceleration/deceleration reaction times (LA-RT/LD-RT) of 20 healthy (13 female) subjects (mean age: 22 years ± 1 SD) as a measure of vertical vestibular motion perception. LA-RT/LD-RT were defined as the time elapsed from the start of elevator acceleration or deceleration to the time at which subjects in a sitting position indicated perceiving a change in velocity by pushing a button with their thumb. The light reaction time was measured as a reference. All 20 subjects tolerated the assessment with repeated elevator rides and reported no adverse events. Over all experiments, one upward and four downward rides had to be excluded for technical reasons (2.5%). The fraction of premature button presses varied among the four conditions, possibly related to elevator vibration (upward rides: LA-RT-up 66%, LD-RT-up 0%; downward rides: LA-RT-down 12%, LD-RT-down 4%). Thus LD-RT-up yielded the most robust results. The reaction time to earth-vertical deceleration elicited by an elevator provides a consistent indicator of linear vestibular motion perception in healthy humans. The testing procedure is inexpensive and easy to use. Deceleration on upward rides yielded the most robust measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Schellenberg
- Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Research Center, Directorate of Research and Education, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Straumann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David Andrew Green
- Space Medicine Team, HRE-OM, European Astronaut Centre, European Space Agency, Cologne, Germany
- KBRwyle Laboratories GmbH, Cologne, Germany
- Centre of Human & Applied Physiological Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Philipp Schuetz
- Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Yves Zehnder
- Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Jaap Swanenburg
- Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Research Center, Directorate of Research and Education, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Air Force Center, Air Base Dübendorf, UZH Space Hub, Zurich, Switzerland.
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7
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Pleshkov M, Rondas N, Lucieer F, van Stiphout L, Janssen M, Guinand N, Perez-Fornos A, Demkin V, van Rompaey V, Kingma H, van de Berg R. Reported thresholds of self-motion perception are influenced by testing paradigm. J Neurol 2022; 269:5755-5761. [PMID: 35294617 PMCID: PMC9553771 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11032-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Different testing paradigms have been proposed to investigate perceptual self-motion thresholds. They can differ regarding the amount of possible motions that patients have to choose from. Objective of this study was to compare the two-option paradigm and twelve-option paradigm, to investigate whether reducing the choice options significantly influences the reported thresholds of self-motion perception of healthy subjects. METHODS Thirty-three volunteers with no prior vestibular complaints were included and sequentially tested with both paradigms at a random sequence. Perceptual self-motion thresholds were measured using a hydraulic motion platform in the absence of external visual and auditory cues. The platform delivered twelve different movements: six translations and six rotations. Each subject had to report the correct type and direction of movements. Thresholds were determined by a double confirmation of the lowest threshold, in combination with a double rejection of the one-step lower stimulus. Perceptual self-motion thresholds of both paradigms were compared using the mixed model analysis. RESULTS The twelve-option paradigm showed significantly higher reported thresholds for yaw rotations and translations left, right and down (p < 0.001), compared to the two-option paradigm. No statistical difference was found for rolls and translations up. No significant gender effect, learning effect and carry-over effect were present in any of the applied motion directions. CONCLUSION Reported thresholds of self-motion perception of healthy subjects are influenced by the testing paradigm. The twelve-option paradigm showed significantly higher thresholds than the two-option paradigm. Results obtained with each testing paradigm should, therefore, be compared to paradigm-specific normative data.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Pleshkov
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ET Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Physics, Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - N. Rondas
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - F. Lucieer
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ET Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - L. van Stiphout
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ET Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - M. Janssen
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ET Maastricht, The Netherlands
- School for Public Health and Primary Care (CAPHRI), Department of Methodology and Statistics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - 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
| | - V. Demkin
- Faculty of Physics, Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - V. van Rompaey
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - H. Kingma
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ET Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - R. van de Berg
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ET Maastricht, The Netherlands
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8
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van Stiphout L, Lucieer F, Pleshkov M, Van Rompaey V, Widdershoven J, Guinand N, Pérez Fornos A, Kingma H, van de Berg R. Bilateral vestibulopathy decreases self-motion perception. J Neurol 2021; 269:5216-5228. [PMID: 34263351 PMCID: PMC9467944 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10695-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Objective Current diagnostic criteria for bilateral vestibulopathy (BV) primarily involve measurements of vestibular reflexes. Perceptual self-motion thresholds however, are not routinely measured and their clinical value in this specific population is not yet fully determined. Objectives of this study were (1) to compare perceptual self-motion thresholds between BV patients and control subjects, and (2) to explore patterns of self-motion perception performance and vestibular function in BV patients. Methods Thirty-seven BV patients and 34 control subjects were included in this study. Perceptual self-motion thresholds were measured in both groups using a CAREN platform (Motek Medical BV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands). Vestibular function was evaluated (only in BV patients) by the caloric test, torsion swing test, video head impulse test of all semicircular canals, and cervical- and ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials. Differences in thresholds between both groups were analyzed. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to visualize patterns between self-motion perception and vestibular function within the group of BV patients. Results Perceptual self-motion thresholds were significantly higher in BV patients compared to control subjects, regarding nearly all rotations and translations (depending on the age group) (p ≤ 0.001). Cluster analysis showed that within the group of BV patients, higher perceptual self-motion thresholds were generally associated with lower vestibular test results (significant for yaw rotation, caloric test, torsion swing test, and video head impulse test (p ≤ 0.001)). Conclusion Self-motion perception is significantly decreased in BV patients compared to control subjects regarding nearly all rotations and translations. Furthermore, decreased self-motion perception is generally associated with lower residual vestibular function in BV patients. Trial registration Trial registration number NL52768.068.15/METC Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00415-021-10695-3.
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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, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX, 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, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Maksim Pleshkov
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Balance Disorders, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Faculty of Physics, Tomsk State Research University, Tomsk, Russian Federation
| | - 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, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX, 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
| | - 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
| | - Herman Kingma
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Balance Disorders, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Faculty of Physics, Tomsk State Research University, Tomsk, Russian Federation
| | - 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, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Faculty of Physics, Tomsk State Research University, Tomsk, Russian Federation
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9
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Faralli M, Ori M, Ricci G, Roscini M, Panichi R, Pettorossi VE. Disruption of self-motion perception without vestibular reflex alteration in ménière's disease. J Vestib Res 2021; 32:193-203. [PMID: 34151876 DOI: 10.3233/ves-201520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-motion misperception has been observed in vestibular patients during asymmetric body oscillations. This misperception is correlated with the patient's vestibular discomfort. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether or not self-motion misperception persists in post-ictal patients with Ménière's disease (MD). METHODS Twenty-eight MD patients were investigated while in the post-ictal interval. Self-motion perception was studied by examining the displacement of a memorized visual target after sequences of opposite directed fast-slow asymmetric whole body rotations in the dark. The difference in target representation was analyzed and correlated with the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) score. The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) and clinical tests for ocular reflex were also evaluated. RESULTS All MD patients showed a noticeable difference in target representation after asymmetric rotation depending on the direction of the fast/slow rotations. This side difference suggests disruption of motion perception. The DHI score was correlated with the amount of motion misperception. In contrast, VOR and clinical trials were altered in only half of these patients. CONCLUSIONS Asymmetric rotation reveals disruption of self-motion perception in MD patients during the post-ictal interval, even in the absence of ocular reflex impairment. Motion misperception may cause persistent vestibular discomfort in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Faralli
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Section of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Perugia, Italy
| | - Michele Ori
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Section of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Perugia, Italy
| | - Giampietro Ricci
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Section of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Perugia, Italy
| | - Mauro Roscini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Section of Human Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Perugia, Italy
| | - Roberto Panichi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Section of Human Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Perugia, Italy
| | - Vito Enrico Pettorossi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Section of Human Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Perugia, Italy
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10
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Kobel MJ, Wagner AR, Merfeld DM, Mattingly JK. Vestibular Thresholds: A Review of Advances and Challenges in Clinical Applications. Front Neurol 2021; 12:643634. [PMID: 33679594 PMCID: PMC7933227 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.643634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Vestibular disorders pose a substantial burden on the healthcare system due to a high prevalence and the severity of symptoms. Currently, a large portion of patients experiencing vestibular symptoms receive an ambiguous diagnosis or one that is based solely on history, unconfirmed by any objective measures. As patients primarily experience perceptual symptoms (e.g., dizziness), recent studies have investigated the use of vestibular perceptual thresholds, a quantitative measure of vestibular perception, in clinical populations. This review provides an overview of vestibular perceptual thresholds and the current literature assessing use in clinical populations as a potential diagnostic tool. Patients with peripheral and central vestibular pathologies, including bilateral vestibulopathy and vestibular migraine, show characteristic changes in vestibular thresholds. Vestibular perceptual thresholds have also been found to detect subtle, sub-clinical declines in vestibular function in asymptomatic older adults, suggesting a potential use of vestibular thresholds to augment or complement existing diagnostic methods in multiple populations. Vestibular thresholds are a reliable, sensitive, and specific assay of vestibular precision, however, continued research is needed to better understand the possible applications and limitations, especially with regard to the diagnosis of vestibular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan J Kobel
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States.,Department of Speech and Hearing Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Andrew R Wagner
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States.,Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Daniel M Merfeld
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Jameson K Mattingly
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
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11
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Human vestibular perceptual thresholds for pitch tilt are slightly worse than for roll tilt across a range of frequencies. Exp Brain Res 2020; 238:1499-1509. [DOI: 10.1007/s00221-020-05830-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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12
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Dixon JB, Clark TK. Sensorimotor impairment from a new analog of spaceflight-altered neurovestibular cues. J Neurophysiol 2020; 123:209-223. [PMID: 31747329 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00156.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to microgravity during spaceflight causes central reinterpretations of orientation sensory cues in astronauts, leading to sensorimotor impairment upon return to Earth. Currently there is no ground-based analog for the neurovestibular system relevant to spaceflight. We propose such an analog, which we term the "wheelchair head-immobilization paradigm" (WHIP). Subjects lie on their side on a bed fixed to a modified electric wheelchair, with their head restrained by a custom facemask. WHIP prevents any head tilt relative to gravity, which normally produces coupled stimulation to the otoliths and semicircular canals, but does not occur in microgravity. Decoupled stimulation is produced through translation and rotation on the wheelchair by the subject using a joystick. Following 12 h of WHIP exposure, subjects systematically felt illusory sensations of self-motion when making head tilts and had significant decrements in balance and locomotion function using tasks similar to those assessed in astronauts postspaceflight. These effects were not observed in our control groups without head restraint, suggesting the altered neurovestibular stimulation patterns experienced in WHIP lead to relevant central reinterpretations. We conclude by discussing the findings in light of postspaceflight sensorimotor impairment, WHIP's uses beyond a spaceflight analog, limitations, and future work.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We propose, implement, and demonstrate the feasibility of a new analog for spaceflight-altered neurovestibular stimulation. Following extended exposure to the analog, we found subjects reported illusory self-motion perception. Furthermore, they demonstrated decrements in balance and locomotion, using tasks similar to those used to assess astronaut sensorimotor performance postspaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan B Dixon
- Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Torin K Clark
- Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado
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13
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Dupuits B, Pleshkov M, Lucieer F, Guinand N, Pérez Fornos A, Guyot JP, Kingma H, van de Berg R. A New and Faster Test to Assess Vestibular Perception. Front Neurol 2019; 10:707. [PMID: 31312176 PMCID: PMC6614290 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Clinical vestibular testing mainly consists of testing reflexes, but does not routinely include testing for perceptual symptoms. The objective of this study was to investigate a new and faster test for vestibular perception, and to compare its results with previous studies. Methods: Fifty-five healthy subjects with no prior vestibular complaints were included and divided into three age groups. Vestibular perceptual thresholds were measured using a hydraulic platform in the dark. The platform delivered 12 different movements: six translations (forward, backward, right, left, up, and down) and six rotations/tilt (yaw left, yaw right, pitch forward, pitch backward, roll left, and roll right). The subject had to report the correct type and direction of movements. Thresholds were determined by a double confirmation of the lowest threshold. General trends in thresholds like relative interrelationship and the influence of age were analyzed and compared with values reported previously. Results: Mean thresholds of age groups ranged between 0.092 and 0.221 m/s2 for translations, and between 0.188 and 2.255°/s2 for rotations. The absolute values differed from previous reports, but the relative interrelationship of thresholds between type and direction of motion remained. An association between age and vestibular thresholds was found, similar to previous reports. Conclusion: This new and faster test for vestibular perception showed comparable patterns in perceptual thresholds when compared to more research oriented, lengthy tests. This might pave the way for establishing vestibular perception testing protocols useful for the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Dupuits
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Maksim Pleshkov
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Faculty of Physics, Tomsk State Research University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Florence Lucieer
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht, 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
| | - Jean Philippe Guyot
- Service of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Herman Kingma
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Faculty of Physics, Tomsk State Research University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Raymond van de Berg
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Faculty of Physics, Tomsk State Research University, Tomsk, Russia
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14
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Clark TK, Newman MC, Karmali F, Oman CM, Merfeld DM. Mathematical models for dynamic, multisensory spatial orientation perception. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2019; 248:65-90. [PMID: 31239146 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2019.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Mathematical models have been proposed for how the brain interprets sensory information to produce estimates of self-orientation and self-motion. This process, spatial orientation perception, requires dynamically integrating multiple sensory modalities, including visual, vestibular, and somatosensory cues. Here, we review the progress in mathematical modeling of spatial orientation perception, focusing on dynamic multisensory models, and the experimental paradigms in which they have been validated. These models are primarily "black box" or "as if" models for how the brain processes spatial orientation cues. Yet, they have been effective scientifically, in making quantitative hypotheses that can be empirically assessed, and operationally, in investigating aircraft pilot disorientation, for example. The primary family of models considered, the observer model, implements estimation theory approaches, hypothesizing that internal models (i.e., neural systems replicating the behavior/dynamics of physical systems) are used to produce expected sensory measurements. Expected signals are then compared to actual sensory afference, yielding sensory conflict, which is weighted to drive central perceptions of gravity, angular velocity, and translation. This approach effectively predicts a wide range of experimental scenarios using a small set of fixed free parameters. We conclude with limitations and applications of existing mathematical models and important areas of future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torin K Clark
- Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States.
| | - Michael C Newman
- Environmental Tectonics Corporation, Southampton, PA, United States
| | - Faisal Karmali
- Jenks Vestibular Physiology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, United States; Otolaryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Charles M Oman
- Human Systems Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Daniel M Merfeld
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States; Naval Aerospace Medical Research Lab (NAMRL), Naval Medical Research Unit-Dayton (NAMRUD), Dayton, OH, United States
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15
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Nesti A, de Winkel K, Bülthoff HH. Accumulation of Inertial Sensory Information in the Perception of Whole Body Yaw Rotation. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170497. [PMID: 28125681 PMCID: PMC5268484 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
While moving through the environment, our central nervous system accumulates sensory information over time to provide an estimate of our self-motion, allowing for completing crucial tasks such as maintaining balance. However, little is known on how the duration of the motion stimuli influences our performances in a self-motion discrimination task. Here we study the human ability to discriminate intensities of sinusoidal (0.5 Hz) self-rotations around the vertical axis (yaw) for four different stimulus durations (1, 2, 3 and 5 s) in darkness. In a typical trial, participants experienced two consecutive rotations of equal duration and different peak amplitude, and reported the one perceived as stronger. For each stimulus duration, we determined the smallest detectable change in stimulus intensity (differential threshold) for a reference velocity of 15 deg/s. Results indicate that differential thresholds decrease with stimulus duration and asymptotically converge to a constant, positive value. This suggests that the central nervous system accumulates sensory information on self-motion over time, resulting in improved discrimination performances. Observed trends in differential thresholds are consistent with predictions based on a drift diffusion model with leaky integration of sensory evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Nesti
- Department of Human Perception, Cognition and Action, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ksander de Winkel
- Department of Human Perception, Cognition and Action, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Heinrich H. Bülthoff
- Department of Human Perception, Cognition and Action, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
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16
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Yi Y, Merfeld DM. A quantitative confidence signal detection model: 1. Fitting psychometric functions. J Neurophysiol 2016; 115:1932-45. [PMID: 26763777 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00318.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Perceptual thresholds are commonly assayed in the laboratory and clinic. When precision and accuracy are required, thresholds are quantified by fitting a psychometric function to forced-choice data. The primary shortcoming of this approach is that it typically requires 100 trials or more to yield accurate (i.e., small bias) and precise (i.e., small variance) psychometric parameter estimates. We show that confidence probability judgments combined with a model of confidence can yield psychometric parameter estimates that are markedly more precise and/or markedly more efficient than conventional methods. Specifically, both human data and simulations show that including confidence probability judgments for just 20 trials can yield psychometric parameter estimates that match the precision of those obtained from 100 trials using conventional analyses. Such an efficiency advantage would be especially beneficial for tasks (e.g., taste, smell, and vestibular assays) that require more than a few seconds for each trial, but this potential benefit could accrue for many other tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongwoo Yi
- Jenks Vestibular Physiology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts; and Department of Otolaryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Daniel M Merfeld
- Jenks Vestibular Physiology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts; and Department of Otolaryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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17
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Bremova T, Caushaj A, Ertl M, Strobl R, Böttcher N, Strupp M, MacNeilage PR. Comparison of linear motion perception thresholds in vestibular migraine and Menière's disease. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2016; 273:2931-9. [PMID: 26728484 PMCID: PMC5014886 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-015-3835-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Linear motion perceptual thresholds (PTs) were compared between patients with Menière’s disease (MD) and vestibular migraine (VM). Twenty patients with VM, 27 patients with MD and 34 healthy controls (HC) were examined. PTs for linear motion along the inter-aural (IA), naso-occipital axes (NO), and head-vertical (HV) axis were measured using a multi-axis motion platform. Ocular and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (o/c VEMP) were performed and the dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) administered. In order to discriminate between VM and MD, we also evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of applied methods. PTs depended significantly on the group tested (VM, MD and HC), as revealed by ANCOVA with group as the factor and age as the covariate. This was true for all motion axes (IA, HV and NO). Thresholds were highest for MD patients, significantly higher than for all other groups for all motion axes, except for the IA axis when compared with HC group suggesting decreased otolith sensitivity in MD patients. VM patients had thresholds that were not different from those of HC, but were significantly lower than those of the MD group for all motion axes. The cVEMP p13 latencies differed significantly across groups being lowest in VM. There was a statistically significant association between HV and NO thresholds and cVEMP PP amplitudes. Diagnostic accuracy was highest for the IA axis, followed by cVEMP PP amplitudes, NO and HV axes. To conclude, patients with MD had significantly higher linear motion perception thresholds compared to patients with VM and controls. Except for reduced cVEMP latency, there were no differences in c/oVEMP between MD, VM and controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Bremova
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany. .,Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Grosshaderner Strasse 2, 82152, Munich, Germany.
| | - Arla Caushaj
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Ertl
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.,Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Grosshaderner Strasse 2, 82152, Munich, Germany
| | - Ralf Strobl
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.,Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometrics and Epidemiology, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Marchioninistrasse 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Nicolina Böttcher
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Strupp
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Paul R MacNeilage
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.,Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Grosshaderner Strasse 2, 82152, Munich, Germany
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18
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Perception-Based Motion Cueing: A Cybernetics Approach to Motion Simulation. TRENDS IN AUGMENTATION OF HUMAN PERFORMANCE 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-017-7239-6_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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19
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Nesti A, Beykirch KA, Pretto P, Bülthoff HH. Self-motion sensitivity to visual yaw rotations in humans. Exp Brain Res 2014; 233:861-9. [PMID: 25511163 PMCID: PMC4318989 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-014-4161-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
While moving through the environment, humans use vision to discriminate different self-motion intensities and to control their actions (e.g. maintaining balance or controlling a vehicle). How the intensity of visual stimuli affects self-motion perception is an open, yet important, question. In this study, we investigate the human ability to discriminate perceived velocities of visually induced illusory self-motion (vection) around the vertical (yaw) axis. Stimuli, generated using a projection screen (70 × 90 deg field of view), consist of a natural virtual environment (360 deg panoramic colour picture of a forest) rotating at constant velocity. Participants control stimulus duration to allow for a complete vection illusion to occur in every single trial. In a two-interval forced-choice task, participants discriminate a reference motion from a comparison motion, adjusted after every presentation, by indicating which rotation feels stronger. Motion sensitivity is measured as the smallest perceivable change in stimulus intensity (differential threshold) for eight participants at five rotation velocities (5, 15, 30, 45 and 60 deg/s). Differential thresholds for circular vection increase with stimulus velocity, following a trend well described by a power law with an exponent of 0.64. The time necessary for complete vection to arise is slightly but significantly longer for the first stimulus presentation (average 11.56 s) than for the second (9.13 s) and does not depend on stimulus velocity. Results suggest that lower differential thresholds (higher sensitivity) are associated with smaller rotations, because they occur more frequently during everyday experience. Moreover, results also suggest that vection is facilitated by a recent exposure, possibly related to visual motion after-effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Nesti
- Department of Human Perception, Cognition and Action, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Spemannstraße 38, 72076, Tübingen, Germany,
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20
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Agrawal Y, Bremova T, Kremmyda O, Strupp M, MacNeilage PR. Clinical testing of otolith function: perceptual thresholds and myogenic potentials. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 2014; 14:905-15. [PMID: 24077672 DOI: 10.1007/s10162-013-0416-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical and ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP/oVEMP) tests are widely used clinical tests of otolith function. However, VEMP testing may not be the ideal measure of otolith function given the significant inter-individual variability in responses and given that the stimuli used to elicit VEMPs are not physiological. We therefore evaluated linear motion perceptual threshold testing compared with cVEMP and oVEMP testing as measures of saccular and utricular function, respectively. A multi-axis motion platform was used to measure horizontal (along the inter-aural and naso-occipital axes) and vertical motion perceptual thresholds. These findings were compared with the vibration-evoked oVEMP as a measure of utricular function and sound-evoked cVEMP as a measure of saccular function. We also considered how perceptual threshold and cVEMP/oVEMP testing are each associated with Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) scores. We enrolled 33 patients with bilateral vestibulopathy of different severities and 42 controls to have sufficient variability in otolith function. Subjects with abnormal oVEMP amplitudes had significantly higher (poorer) perceptual thresholds in the inter-aural and naso-occipital axes in age-adjusted analyses; no significant associations were observed for vertical perceptual thresholds and cVEMP amplitudes. Both oVEMP amplitudes and naso-occipital axis perceptual thresholds were significantly associated with DHI scores. These data suggest that horizontal perceptual thresholds and oVEMPs may estimate the same underlying physiological construct: utricular function.
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21
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Karmali F, Lim K, Merfeld DM. Visual and vestibular perceptual thresholds each demonstrate better precision at specific frequencies and also exhibit optimal integration. J Neurophysiol 2013; 111:2393-403. [PMID: 24371292 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00332.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Prior studies show that visual motion perception is more precise than vestibular motion perception, but it is unclear whether this is universal or the result of specific experimental conditions. We compared visual and vestibular motion precision over a broad range of temporal frequencies by measuring thresholds for vestibular (subject motion in the dark), visual (visual scene motion) or visual-vestibular (subject motion in the light) stimuli. Specifically, thresholds were measured for motion frequencies spanning a two-decade physiological range (0.05-5 Hz) using single-cycle sinusoidal acceleration roll tilt trajectories (i.e., distinguishing left-side down from right-side down). We found that, while visual and vestibular thresholds were broadly similar between 0.05 and 5.0 Hz, each cue is significantly more precise than the other at certain frequencies. Specifically, we found that 1) visual and vestibular thresholds were indistinguishable at 0.05 Hz and 2 Hz (i.e., similarly precise); 2) visual thresholds were lower (i.e., vision more precise) than vestibular thresholds between 0.1 Hz and 1 Hz; and 3) visual thresholds were higher (i.e., vision less precise) than vestibular thresholds above 2 Hz. This shows that vestibular perception can be more precise than visual perception at physiologically relevant frequencies. We also found that sensory integration of visual and vestibular information is consistent with static Bayesian optimal integration of visual-vestibular cues. In contrast with most prior work that degraded or altered sensory cues, we demonstrated static optimal integration using natural cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Karmali
- Jenks Vestibular Physiology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts; and Department of Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Koeun Lim
- Jenks Vestibular Physiology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - Daniel M Merfeld
- Jenks Vestibular Physiology Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts; and Department of Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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22
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Abstract
Perceiving vertical self-motion is crucial for maintaining balance as well as for controlling an aircraft. Whereas heave absolute thresholds have been exhaustively studied, little work has been done in investigating how vertical sensitivity depends on motion intensity (i.e., differential thresholds). Here we measure human sensitivity for 1-Hz sinusoidal accelerations for 10 participants in darkness. Absolute and differential thresholds are measured for upward and downward translations independently at 5 different peak amplitudes ranging from 0 to 2 m/s2. Overall vertical differential thresholds are higher than horizontal differential thresholds found in the literature. Psychometric functions are fit in linear and logarithmic space, with goodness of fit being similar in both cases. Differential thresholds are higher for upward as compared to downward motion and increase with stimulus intensity following a trend best described by two power laws. The power laws’ exponents of 0.60 and 0.42 for upward and downward motion, respectively, deviate from Weber’s Law in that thresholds increase less than expected at high stimulus intensity. We speculate that increased sensitivity at high accelerations and greater sensitivity to downward than upward self-motion may reflect adaptations to avoid falling.
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23
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Vestibular rehabilitation outcomes in patients with and without vestibular migraine. J Neurol 2013; 260:3039-48. [DOI: 10.1007/s00415-013-7116-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2013] [Revised: 09/10/2013] [Accepted: 09/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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24
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Soyka F, Bülthoff HH, Barnett-Cowan M. Temporal processing of self-motion: modeling reaction times for rotations and translations. Exp Brain Res 2013; 228:51-62. [PMID: 23665749 PMCID: PMC3677981 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-013-3536-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we show that differences in reaction times (RT) to self-motion depend not only on the duration of the profile, but also on the actual time course of the acceleration. We previously proposed models that described direction discrimination thresholds for rotational and translational motions based on the dynamics of the vestibular sensory organs (otoliths and semi-circular canals). As these models have the potential to describe RT for different motion profiles (e.g., trapezoidal versus triangular acceleration profiles or varying profile durations), we validated these models by measuring RTs in human observers for a direction discrimination task using both translational and rotational motions varying in amplitude, duration and acceleration profile shape in a within-subjects design. In agreement with previous studies, amplitude and duration were found to affect RT, and importantly, we found an influence of the profile shape on RT. The models are able to fit the measured RTs with an accuracy of around 5 ms, and the best-fitting parameters are similar to those found from identifying the models based on threshold measurements. This confirms the validity of the modeling approach and links perceptual thresholds to RT. By establishing a link between vestibular thresholds for self-motion and RT, we show for the first time that RTs to purely inertial motion stimuli can be used as an alternative to threshold measurements for identifying self-motion perception models. This is advantageous, since RT tasks are less challenging for participants and make assessment of vestibular function less fatiguing. Further, our results provide strong evidence that the perceived timing of self-motion stimulation is largely influenced by the response dynamics of the vestibular sensory organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Soyka
- Department of Human Perception, Cognition and Action, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Spemannstraße 38, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Heinrich H. Bülthoff
- Department of Human Perception, Cognition and Action, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Spemannstraße 38, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Engineering, Korea University, Anamdong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 136-713 Korea
| | - Michael Barnett-Cowan
- Department of Human Perception, Cognition and Action, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Spemannstraße 38, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Psychology, The Brain and Mind Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5B7 Canada
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25
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Nie K, Ling L, Bierer SM, Kaneko CRS, Fuchs AF, Oxford T, Rubinstein JT, Phillips JO. An experimental vestibular neural prosthesis: design and preliminary results with rhesus monkeys stimulated with modulated pulses. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2013; 60:1685-92. [PMID: 23358943 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2013.2241433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
A vestibular neural prosthesis was designed on the basis of a cochlear implant for treatment of Meniere's disease and other vestibular disorders. Computer control software was developed to generate patterned pulse stimuli for exploring optimal parameters to activate the vestibular nerve. Two rhesus monkeys were implanted with the prototype vestibular prosthesis and they were behaviorally evaluated post implantation surgery. Horizontal and vertical eye movement responses to patterned electrical pulse stimulations were collected on both monkeys. Pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) and pulse rate modulated (PRM) trains were applied to the lateral canal of each implanted animal. Robust slow-phase nystagmus responses following the PAM or PRM modulation pattern were observed in both implanted monkeys in the direction consistent with the activation of the implanted canal. Both PAM and PRM pulse trains can elicit a significant amount of in-phase modulated eye velocity changes and they could potentially be used for efficiently coding head rotational signals in future vestibular neural prostheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaibao Nie
- Department of Otolaryngology, Department of Electrical Engineering, and Virginia Merrill Bloedel Hearing Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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26
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Hartmann M, Mast FW. Moving along the mental time line influences the processing of future related words. Conscious Cogn 2012; 21:1558-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2012.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2012] [Revised: 06/20/2012] [Accepted: 06/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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27
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Soyka F, Giordano PR, Barnett-Cowan M, Bülthoff HH. Modeling direction discrimination thresholds for yaw rotations around an earth-vertical axis for arbitrary motion profiles. Exp Brain Res 2012; 220:89-99. [PMID: 22623095 PMCID: PMC3375416 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-012-3120-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2011] [Accepted: 05/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the dynamics of vestibular perception is important, for example, for improving the realism of motion simulation and virtual reality environments or for diagnosing patients suffering from vestibular problems. Previous research has found a dependence of direction discrimination thresholds for rotational motions on the period length (inverse frequency) of a transient (single cycle) sinusoidal acceleration stimulus. However, self-motion is seldom purely sinusoidal, and up to now, no models have been proposed that take into account non-sinusoidal stimuli for rotational motions. In this work, the influence of both the period length and the specific time course of an inertial stimulus is investigated. Thresholds for three acceleration profile shapes (triangular, sinusoidal, and trapezoidal) were measured for three period lengths (0.3, 1.4, and 6.7 s) in ten participants. A two-alternative forced-choice discrimination task was used where participants had to judge if a yaw rotation around an earth-vertical axis was leftward or rightward. The peak velocity of the stimulus was varied, and the threshold was defined as the stimulus yielding 75 % correct answers. In accordance with previous research, thresholds decreased with shortening period length (from ~2 deg/s for 6.7 s to ~0.8 deg/s for 0.3 s). The peak velocity was the determining factor for discrimination: Different profiles with the same period length have similar velocity thresholds. These measurements were used to fit a novel model based on a description of the firing rate of semi-circular canal neurons. In accordance with previous research, the estimates of the model parameters suggest that velocity storage does not influence perceptual thresholds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Soyka
- Department of Human Perception, Cognition and Action, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Spemannstraße 38, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Paolo Robuffo Giordano
- Department of Human Perception, Cognition and Action, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Spemannstraße 38, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michael Barnett-Cowan
- Department of Human Perception, Cognition and Action, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Spemannstraße 38, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Psychology, The Brain and Mind Institute, Natural Sciences Centre, Western University, Ontario, N6A 5B7 Canada
| | - Heinrich H. Bülthoff
- Department of Human Perception, Cognition and Action, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Spemannstraße 38, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Engineering, Korea University, Anamdong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 136-713 Korea
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Ernst A. Perspectives in vestibular diagnostics and therapy. GMS CURRENT TOPICS IN OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY, HEAD AND NECK SURGERY 2012; 10:Doc05. [PMID: 22558055 PMCID: PMC3341582 DOI: 10.3205/cto000078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Vestibular diagnostics and therapy ist the mirror of technological, scientific and socio-economics trends as are other fields of clinical medicine. These trends have led to a substantial diversification of the field of neurotology.The improvements in diagnostics have been characterized by the introduction of new receptor testing tools (e.g., VEMPs), progress in imaging (e.g., the endolymphatic hydrops) and in the description of central-vestibular neuroplasticity. The etiopathology of vestibular disorders has been updated by geneticists (e.g., the description of the COCH gene mutations), the detection of structural abnormalities (e.g., dehiscence syndromes) and related disorders (e.g. migraine-associated vertigo). The therapeutic options were extended by re-evaluation of techniques known a long time ago (e.g., saccus exposure), the development of new approaches (e.g., dehiscence repair) and the introduction of new drug therapy concepts (e.g., local drug delivery). Implantable, neuroprosthetic solutions have not yet reached experimental safety and validity and are still far away. However, externally worn neuroprosthetic solution were introduced in the rehab of vestibular disorders (e.g., VertiGuard system).These and related trends point into a medical future which is characterized by presbyvertigo as classical sign of the demographic changes ahead, by shortage of financial resources and a medico-legally over-regulated, even hostile environment for physicians in clinical medicine.
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Saginaw MA, Wangsong Gong, Haburcakova C, Merfeld DM. Attenuation of Eye Movements Evoked by a Vestibular Implant at the Frequency of the Baseline Pulse Rate. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2011; 58:2732-9. [DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2010.2095850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Soyka F, Robuffo Giordano P, Beykirch K, Bülthoff HH. Predicting direction detection thresholds for arbitrary translational acceleration profiles in the horizontal plane. Exp Brain Res 2011; 209:95-107. [PMID: 21234751 PMCID: PMC3035781 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-010-2523-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2010] [Accepted: 12/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In previous research, direction detection thresholds have been measured and successfully modeled by exposing participants to sinusoidal acceleration profiles of different durations. In this paper, we present measurements that reveal differences in thresholds depending not only on the duration of the profile, but also on the actual time course of the acceleration. The measurements are further explained by a model based on a transfer function, which is able to predict direction detection thresholds for all types of acceleration profiles. In order to quantify a participant's ability to detect the direction of motion in the horizontal plane, a four-alternative forced-choice task was implemented. Three types of acceleration profiles (sinusoidal, trapezoidal and triangular) were tested for three different durations (1.5, 2.36 and 5.86 s). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study which varies both quantities (profile and duration) in a systematic way within a single experiment. The lowest thresholds were found for trapezoidal profiles and the highest for triangular profiles. Simulations for frequencies lower than the ones actually measured predict a change from this behavior: Sinusoidal profiles are predicted to yield the highest thresholds at low frequencies. This qualitative prediction is only possible with a model that is able to predict thresholds for different types of acceleration profiles. Our modeling approach represents an important advancement, because it allows for a more general and accurate description of perceptual thresholds for simple and complex translational motions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Soyka
- Department of Human Perception, Cognition and Action, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Spemannstraße 38, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Paolo Robuffo Giordano
- Department of Human Perception, Cognition and Action, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Spemannstraße 38, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Karl Beykirch
- Department of Human Perception, Cognition and Action, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Spemannstraße 38, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Heinrich H. Bülthoff
- Department of Human Perception, Cognition and Action, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Spemannstraße 38, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Engineering, Korea University, Anamdong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 136-713 Korea
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