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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Corre J, Cugnot JF, Boutabla A, Cavuscens S, Ranieri M, van de Berg R, Peterka RJ, Guinand N, Fornos AP. Postural impairments in unilateral and bilateral vestibulopathy. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1324868. [PMID: 38450076 PMCID: PMC10915085 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1324868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic imbalance is a major complaint of patients suffering from bilateral vestibulopathy (BV) and is often reported by patients with chronic unilateral vestibulopathy (UV), leading to increased risk of falling. We used the Central SensoriMotor Integration (CSMI) test, which evaluates sensory integration, time delay, and motor activation contributions to standing balance control, to determine whether CSMI measures could distinguish between healthy control (HC), UV, and BV subjects and to characterize vestibular, proprioceptive, and visual contributions expressed as sensory weights. We also hypothesized that sensory weight values would be associated with the results of vestibular assessments (vestibulo ocular reflex tests and Dizziness Handicap Inventory scores). Twenty HCs, 15 UVs and 17 BVs performed three CSMI conditions evoking sway in response to pseudorandom (1) surface tilts with eyes open or, (2) surface tilts with eyes closed, and (3) visual surround tilts. Proprioceptive weights were identified in surface tilt conditions and visual weights were identified in the visual tilt condition. BVs relied significantly more on proprioception. There was no overlap in proprioceptive weights between BV and HC subjects and minimal overlap between UV and BV subjects in the eyes-closed surface-tilt condition. Additionally, visual sensory weights were greater in BVs and were similarly able to distinguish BV from HC and UV subjects. We found no significant correlations between sensory weights and the results of vestibular assessments. Sensory weights from CSMI testing could provide a useful measure for diagnosing and for objectively evaluating the effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts and future treatments designed to restore vestibular function such as hair cell regeneration and vestibular implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Corre
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jean-François Cugnot
- Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Anissa Boutabla
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Cavuscens
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maurizio Ranieri
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Raymond van de Berg
- Division of Vestibular Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Robert J. Peterka
- National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, Veterans Administration Portland Health Care System and Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Nils Guinand
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Angélica Pérez Fornos
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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van Stiphout L, Rolfes J, Waardenburg S, Kimman M, Guinand N, Pérez Fornos A, Van Rompaey V, van de Berg R. Construct validity and reliability of the Bilateral Vestibulopathy Questionnaire (BVQ). Front Neurol 2023; 14:1221037. [PMID: 38020641 PMCID: PMC10646559 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1221037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Bilateral Vestibulopathy Questionnaire (BVQ) is a recently developed 54-item Patient Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) that evaluates the clinically important symptoms of bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP) and its impact on daily life. This study aimed to assess the construct validity and reliability of the BVQ in a large BVP cohort. Methods Patients diagnosed with BVP were asked to complete a set of questionnaires, including the BVQ, the EuroQol-5D-5L, the Health Utilities Index, the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Oscillopsia Severity Questionnaire. The construct validity of the BVQ was evaluated by confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses (CFA and EFA), followed by hypotheses testing and known groups validity. Structural properties were explored for each individual item. Reliability was assessed by testing the internal consistency of the BVQ constructs (Cronbach's alpha) and test-retest reliability [intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs)]. Results A total of 148 patients with BVP (50% women, mean age 66 years) completed the set of questionnaires. The CFA did not show a satisfactory model in the original BVQ. However, the EFA showed a four-factor solution with 20 Likert-scale items related to oscillopsia, imbalance, emotion, and cognition. The succeeding CFA provided evidence for construct validity and an acceptable model of fit. Hypothesis testing confirmed that this shortened version validly measures the constructs to be measured. Statistically significant differences in scores between known groups were found, providing further support for good construct validity. The structural properties were acceptable. Cronbach's alpha confirmed good internal consistency for the four constructs, ranging from 0.80 to 0.89. The ICCs of the 20 Likert-scale items and four visual analog scale (VAS) items were interpreted as good (range 0.76-0.93). Conclusion This study showed evidence of good construct validity of the new shortened version of the BVQ, consisting of four constructs with a total of 20 Likert-scale items and four VAS items. The final 24-item BVQ proved to be a reliable and valid multi-item PROM that captures the clinically important symptoms of BVP and evaluates its impact on daily life. Consequently, the BVQ enables the gathering of high-level evidence of treatment effectiveness in a systematic and quantitative manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa van Stiphout
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Jeremy Rolfes
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Sophie Waardenburg
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology (KEMTA), Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Merel Kimman
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology (KEMTA), Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, 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
| | - 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
| | - Raymond 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, Maastricht, Netherlands
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Zhu M, van Stiphout L, Karabulut M, Pérez Fornos A, Guinand N, Meijer K, van de Berg R, McCrum C. Assessing balance in people with bilateral vestibulopathy using the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest): feasibility and comparison with healthy control data. J Neurol 2023; 270:4423-4433. [PMID: 37269353 PMCID: PMC10421784 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11795-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP) leads to unsteadiness when walking, which worsens in darkness or on uneven ground, as well as falls. Since simple balance tests struggle to distinguish between BVP and healthy participants, we aimed (1) to test if the Mini-BESTest is feasible in BVP, (2) how people with BVP perform on the Mini-BESTest and (3) to compare these scores with healthy reference data. METHODS Fifty participants with BVP completed the Mini-BESTest. 12-month falls incidence was obtained by questionnaire. To compare the overall and sub-scores between our participants with BVP and those of healthy participants from the literature (n = 327; obtained via PubMed searches), Mann-Whitney U tests were used. Sub scores within the BVP group were also compared. Spearman correlations were used to investigate the relationships between Mini-BESTest score and age. RESULTS No floor or ceiling effects were observed. Participants with BVP had significantly lower Mini-BESTest total scores than the healthy group. Anticipatory, reactive postural control and sensory orientation sub scores of the Mini-BESTest were significantly lower in BVP, while dynamic gait sub scores were not significantly different. A stronger negative correlation between age and Mini-BESTest total score was found in BVP than in the healthy group. Scores did not differ between patients with different falls history. CONCLUSION The Mini-BESTest is feasible in BVP. Our results confirm the commonly reported balance deficits in BVP. The stronger negative association between age and balance in BVP might reflect the age-related decline in the remaining sensory systems with which people with BVP compensate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meichan Zhu
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital (Guangzhou Otolarynology-Head and Neck Surgery Hospital), No. 1 Tianqiang Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510620, Guangdong, China.
| | - Lisa van Stiphout
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mustafa Karabulut
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Angélica Pérez Fornos
- Service of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nils Guinand
- Service of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kenneth Meijer
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Raymond 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, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Christopher McCrum
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Karabulut M, Van Laer L, Hallemans A, Vereeck L, Van Rompaey V, Viechtbauer W, Melliti A, van Stiphout L, Mohamad A, Pérez Fornos A, Guinand N, van de Berg R. Chronic symptoms in patients with unilateral vestibular hypofunction: systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1177314. [PMID: 37483440 PMCID: PMC10360052 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1177314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To systematically evaluate the full spectrum of self-reported chronic symptoms in patients with unilateral vestibular hypofunction (UVH) and to investigate the effect of interventions on these symptoms. Methods A systematic review was conducted following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Statement (PRISMA). A literature search was performed in Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus to investigate self-reported symptoms and self-report questionnaires in patients with UVH. All original studies ranging from full-text clinical trials to case reports, written in English, German, and French, were included. The frequency of self-reported symptoms was presented. For self-report questionnaires, a meta-analysis was carried out to synthesize scale means by the pre- and post-intervention means and mean changes for studies that investigated interventions. Results A total of 2,110 studies were retrieved. Forty-seven studies were included after title-abstract selection and full-text selection by two independent reviewers. The symptoms of UVH patients included chronic dizziness (98%), imbalance (81%), symptoms worsened by head movements (75%), visually induced dizziness (61%), symptoms worsened in darkness (51%), and oscillopsia (22%). Additionally, UVH could be accompanied by recurrent vertigo (77%), tiredness (68%), cognitive symptoms (58%), and autonomic symptoms (46%). Regarding self-report questionnaires, UVH resulted on average in a moderate handicap, with an estimated mean total score on the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and the Vertigo Symptom Scale (VSS) of 46.31 (95% CI: 41.17-51.44) and 15.50 (95% CI: 12.59-18.41), respectively. In studies that investigated the effect of vestibular intervention, a significant decrease in the estimated mean total DHI scores from 51.79 (95% CI: 46.61-56.97) (pre-intervention) to 27.39 (95% CI: 23.16-31.62) (post intervention) was found (p < 0.0001). In three studies, the estimated mean total Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores were 7.05 (95% CI, 5.64-8.46) (pre-intervention) and 2.56 (95% CI, 1.15-3.97) (post-intervention). Finally, a subgroup of patients (≥32%) persists with at least a moderate handicap, despite vestibular rehabilitation. Conclusion A spectrum of symptoms is associated with UVH, of which chronic dizziness and imbalance are most frequently reported. However, semi-structured interviews should be conducted to define the whole spectrum of UVH symptoms more precisely, in order to establish a validated patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) for UVH patients. Furthermore, vestibular interventions can significantly decrease self-reported handicap, although this is insufficient for a subgroup of patients. It could therefore be considered for this subgroup of patients to explore new intervention strategies like vibrotactile feedback or the vestibular implant. Systematic review registration [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [CRD42023389185].
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Karabulut
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Lien Van Laer
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy/Movant, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ann Hallemans
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy/Movant, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Luc Vereeck
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy/Movant, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Vincent Van Rompaey
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wolfgang Viechtbauer
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ali Melliti
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Lisa van Stiphout
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Alfarghal Mohamad
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | | | - Nils Guinand
- Department of Ear Nose Throat, King Abdul Aziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raymond 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, Maastricht, Netherlands
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Monin E, Bahim C, Baussand L, Cugnot JF, Ranieri M, Guinand N, Pérez Fornos A, Cao Van H. Development of a new clinical tool to evaluate the balance abilities of children with bilateral vestibular loss: The Geneva Balance Test. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1085926. [PMID: 36959819 PMCID: PMC10027694 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1085926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Vestibular deficits are considered rare in children, but the lack of systematic screening leads to underdiagnosis. It has been demonstrated that chronic vestibular dysfunction impacts the normal psychomotor development of children. Early identification is needed to allow for clinical management, ensuring better global development. For this purpose, our research group has developed the Geneva Balance Test (GBT), aiming to objectively quantify the balance capacity of children over a broad age range, to screen for bilateral vestibulopathy (BV), and to quantify the improvement of balance abilities in children. Methods To determine the capacity of the GBT to quantify the balance capacity of children with BV, we conducted an observational prospective study with three populations: 11 children with BV, and two age-matched control groups composed of (1) 15 healthy subjects without the vestibular or auditory disorder (HS) and (2) 11 pediatric cochlear implant recipients (CIs) without vestibular disorders. Results of the three populations have been compared in three different age sub- groups (3-5, 6-9, and ≥10 years), and with results of a short, modified version of the Bruininks-Oseretsky test of Motor proficiency Ed. 2 (mBOT-2). Results Statistical analyses demonstrated significant differences in the scores of the GBT between children aged 3-5, 6-9, and ≥10 years with BV and in both control populations (HS and CI). BV scores reflected poorer balance capacities at all ages. Children in the youngest CI sub-group (3-5 years) showed intermediate GBT scores but reached HS scores at 6-9 years, reflecting an improvement in their balance capacities. All the results of the GBT were significantly correlated with mBOT-2 results, although only a few BV completed the entire mBOT-2. Discussion In this study, the GBT allowed quantifying balance deficits in children with BV. The BOT-2 test is not validated for children <4.5 years of age, and the GBT seems to be better tolerated in all populations than the mBOT-2. Furthermore, mBOT-2 results saturated, reaching maximum values by 6-9 years whereas the GBT did not, suggesting that the GBT could be a useful tool for monitoring the development of balance capacities with age and could be used in the follow-up of children with severe vestibular disorders.
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Peetermans O, Dobbels B, Mertens G, Moyaert J, van de Berg R, Vanderveken O, Van de Heyning P, Pérez Fornos A, Guinand N, Lammers MJW, Van Rompaey V. Sound localization in patients with bilateral vestibulopathy. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2022; 279:5601-5613. [PMID: 35536383 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-022-07414-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The goal of this study was to evaluate if bilaterally (partially) absent vestibular function during static sound localization testing, would have a negative impact on sound localization skills. Therefore, this study compared horizontal static sound localization skills of normal-hearing patients with bilateral vestibulopathy (BV) and healthy controls. METHODS Thirteen normal-hearing patients with BV and thirteen age-matched healthy controls were included. Sound localization skills were tested using seven loudspeakers in a frontal semicircle, ranging from - 90° to + 90°. Sound location accuracy was analyzed using the root-mean-square error (RMSE) and the mean absolute error (MAE). To evaluate the severity of the BV symptoms, the following questionnaires were used: Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Oscillopsia severity questionnaire (OSQ), 12-item Spatial, Speech, and Qualities Questionnaire (SSQ12), and Health Utilities Index Mark 3 (HUI3). RESULTS The RMSE and MAE were significantly larger (worse) in the BV group than in the healthy control group, with respective median RMSE of 4.6° and 0°, and a median MAE of 0.7° and 0°. The subjective reporting of speech perception, spatial hearing, and quality of life only demonstrated a moderate correlation between DHI (positive correlation) and HUI total score (negative correlation), and localization scores. CONCLUSION Static sound localization skills of patients with BV were only mildly worse compared to healthy controls. However, this difference was very small and therefore most likely due to impaired cognitive function. The vestibular system does not seem to have a modulating role in sound localization during static conditions, and its impact is negligible in contrast to the impact of hearing impairment. Furthermore, the subjective reporting of speech perception, spatial hearing, and quality of life was not strongly correlated with localization scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Peetermans
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium. .,Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium. .,Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, UZA, Drie Eikenstraat 655, 2650, Edegem, Belgium.
| | - Bieke Dobbels
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Griet Mertens
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Julie Moyaert
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Raymond van de Berg
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Faculty of Physics, Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Olivier Vanderveken
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Paul Van de Heyning
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Angélica Pérez Fornos
- Service of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nils Guinand
- Service of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marc J W Lammers
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - 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, Antwerp, Belgium
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9
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Starkov D, Pleshkov M, Guinand N, Pérez Fornos A, Ranieri M, Cavuscens S, Stultiens JJA, Devocht EMJ, Kingma H, van de Berg R. Optimized Signal Analysis to Quantify the Non-Linear Behaviour of the Electrically Evoked Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex in Patients with a Vestibular Implant. Audiol Neurootol 2022; 27:458-468. [PMID: 35817001 PMCID: PMC9808707 DOI: 10.1159/000525577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Different eye movement analysis algorithms are used in vestibular implant research to quantify the electrically evoked vestibulo-ocular reflex (eVOR). Often, standard techniques are used as applied for quantification of the natural VOR in healthy subjects and patients with vestibular loss. However, in previous research, it was observed that the morphology of the VOR and eVOR may differ substantially. In this study, it was investigated if the analysis techniques for eVOR need to be adapted to optimize a truthful quantification of the eVOR (VOR gain, orientation of the VOR axis, asymmetry, and phase shift). METHODS "Natural" VOR responses were obtained in six age-matched healthy subjects, and eVOR responses were obtained in eight bilateral-vestibulopathy patients fitted with a vestibular implant. Three conditions were tested: "nVOR" 1-Hz sinusoidal whole-body rotations of healthy subjects in a rotatory chair, "eVOR" 1-Hz sinusoidal electrical vestibular implant stimulation without whole-body rotations in bilateral-vestibulopathy patients, and "dVOR" 1-Hz sinusoidal whole-body rotations in bilateral-vestibulopathy patients using the chair-mounted gyroscope output to drive the electrical vestibular implant stimulation (therefore also in sync 1 Hz sinusoidal). VOR outcomes were determined from the obtained VOR responses, using three different eye movement analysis paradigms: (1) peak eye velocity detection using the raw eye traces; (2) peak eye velocity detection using full-cycle sine fitting of eye traces; (3) peak eye velocity detection using half-cycle sine fitting of eye traces. RESULTS The type of eye movement analysis algorithm significantly influenced VOR outcomes, especially regarding the VOR gain and asymmetry of the eVOR in bilateral-vestibulopathy patients fitted with a vestibular implant. Full-cycle fitting lowered VOR gain in the eVOR condition (mean difference: 0.14 ± 0.06 95% CI, p = 0.018). Half-cycle fitting lowered VOR gain in the dVOR condition (mean difference: 0.08 ± 0.04 95% CI, p = 0.009). In the eVOR condition, half-cycle fitting was able to demonstrate the asymmetry between the excitatory and inhibitory phases of stimulation in comparison with the full-cycle fitting (mean difference: 0.19 ± 0.12 95% CI, p = 0.024). The VOR axis and phase shift did not differ significantly between eye movement analysis algorithms. In healthy subjects, no clinically significant effect of eye movement analysis algorithms on VOR outcomes was observed. CONCLUSION For the analysis of the eVOR, the excitatory and inhibitory phases of stimulation should be analysed separately due to the inherent asymmetry of the eVOR. A half-cycle fitting method can be used as a more accurate alternative for the analysis of the full-cycle traces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitrii Starkov
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands,Faculty of Physics, Tomsk State Research University, Tomsk, Russian Federation,*Dmitrii Starkov,
| | - Maksim Pleshkov
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands,Faculty of Physics, Tomsk State Research University, Tomsk, Russian Federation
| | - Nils Guinand
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Service of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Angélica Pérez Fornos
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Service of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maurizio Ranieri
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Service of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Cavuscens
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Service of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joost Johannes Antonius Stultiens
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Elke Maria Johanna Devocht
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Herman Kingma
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands,Faculty of Physics, Tomsk State Research University, Tomsk, Russian Federation
| | - Raymond van de Berg
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands,Faculty of Physics, Tomsk State Research University, Tomsk, Russian Federation
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10
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van Stiphout L, Hossein I, Kimman M, Whitney SL, Ayiotis A, Strupp M, Guinand N, Pérez Fornos A, Widdershoven J, Ramos-Macías Á, Van Rompaey V, van de Berg R. Development and Content Validity of the Bilateral Vestibulopathy Questionnaire. Front Neurol 2022; 13:852048. [PMID: 35370880 PMCID: PMC8968143 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.852048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To date, the burden and severity of the full spectrum of bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP) symptoms has not yet been measured in a standardized manner. Since therapeutic interventions aiming to improve BVP symptoms are emerging, the need for a new standardized assessment tool that encompasses the specific aspects of BVP arises. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a multi-item Patient Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) that captures the clinically important symptoms of BVP and assesses its impact on daily life. Methods The development of the Bilateral Vestibulopathy Questionnaire (BVQ) consisted of two phases: (I) initial item generation and (II) face and content validity testing. Items were derived from a literature review and individual semi-structured interviews focusing on the full spectrum of reported BVP symptoms (I). Subsequently (IIa), individual patient interviews were conducted using “thinking aloud” and concurrent verbal probing techniques to assess the comprehensibility of the instructions, questions and response options, and the relevance, missing domains, or missing items. Interviews continued until saturation of input was reached. Finally, international experts with experience in the field of the physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms of BVP participated in an online focus group to assess the relevance and comprehensiveness of the BVQ (IIb). Results The BVQ consisted of two sections. The first section included 50 items scored on a six-point Likert scale arranged into seven constructs (i.e., imbalance, oscillopsia, other physical symptoms, cognitive symptoms, emotional symptoms, limitations and behavioral changes and social life). The second section consisted of four items, scored on a visual analog scale from 0 to 100, to inquire about limitations in daily life, perceived health and expectations regarding future recovery. Interviews with BVP patients [n = 8, 50% female, mean age 56 years (range 24–88 years)] and the expert meeting confirmed face and content validity of the developed BVQ. Conclusion The BVQ, which was developed to assess the spectrum of BVP symptoms and its impact on daily life, proved to have good face and content validity. It can be used to characterize current self-reported symptoms and disability and to evaluate symptom burden before and after therapeutic interventions in future research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa van Stiphout
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Lisa van Stiphout
| | - Israt Hossein
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Merel Kimman
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment (KEMTA), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Susan L. Whitney
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Andrianna Ayiotis
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Michael Strupp
- Department of Neurology, German Center for Vertigo, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - 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
| | - Josine Widdershoven
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ángel Ramos-Macías
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno Infantil de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - 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
| | - Raymond van de Berg
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht, Netherlands
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11
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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12
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Stultiens JJA, Guinand N, Van Rompaey V, Pérez Fornos A, Kunst HPM, Kingma H, van de Berg R. The resilience of the inner ear-vestibular and audiometric impact of transmastoid semicircular canal plugging. J Neurol 2021; 269:5229-5238. [PMID: 34374862 PMCID: PMC9467949 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10693-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Certain cases of superior semicircular canal dehiscence or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo can be treated by plugging of the affected semicircular canal. However, the extent of the impact on vestibular function and hearing during postoperative follow-up is not known. Objective To evaluate the evolution of vestibular function and hearing after plugging of a semicircular canal. Methods Six patients underwent testing before and 1 week, 2 months, and 6 months after plugging of the superior or posterior semicircular canal. Testing included caloric irrigation test, video Head Impulse Test (vHIT), cervical and ocular Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMPs) and audiometry. Results Initially, ipsilateral caloric response decreased in all patients and vHIT vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain of each ipsilateral semicircular canal decreased in 4/6 patients. In 4/6 patients, postoperative caloric response recovered to > 60% of the preoperative value. In 5/6 patients, vHIT VOR gain was restored to > 85% of the preoperative value for both ipsilateral non-plugged semicircular canals. In the plugged semicircular canal, this gain decreased in 4/5 patients and recovered to > 50% of the preoperative value. Four patients preserved cervical and ocular VEMP responses. Bone conduction hearing deteriorated in 3/6 patients, but recovered within 6 months postoperatively, although one patient had a persistent loss of 15 dB at 8 kHz. Conclusion Plugging of a semicircular canal can affect both vestibular function and hearing. After initial deterioration, most patients show recovery during follow-up. However, a vestibular function loss or high-frequency hearing loss can persist. This stresses the importance of adequate counseling of patients considering plugging of a semicircular canal. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00415-021-10693-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost J A Stultiens
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Nils Guinand
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology and Head-and-Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Van Rompaey
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Angélica Pérez Fornos
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology and Head-and-Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Henricus P M Kunst
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Hermanus Kingma
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Raymond van de Berg
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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13
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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: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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14
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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McCrum C, Lucieer F, van de Berg R, Willems P, Pérez Fornos A, Guinand N, Karamanidis K, Kingma H, Meijer K. The walking speed-dependency of gait variability in bilateral vestibulopathy and its association with clinical tests of vestibular function. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18392. [PMID: 31804514 PMCID: PMC6895118 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54605-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding balance and gait deficits in vestibulopathy may help improve clinical care and our knowledge of the vestibular contributions to balance. Here, we examined walking speed effects on gait variability in healthy adults and in adults with bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP). Forty-four people with BVP, 12 healthy young adults and 12 healthy older adults walked at 0.4 m/s to 1.6 m/s in 0.2 m/s increments on a dual belt, instrumented treadmill. Using motion capture and kinematic data, the means and coefficients of variation for step length, time, width and double support time were calculated. The BVP group also completed a video head impulse test and examinations of ocular and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials and dynamic visual acuity. Walking speed significantly affected all gait parameters. Step length variability at slower speeds and step width variability at faster speeds were the most distinguishing parameters between the healthy participants and people with BVP, and among people with BVP with different locomotor capacities. Step width variability, specifically, indicated an apparent persistent importance of vestibular function at increasing speeds. Gait variability was not associated with the clinical vestibular tests. Our results indicate that gait variability at multiple walking speeds has potential as an assessment tool for vestibular interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher McCrum
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- Institute of Movement and Sport Gerontology, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Florence Lucieer
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Raymond van de Berg
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Physics, Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russian Federation
| | - Paul Willems
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Angélica Pérez Fornos
- Service of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nils Guinand
- Service of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kiros Karamanidis
- Sport and Exercise Science Research Centre, School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, London, UK
| | - Herman Kingma
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Physics, Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russian Federation
| | - Kenneth Meijer
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Stultiens JJA, Postma AA, Guinand N, Pérez Fornos A, Kingma H, van de Berg R. Vestibular Implantation and the Feasibility of Fluoroscopy-Guided Electrode Insertion. Otolaryngol Clin North Am 2019; 53:115-126. [PMID: 31677739 DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2019.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent research has shown promising results for the development of a clinically feasible vestibular implant in the near future. However, correct electrode placement remains a challenge. It was shown that fluoroscopy was able to visualize the semicircular canal ampullae and electrodes, and guide electrode insertion in real time. Ninety-four percent of the 18 electrodes were implanted correctly (<1.5 mm distance to target). The median distances were 0.60 mm, 0.85 mm, and 0.65 mm for the superior, lateral, and posterior semicircular canal, respectively. These findings suggest that fluoroscopy can significantly improve electrode placement during vestibular implantation.
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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, P.O. box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Alida Annechien Postma
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, P.O. box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Nils Guinand
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Angélica Pérez Fornos
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Hermanus Kingma
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, P.O. box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Raymond van de Berg
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, P.O. box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Pérez Fornos A, Van de Berg R, Sommerhalder J, Guinand N. Designing artificial senses: steps from physiology to clinical implementation. Swiss Med Wkly 2019; 149:w20061. [PMID: 31154660 DOI: 10.4414/smw.2019.20061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Our senses are the main information channels through which we perceive and interact with the world. Consequently, the physical and social functioning of patients suffering from severe sensory disabilities is limited on several levels. This has motivated the development of a novel therapeutic alternative: “artificial senses”, more commonly known as sensory neuroprostheses. In order to restore lost function, sensory neuroprostheses attempt to take advantage of the information transfer pathway common to all senses: (i) transduction of the physical stimulus by sensory receptors, (ii) transmission of relevant information to primary sensory areas in the brain by sensory afferents, and (iii) analysis and integration of the information at multiple levels in the central nervous system. Neurosensory deficits might occur upon damage to any of the structures involved in this process. However, damage to the peripheral sensory receptor is often the cause of neurosensory loss. Most sensory neuroprostheses attempt to “replace” the malfunctioning or missing peripheral sensory organ by directly delivering basic sensory information to the brain using electrical currents. If the prosthesis is able to deliver enough consistent information, the brain will be able to correctly interpret it and useful rehabilitation can be achieved. This review presents the main challenges related to the development, implementation and translation to clinical practice of these devices: (i) sensory information needs to be efficiently delivered to specific neural targets (e.g., peripheral afferents or specific central nuclei); (ii) then the expected physiological response must be evoked and quantified; (iii) the restoration of basic sensory abilities can lead to useful rehabilitation in meaningful everyday activities; (iv) optimal prospects require specific rehabilitation therapy and lifelong medico-technical follow-up. To conclude, the current state and future of sensory neuroprostheses will be discussed. This will include current clinical and technical challenges, future prospects, and the potential of these devices to improve our fundamental knowledge of sensory physiology and neurosensory deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angélica Pérez Fornos
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology and Head-and-Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva
| | - Raymond Van de Berg
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Balance Disorders, Maastricht University Medical Centre, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht, Netherlands / Faculty of Physics, Tomsk State Research University, Tomsk, Russian Federation
| | - Jörg Sommerhalder
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva
| | - Nils Guinand
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology and Head-and-Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva
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Guinand N, Van de Berg R, Cavuscens S, Ranieri M, Schneider E, Lucieer F, Kingma H, Guyot JP, Pérez Fornos A. The Video Head Impulse Test to Assess the Efficacy of Vestibular Implants in Humans. Front Neurol 2017; 8:600. [PMID: 29184530 PMCID: PMC5694451 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2017.00600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether it is possible to restore the high-frequency angular vestibulo-ocular reflex (aVOR) in patients suffering from a severe bilateral vestibulopathy (BV) and implanted with a vestibular implant prototype. Three patients (S1–3) participated in the study. They received a prototype vestibular implant with one to three electrode branches implanted in the proximity of the ampullary branches of the vestibular nerve. Five electrodes were available for electrical stimulation: one implanted in proximity of the left posterior ampullary nerve in S1, one in the left lateral and another one in the superior ampullary nerves in S2, and one in the right lateral and another one in the superior ampullary nerves in S3. The high-frequency aVOR was assessed using the video head impulse test (EyeSeeCam; EyeSeeTec, Munich, Germany), while motion-modulated electrical stimulation was delivered via one of the implanted vestibular electrodes at a time. aVOR gains were compared to control measurements obtained in the same patients when the device was not activated. In three out of the five tested electrodes the aVOR gain increased monotonically with increased stimulation strength when head impulses were delivered in the plane of the implanted canal. In these cases, gains ranging from 0.4 to values above 1 were measured. A “reversed” aVOR could also be generated when inversed stimulation paradigms were used. In most cases, the gain for excitatory head impulses was superior to that recorded for inhibitory head impulses, consistent with unilateral vestibular stimulation. Improvements of aVOR gain were generally accompanied by a concomitant decrease of corrective saccades, providing additional evidence of an effective aVOR. High inter-electrode and inter-subject variability were observed. These results, together with previous research, demonstrate that it is possible to restore the aVOR in a broad frequency range using motion-modulated electrical stimulation of the vestibular afferents. This provides additional encouraging evidence of the possibility of achieving a useful rehabilitation alternative for patients with BV in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Guinand
- Service of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.,Division of Balance Disorders, Department of ENT, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Raymond Van de Berg
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of ENT, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Faculty of Physics, Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Samuel Cavuscens
- Service of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maurizio Ranieri
- Service of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Erich Schneider
- Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Senftenberg, Germany
| | - Floor Lucieer
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of ENT, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Herman Kingma
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of ENT, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Faculty of Physics, Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Jean-Philippe Guyot
- 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
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Guinand N, Van de Berg R, Cavuscens S, Stokroos R, Ranieri M, Pelizzone M, Kingma H, Guyot JP, Pérez Fornos A. Restoring Visual Acuity in Dynamic Conditions with a Vestibular Implant. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:577. [PMID: 28066163 PMCID: PMC5177740 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vestibular implants are devices designed to rehabilitate patients with a bilateral vestibular loss (BVL). These patients lack a properly functioning vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), which impairs gaze stabilization abilities and results in an abnormal loss of visual acuity (VA) in dynamic situations (i.e., severely limiting the patient's ability to read signs or recognize faces while walking). We previously demonstrated that the VOR can be artificially restored in a group of BVL patients fitted with a prototype vestibular implant. This study was designed to investigate whether these promising results could be translated to a close-to-reality task, significantly improving VA abilities while walking. Six BVL patients previously implanted with a vestibular implant prototype participated in the experiments. VA was determined using Sloan letters displayed on a computer screen, in four conditions: (1) with the patient standing still without moving (static), (2) while the patient was walking on a treadmill at constant speed with the vestibular implant prototype turned off (systemOFF), (3) while the patient was walking on a treadmill at constant speed with the vestibular implant prototype turned on providing coherent motion information (systemONmotion), and (4) a “placebo” condition where the patient was walking on a treadmill at constant speed with the vestibular implant prototype turned on providing reversed motion information (systemONsham). The analysis (one-way repeated measures analysis of variance) revealed a statistically significant effect of the test condition [F(3, 12) = 30.5, p < 0.001]. Significant decreases in VA were observed with the systemOFF condition when compared to the static condition (Tukey post-hoc p < 0.001). When the vestibular implant was turned on, delivering pertinent motion information (systemONmotion) the VA improved to close to normal values. The improvement disappeared in the placebo condition (systemONsham) and VA-values also dropped significantly in this condition (Tukey post-hoc p < 0.001). These results are a significant step forward in the field, demonstrating for the first time in humans that gaze stabilization abilities can be restored with a vestibular implant prototype. The vestibular implant shows considerable promise of being the first-ever effective therapeutic alternative for patients with a BVL in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Guinand
- Service of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University HospitalsGeneva, Switzerland; Division of Balance Disorders, Department of ENT, Maastricht University Medical CentreMaastricht, Netherlands
| | - Raymond Van de Berg
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of ENT, Maastricht University Medical CentreMaastricht, Netherlands; Faculty of Physics, National Research Tomsk State UniversityTomsk, Russia
| | - Samuel Cavuscens
- Service of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Robert Stokroos
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of ENT, Maastricht University Medical Centre Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Maurizio Ranieri
- Service of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marco Pelizzone
- Service of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Herman Kingma
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of ENT, Maastricht University Medical CentreMaastricht, Netherlands; Faculty of Physics, National Research Tomsk State UniversityTomsk, Russia
| | - Jean-Philippe Guyot
- 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
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Pelizzone M, Fornos AP, Guinand N, van de Berg R, Kos I, Stokroos R, Kingma H, Guyot JP. First functional rehabilitation via vestibular implants. Cochlear Implants Int 2015; 15 Suppl 1:S62-4. [PMID: 24869447 DOI: 10.1179/1467010014z.000000000165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Pérez Fornos A, Sommerhalder J, da Cruz L, Sahel JA, Mohand-Said S, Hafezi F, Pelizzone M. Temporal Properties of Visual Perception on Electrical Stimulation of the Retina. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 53:2720-31. [DOI: 10.1167/iovs.11-9344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jörg Sommerhalder
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lyndon da Cruz
- Vitreoretinal Surgery, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Jose Alain Sahel
- and Ophthalmology Department, Quinze-Vingts National Eye Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Saddek Mohand-Said
- and Ophthalmology Department, Quinze-Vingts National Eye Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Farhad Hafezi
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marco Pelizzone
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
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Abstract
First generation retinal prostheses containing 50–60 electrodes are currently in clinical trials. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the theoretical upper limit (best possible) reading performance attainable with a state-of-the-art 60-channel retinal implant and to find the optimum viewing conditions for the task. Four normal volunteers performed full-page text reading tasks with a low-resolution, 60-pixel viewing window that was stabilized in the central visual field. Two parameters were systematically varied: (1) spatial resolution (image magnification) and (2) the orientation of the rectangular viewing window. Performance was measured in terms of reading accuracy (% of correctly read words) and reading rates (words/min). Maximum reading performances were reached at spatial resolutions between 3.6 and 6 pixels/char. Performance declined outside this range for all subjects. In optimum viewing conditions (4.5 pixels/char), subjects achieved almost perfect reading accuracy and mean reading rates of 26 words/min for the vertical viewing window and of 34 words/min for the horizontal viewing window. These results suggest that, theoretically, some reading abilities can be restored with actual state-of-the-art retinal implant prototypes if “image magnification” is within an “optimum range.” Future retinal implants providing higher pixel resolutions, thus allowing for a wider visual span might allow faster reading rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angélica Pérez Fornos
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals Geneva, Switzerland
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Abstract
PURPOSE Adaptation to eccentric viewing in subjects with a central scotoma remains poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to analyze the adaptation stages of oculomotor control to forced eccentric reading in normal subjects. METHODS Three normal adults (25.7 +/- 3.8 years of age) were trained to read full-page texts using a restricted 10 degrees x 7 degrees viewing window stabilized at 15 degrees eccentricity (lower visual field). Gaze position was recorded throughout the training period (1 hour per day for approximately 6 weeks). RESULTS In the first sessions, eye movements appeared inappropriate for reading, mainly consisting of reflexive vertical (foveating) saccades. In early adaptation phases, both vertical saccade count and amplitude dramatically decreased. Horizontal saccade frequency increased in the first experimental sessions, then slowly decreased after 7 to 15 sessions. Amplitude of horizontal saccades increased with training. Gradually, accurate line jumps appeared, the proportion of progressive saccades increased, and the proportion of regressive saccades decreased. At the end of the learning process, eye movements mainly consisted of horizontal progressions, line jumps, and a few horizontal regressions. CONCLUSIONS Two main adaptation phases were distinguished: a "faster" vertical process aimed at suppressing reflexive foveation and a "slower" restructuring of the horizontal eye movement pattern. The vertical phase consisted of a rapid reduction in the number of vertical saccades and a rapid but more progressive adjustment of remaining vertical saccades. The horizontal phase involved the amplitude adjustment of horizontal saccades (mainly progressions) to the text presented and the reduction of regressions required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angélica Pérez Fornos
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
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Fornos AP, Sommerhalder J, Rappaz B, Safran AB, Pelizzone M. Simulation of Artificial Vision, III: Do the Spatial or Temporal Characteristics of Stimulus Pixelization Really Matter? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 46:3906-12. [PMID: 16186381 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.04-1173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In preceding studies, simulations of artificial vision were used to determine the basic parameters for visual prostheses to restore useful reading abilities. These simulations were based on a simplified procedure to reduce stimuli information content by preprocessing images with a block-averaging algorithm (square pixelization). In the present study, how such a simplified algorithm affects reading performance was examined. METHODS Five to six volunteers with normal vision were asked to read full pages of text with a 10 degrees x 7 degrees viewing window stabilized in central vision. In a first experiment, reading performance with off-line and real-time square pixelizations was compared at different resolutions. In a second experiment, off-line square pixelization was compared with off-line Gaussian pixelization with various degrees of overlap. In a third experiment, real-time square pixelization was compared with real-time Gaussian pixelization. RESULTS Results from the first experiment showed that real-time square pixelization required approximately 30% less information (pixels) than its off-line counterpart. Results from the second experiment, using off-line processing, revealed a restricted range of Gaussian widths for which performances were equivalent or significantly better than that obtained with square pixelization. The third experiment demonstrated, however, that reading performances were similar in both real-time pixelization conditions. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals that real-time stimulus pixelization favors reading performance. Performance gains were moderate, however, and did not allow for a significant (e.g., twofold) reduction of the minimum resolution (400-500 pixels) needed to achieve useful reading abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angélica Pérez Fornos
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland
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Sommerhalder J, Rappaz B, de Haller R, Fornos AP, Safran AB, Pelizzone M. Simulation of artificial vision: II. Eccentric reading of full-page text and the learning of this task. Vision Res 2004; 44:1693-706. [PMID: 15136004 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2004.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2003] [Revised: 01/13/2004] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Reading of isolated words in conditions mimicking artificial vision has been found to be a difficult but feasible task. In particular at relatively high eccentricities, a significant adaptation process was required to reach optimal performances [Vision Res. 43 (2003) 269]. The present study addressed the task of full-page reading, including page navigation under control of subject's own eye movements. Conditions of artificial vision mimicking a retinal implant were simulated by projecting stimuli with reduced information content (lines of pixelised text) onto a restricted and eccentric area of the retina. Three subjects, naïve to the task, were trained for almost two months (about 1 h/day) to read full-page texts. Subjects had to use their own eye movements to displace a 10 degrees x 7 degrees viewing window, stabilised at 15 degrees eccentricity in their lower visual field. Initial reading scores were very low for two subjects (about 13% correctly read words), and astonishingly high for the third subject (86% correctly read words). However, all of them significantly improved their performance with time, reaching close to perfect reading scores (ranging from 86% to 98% correct) at the end of the training process. Reading rates were as low as 1-5 words/min at the beginning of the experiment and increased significantly with time to 14-28 words/min. Qualitative text understanding was also estimated. We observed that reading scores of at least 85% correct were necessary to achieve 'good' text understanding. Gaze position recordings, made during the experimental sessions, demonstrated that the control of eye movements, especially the suppression of reflexive vertical saccades, constituted an important part of the overall adaptive learning process. Taken together, these results suggest that retinal implants might restore full-page text reading abilities to blind patients. About 600 stimulation contacts, distributed on an implant surface of 3 x 2 mm2, appear to be a minimum to allow for useful reading performance. A significant learning process will however be required to reach optimal performance with such devices, especially if they have to be placed outside the foveal area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Sommerhalder
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Geneva University Hospitals, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland.
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