About LUMC— Vestibular (neurotology) research group

Vestibular (neurotology) research group

The vestibular system is primarily responsible for the control of visual gaze, posture and spatial orientation. Research of the vestibular research group focuses on common disorders of the vestibular system (Meniere’s disease, vestibular function loss and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) and is patient-oriented.

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The vestibular research group works closely together with the Apeldoorn Dizziness Centre, which is one of the centers of expertise for dizziness in The Netherlands.

Projects

Meniere’s disease

Vascular etiology in acute audiovestibular loss

Functional recovery in uni- and bilateral vestibular hypofunction

Vestibular function loss in patients with vestibular schwannoma

Vestibular evaluation in cochlear implant candidates

BPPV

Meniere’s disease

Meniere’s disease (MD) is a potentially disabling disorder of the inner ear. The cause of MD is unclear, although endolymphatic hydrops is seen as its histopathological hallmark. Ongoing studies focus on the epidemiology of MD, optimal vestibular testing, imaging of endolymphatic hydrops and optimal management of MD.

Vascular etiology in acute audiovestibular loss

Generally it is thought that the most common cause of acute vestibular function loss, sudden deafness or a combination of both is a viral infection. However, accumulating evidence indicates that cardiovascular risk factors may play an important role in the pathogenesis of acute audiovestibular loss in a substantial number of (elderly) patients. This line of research focuses on investigating cardiovascular risk factors, cerebrovascular damage and the subsequent risk of stroke in patients experiencing acute onset hearing loss and/or vertigo.

Functional recovery in uni- and bilateral vestibular hypofunction

Function loss of the peripheral vestibular organ may result in dizziness, chronic disequilibrium and head motion intolerance. This research line explores the factors that determine functional recovery in patients with vestibular hypofunction and aims to define the most optimal PROMs (Patient Related Outcome Measures). The results may help to optimize vestibular rehabilitation.

Vestibular function loss in patients with vestibular schwannoma

A vestibular schwannoma (VS) is a benign tumor of the eighth cranial nerve. Commons symptoms are hearing loss, tinnitus, balance problems and dizziness due to loss of vestibular function. Research focuses on the assessment of vestibular function in untreated VS patients and patients who underwent surgery or radiotherapy. The results might help us to better understand the effect of conservative management and the effect of treatment on vestibular function in vestibular schwannoma patients.

Vestibular evaluation in cochlear implant candidates

A cochlear implant (CI) is used in patients with severe hearing loss or deafness. CI-patients may also have balance problems due to loss of vestibular function. This research line focuses on the analysis of vestibular function, either with the classic caloric test or the video head impulse test, in order to establish the most effective vestibular testing regime. This may help to reduce costs and patient burden.

BPPV

Benign paroxysmal position vertigo is the most common vestibular disorder, characterized by brief episodes of vertigo triggered by head movements. It may have a profound impact on Quality of Life. Our research focuses on the role of BPPV in elderly people with falls, the characteristics of post-traumatic BPPV, the optimal management of BPPV and the identification of risk factors for BPPV recurrence.