Physiology of Vestibular Compensation

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Project Summary This research program is motivated by two goals. First, we seek to understand the neural mechanisms by which the brain adapts to changes in vestibular (inner ear balance) input. Second, we seek to advance development of a vestibular prosthesis/implant, a highly innovative treatment approach with potential to improve quality of life for individuals disabled by disequilibrium and unsteady vision after loss of vestibular sensation. In the United States alone, about 150,000 adults suffer disabling vertigo and unsteadiness each year due to acute unilateral loss of vestibular function, while about 65,000 suffer chronic imbalance and unsteady vision typical of severe bilateral sensory loss that fails to resolve despite existing treatments. Sudden, permanent loss of vestibular nerve input causes disequilibrium, visual blurring due to disruption of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), and postural instability due to disruption of vestibulo-spinal reflexes. These symptoms are usually followed by impressive but incomplete recovery. During the previous funding period, we made excellent progress toward defining the dynamics of compensation in pathways that mediate these vital reflexes. In addition, we established how these pathways respond acutely to activation of a multichannel vestibular prosthesis (MVP). In the proposed research program, we will build upon this solid foundation of progress through 3 synergistic aims. Experiments addressing Aim 1 will determine how central vestibular neurons adapt to the onset of constant prosthetic stimulation, to subsequent cessation of stimulation, and to motion-modulated stimulation. We predict that adaptation predominantly involves changes in one of two parallel paths, and that reduction of afferent discharge synchrony and/or addition of congruent extra-vestibular self-motion cues will further improve responses. Aim 2 experiments will examine how central neurons process prosthetic vestibular input during natural behaviors such as vergence, active gaze shifts and VOR suppression, which all require context-specific integration of neuronal signals encoding non-vestibular senses and efferent commands. These experiments will extend our investigation beyond reflex pathways and provide both systems and neuronal-level insight into how the central nervous system (CNS) optimizes performance during complex behaviors typical of daily life. Experiments addressing Aim 3 will characterize central vestibular neuron adaptation to natural and prosthetic stimulation during a novel training paradigm designed to reduce VOR asymmetry. Combined, these studies in alert nonhuman primates will enhance understanding of how the CNS adapts to changes in vestibular input; advance development of a potentially revolutionary treatment for loss of inner ear function; and clarify how neuronal mechanisms that underlie learning at a cellular level can be leveraged to optimize recovery of individuals disabled by loss of vestibular sensation.