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Marcelli V, Giannoni B, Volpe G, Faralli M, Fetoni AR, Pettorossi VE. Downbeat nystagmus: a clinical and pathophysiological review. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1394859. [PMID: 38854962 PMCID: PMC11157062 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1394859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Downbeat nystagmus (DBN) is a neuro-otological finding frequently encountered by clinicians dealing with patients with vertigo. Since DBN is a finding that should be understood because of central vestibular dysfunction, it is necessary to know how to frame it promptly to suggest the correct diagnostic-therapeutic pathway to the patient. As knowledge of its pathophysiology has progressed, the importance of this clinical sign has been increasingly understood. At the same time, clinical diagnostic knowledge has increased, and it has been recognized that this sign may occur sporadically or in association with others within defined clinical syndromes. Thus, in many cases, different therapeutic solutions have become possible. In our work, we have attempted to systematize current knowledge about the origin of this finding, the clinical presentation and current treatment options, to provide an overview that can be used at different levels, from the general practitioner to the specialist neurologist or neurotologist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Marcelli
- Audiology and Vestibology Unit, Department of ENT, Ospedale del Mare, ASL Napoli 1 Centro, Napoli, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Dentistry, Section of Audiology, University of Naples ‘’Federico II’’, Napoli, Italy
| | - Beatrice Giannoni
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug’s Area and Child’s Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giampiero Volpe
- Department of Neurology, Ospedale San Luca di Vallo della Lucania, ASL Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Mario Faralli
- Department of ENT, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Fetoni
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Dentistry, Section of Audiology, University of Naples ‘’Federico II’’, Napoli, Italy
| | - Vito E. Pettorossi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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2
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Alessandria M, Campisi S, Vieira TM. Can a thin mechanical stimulation on the plantar arch affect the head mobility? A preliminary report. SPORT SCIENCES FOR HEALTH 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s11332-022-01032-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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3
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Straka H, Lambert FM, Simmers J. Role of locomotor efference copy in vertebrate gaze stabilization. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:1040070. [PMID: 36569798 PMCID: PMC9780284 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.1040070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertebrate locomotion presents a major challenge for maintaining visual acuity due to head movements resulting from the intimate biomechanical coupling with the propulsive musculoskeletal system. Retinal image stabilization has been traditionally ascribed to the transformation of motion-related sensory feedback into counteracting ocular motor commands. However, extensive exploration of spontaneously active semi-intact and isolated brain/spinal cord preparations of the amphibian Xenopus laevis, have revealed that efference copies (ECs) of the spinal motor program that generates axial- or limb-based propulsion directly drive compensatory eye movements. During fictive locomotion in larvae, ascending ECs from rostral spinal central pattern generating (CPG) circuitry are relayed through a defined ascending pathway to the mid- and hindbrain ocular motor nuclei to produce conjugate eye rotations during tail-based undulatory swimming in the intact animal. In post-metamorphic adult frogs, this spinal rhythmic command switches to a bilaterally-synchronous burst pattern that is appropriate for generating convergent eye movements required for maintaining image stability during limb kick-based rectilinear forward propulsion. The transition between these two fundamentally different coupling patterns is underpinned by the emergence of altered trajectories in spino-ocular motor coupling pathways that occur gradually during metamorphosis, providing a goal-specific, morpho-functional plasticity that ensures retinal image stability irrespective of locomotor mode. Although the functional impact of predictive ECs produced by the locomotory CPG matches the spatio-temporal specificity of reactive sensory-motor responses, rather than contributing additively to image stabilization, horizontal vestibulo-ocular reflexes (VORs) are selectively suppressed during intense locomotor CPG activity. This is achieved at least in part by an EC-mediated attenuation of mechano-electrical encoding at the vestibular sensory periphery. Thus, locomotor ECs and their potential suppressive impact on vestibular sensory-motor processing, both of which have now been reported in other vertebrates including humans, appear to play an important role in the maintenance of stable vision during active body displacements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Straka
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany,*Correspondence: Hans Straka,
| | - François M. Lambert
- Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d’Aquitaine (INCIA), CNRS UMR 5287, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - John Simmers
- Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d’Aquitaine (INCIA), CNRS UMR 5287, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
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Bacqué-Cazenave J, Courtand G, Beraneck M, Straka H, Combes D, Lambert FM. Locomotion-induced ocular motor behavior in larval Xenopus is developmentally tuned by visuo-vestibular reflexes. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2957. [PMID: 35618719 PMCID: PMC9135768 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30636-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Locomotion in vertebrates is accompanied by retinal image-stabilizing eye movements that derive from sensory-motor transformations and predictive locomotor efference copies. During development, concurrent maturation of locomotor and ocular motor proficiency depends on the structural and neuronal capacity of the motion detection systems, the propulsive elements and the computational capability for signal integration. In developing Xenopus larvae, we demonstrate an interactive plasticity of predictive locomotor efference copies and multi-sensory motion signals to constantly elicit dynamically adequate eye movements during swimming. During ontogeny, the neuronal integration of vestibulo- and spino-ocular reflex components progressively alters as locomotion parameters change. In young larvae, spino-ocular motor coupling attenuates concurrent angular vestibulo-ocular reflexes, while older larvae express eye movements that derive from a combination of the two components. This integrative switch depends on the locomotor pattern generator frequency, represents a stage-independent gating mechanism, and appears during ontogeny when the swim frequency naturally declines with larval age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Bacqué-Cazenave
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS UMR 5287, Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine, F-33076, Bordeaux, France
- Normandie Univ, Unicaen, CNRS, EthoS, 14000, Caen, France
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, EthoS (Éthologie animale et humaine)-UMR 6552, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Gilles Courtand
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS UMR 5287, Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine, F-33076, Bordeaux, France
| | - Mathieu Beraneck
- Université de Paris, CNRS UMR 8002, Integrative Neuroscience and Cognition Center, F-75006, Paris, France
| | - Hans Straka
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Grosshadernerstr. 2, 82152, Planegg, Germany
| | - Denis Combes
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS UMR 5287, Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine, F-33076, Bordeaux, France
| | - François M Lambert
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS UMR 5287, Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine, F-33076, Bordeaux, France.
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5
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Dietrich H, Pradhan C, Heidger F, Schniepp R, Wuehr M. Downbeat nystagmus becomes attenuated during walking compared to standing. J Neurol 2022; 269:6222-6227. [PMID: 35412151 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11106-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Downbeat nystagmus (DBN) is a common form of acquired fixation nystagmus related to vestibulo-cerebellar impairments and associated with impaired vision and postural imbalance. DBN intensity becomes modulated by various factors such as gaze direction, head position, daytime, and resting conditions. Further evidence suggests that locomotion attenuates postural symptoms in DBN. Here, we examined whether walking might analogously influence ocular-motor deficits in DBN. Gaze stabilization mechanisms and nystagmus frequency were examined in 10 patients with DBN and 10 age-matched healthy controls with visual fixation during standing vs. walking on a motorized treadmill. Despite their central ocular-motor deficits, linear and angular gaze stabilization in the vertical plane were functional during walking in DBN patients and comparable to controls. Notably, nystagmus frequency in patients was considerably reduced during walking compared to standing (p < 0.001). The frequency of remaining nystagmus during walking was further modulated in a manner that depended on the specific phase of the gait cycle (p = 0.015). These attenuating effects on nystagmus intensity during walking suggest that ocular-motor control disturbances are selectively suppressed during locomotion in DBN. This suppression is potentially mediated by locomotor efference copies that have been shown to selectively govern gaze stabilization during stereotyped locomotion in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haike Dietrich
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Cauchy Pradhan
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Felix Heidger
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Roman Schniepp
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Max Wuehr
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany.
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Rubio Barañano A, Faisal M, Barrett BT, Buckley JG. Using a smartphone on the move: do visual constraints explain why we slow walking speed? Exp Brain Res 2021; 240:467-480. [PMID: 34792640 PMCID: PMC8858309 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-021-06267-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Viewing one’s smartphone whilst walking commonly leads to a slowing of walking. Slowing walking speed may occur because of the visual constraints related to reading the hand-held phone whilst in motion. We determine how walking-induced phone motion affects the ability to read on-screen information. Phone-reading performance (PRP) was assessed whilst participants walked on a treadmill at various speeds (Slow, Customary, Fast). The fastest speed was repeated, wearing an elbow brace (Braced) or with the phone mounted stationary (Fixed). An audible cue (‘text-alert’) indicated participants had 2 s to lift/view the phone and read aloud a series of digits. PRP was the number of digits read correctly. Each condition was repeated 5 times. 3D-motion analyses determined phone motion relative to the head, from which the variability in acceleration in viewing distance, and in the point of gaze in space in the up-down and right-left directions were assessed. A main effect of condition indicated PRP decreased with walking speed; particularly so for the Braced and Fixed conditions (p = 0.022). Walking condition also affected the phone’s relative motion (p < 0.001); post-hoc analysis indicated that acceleration variability for the Fast, Fixed and Braced conditions were increased compared to that for Slow and Customary speed walking (p ≤ 0.05). There was an inverse association between phone acceleration variability and PRP (p = 0.02). These findings may explain why walking speed slows when viewing a hand-held phone: at slower speeds, head motion is smoother/more regular, enabling the motion of the phone to be coupled with head motion, thus making fewer demands on the oculomotor system. Good coupling ensures that the retinal image is stable enough to allow legibility of the information presented on the screen.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Muhammad Faisal
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
| | - Brendan T Barrett
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
| | - John G Buckley
- Department of Biomedical and Electronics Engineering, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK.
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7
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Rossborough J, Salles A, Stidsholt L, Madsen PT, Moss CF, Hoffman LF. Inflight head stabilization associated with wingbeat cycle and sonar emissions in the lingual echolocating Egyptian fruit bat, Rousettus aegyptiacus. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2021; 207:757-772. [PMID: 34716764 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-021-01518-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Sensory processing of environmental stimuli is challenged by head movements that perturb sensorimotor coordinate frames directing behaviors. In the case of visually guided behaviors, visual gaze stabilization results from the integrated activity of the vestibuloocular reflex and motor efference copy originating within circuits driving locomotor behavior. In the present investigation, it was hypothesized that head stabilization is broadly implemented in echolocating bats during sustained flight, and is temporally associated with emitted sonar signals which would optimize acoustic gaze. Predictions from these hypotheses were evaluated by measuring head and body kinematics with motion sensors attached to the head and body of free-flying Egyptian fruit bats. These devices were integrated with ultrasonic microphones to record sonar emissions and elucidate the temporal association with periods of head stabilization. Head accelerations in the Earth-vertical axis were asymmetric with respect to wing downstroke and upstroke relative to body accelerations. This indicated that inflight head and body accelerations were uncoupled, outcomes consistent with the mechanisms that limit vertical head acceleration during wing downstroke. Furthermore, sonar emissions during stable flight occurred most often during wing downstroke and head stabilization, supporting the conclusion that head stabilization behavior optimized sonar gaze and environmental interrogation via echolocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson Rossborough
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Box 951624, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1624, USA
| | - Angeles Salles
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | | | - Peter T Madsen
- Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Cynthia F Moss
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Larry F Hoffman
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Box 951624, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1624, USA.
- Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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8
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Cullen KE, Wei RH. Differences in the Structure and Function of the Vestibular Efferent System Among Vertebrates. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:684800. [PMID: 34248486 PMCID: PMC8260987 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.684800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of the mammalian vestibular efferent system in everyday life has been a long-standing mystery. In contrast to what has been reported in lower vertebrate classes, the mammalian vestibular efferent system does not appear to relay inputs from other sensory modalities to the vestibular periphery. Furthermore, to date, the available evidence indicates that the mammalian vestibular efferent system does not relay motor-related signals to the vestibular periphery to modulate sensory coding of the voluntary self-motion generated during natural behaviors. Indeed, our recent neurophysiological studies have provided insight into how the peripheral vestibular system transmits head movement-related information to the brain in a context independent manner. The integration of vestibular and extra-vestibular information instead only occurs at next stage of the mammalian vestibular system, at the level of the vestibular nuclei. The question thus arises: what is the physiological role of the vestibular efferent system in mammals? We suggest that the mammalian vestibular efferent system does not play a significant role in short-term modulation of afferent coding, but instead plays a vital role over a longer time course, for example in calibrating and protecting the functional efficacy of vestibular circuits during development and aging in a role analogous the auditory efferent system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen E. Cullen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Rui-Han Wei
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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9
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Meshida K, Lin S, Domning DP, Wang P, Gilland E. The oblique extraocular muscles in cetaceans: Overall architecture and accessory insertions. J Anat 2021; 238:917-941. [PMID: 33131071 PMCID: PMC7930771 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The oblique extraocular muscles (EOMs) were dissected in 19 cetacean species and 10 non-cetacean mammalian species. Both superior oblique (SO) and inferior oblique (IO) muscles in cetaceans are well developed in comparison to out-groups and have unique anatomical features likely related to cetacean orbital configurations, swimming mechanics, and visual behaviors. Cetacean oblique muscles originate at skeletal locations typical for mammals: SO, from a common tendinous cone surrounding the optic nerve and from the medially adjacent bone surface at the orbital apex; IO, from the maxilla adjacent to lacrimal and frontal bones. However, because of the unusual orbital geometry in cetaceans, the paths and relations of SO and IO running toward their insertions onto the temporal ocular sclera are more elaborate than in humans and most other mammals. The proximal part of the SO extends from its origin at the apex along the dorsomedial aspect of the orbital contents to a strong fascial connection proximal to the preorbital process of the frontal bone, likely the cetacean homolog of the typical mammalian trochlea. However, the SO does not turn at this connection but continues onward, still a fleshy cylinder, until turning sharply as it passes through the external circular muscle (ECM) and parts of the palpebral belly of the superior rectus muscle. Upon departing this "functional trochlea" the SO forms a primary scleral insertion and multiple accessory insertions (AIs) onto adjacent EOM tendons and fascial structures. The primary SO scleral insertions are broad and muscular in most cetacean species examined, while in the mysticete minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) the muscular SO bellies transition into broad fibrous tendons of insertion. The IO in cetaceans originates from an elongated fleshy attachment oriented laterally on the maxilla and continues laterally as a tubular belly before turning caudally at a sharp bend where it is constrained by the ECM and parts of the inferior rectus which form a functional trochlea as with the SO. The IO continues to a fleshy primary insertion on the temporal sclera but, as with SO, also has multiple AIs onto adjacent rectus tendons and connective tissue. The multiple IO insertions were particularly well developed in pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps), minke whale and fin whale. AIs of both SO and IO muscles onto multiple structures as seen in cetaceans have been described in humans and domesticated mammals. The AIs of oblique EOMs seen in all these groups, as well as the unique "functional trochleae" of cetacean SO and IO seem likely to function in constraining the lines of action at the primary scleral insertions of the oblique muscles. The gimble-like sling formed by SO and IO in cetaceans suggest that the "primary" actions of the cetacean oblique EOMs are not only to produce ocular counter-rotations during up-down pitch movements of the head during swimming but also to rotate the plane containing the functional origins of the rectus muscles during other gaze changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Meshida
- Department of AnatomyCollege of MedicineHoward UniversityWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Stephen Lin
- Molecular Imaging LaboratoryDepartment of RadiologyHoward UniversityWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Daryl P. Domning
- Department of AnatomyCollege of MedicineHoward UniversityWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Paul Wang
- Molecular Imaging LaboratoryDepartment of RadiologyHoward UniversityWashingtonDCUSA
- College of Science and EngineeringFu Jen Catholic UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Edwin Gilland
- Department of AnatomyCollege of MedicineHoward UniversityWashingtonDCUSA
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Akay T, Murray AJ. Relative Contribution of Proprioceptive and Vestibular Sensory Systems to Locomotion: Opportunities for Discovery in the Age of Molecular Science. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1467. [PMID: 33540567 PMCID: PMC7867206 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Locomotion is a fundamental animal behavior required for survival and has been the subject of neuroscience research for centuries. In terrestrial mammals, the rhythmic and coordinated leg movements during locomotion are controlled by a combination of interconnected neurons in the spinal cord, referred as to the central pattern generator, and sensory feedback from the segmental somatosensory system and supraspinal centers such as the vestibular system. How segmental somatosensory and the vestibular systems work in parallel to enable terrestrial mammals to locomote in a natural environment is still relatively obscure. In this review, we first briefly describe what is known about how the two sensory systems control locomotion and use this information to formulate a hypothesis that the weight of the role of segmental feedback is less important at slower speeds but increases at higher speeds, whereas the weight of the role of vestibular system has the opposite relation. The new avenues presented by the latest developments in molecular sciences using the mouse as the model system allow the direct testing of the hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Turgay Akay
- Atlantic Mobility Action Project, Brain Repair Centre, Department of Medical Neuroscience, Life Science Research Institute, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Andrew J. Murray
- Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, University College London, London W1T 4JG, UK
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11
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Lajoie K, Marigold DS, Valdés BA, Menon C. The potential of noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation for optimizing and assisting human performance. Neuropsychologia 2021; 152:107751. [PMID: 33434573 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2021.107751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS) is an emerging non-invasive brain stimulation technique. It involves applying alternating currents of different frequencies and amplitudes presented in a random, or noisy, manner through electrodes on the mastoid bones behind the ears. Because it directly activates vestibular hair cells and afferents and has an indirect effect on a variety of brain regions, it has the potential to impact many different functions. The objective of this review is twofold: (1) to review how nGVS affects motor, sensory, and cognitive performance in healthy adults; and (2) to discuss potential clinical applications of nGVS. First, we introduce the technique. We then describe the regions receiving and processing vestibular information. Next, we discuss the effects of nGVS on motor, sensory, and cognitive function in healthy adults. Subsequently, we outline its potential clinical applications. Finally, we highlight other electrical stimulation technologies and discuss why nGVS offers an alternative or complementary approach. Overall, nGVS appears promising for optimizing human performance and as an assistive technology, though further research is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Lajoie
- Menrva Research Group, Schools of Mechatronic Systems Engineering and Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Metro Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Daniel S Marigold
- Sensorimotor Neuroscience Lab, Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada.
| | - Bulmaro A Valdés
- Menrva Research Group, Schools of Mechatronic Systems Engineering and Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Metro Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Carlo Menon
- Menrva Research Group, Schools of Mechatronic Systems Engineering and Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Metro Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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12
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Starkov D, Strupp M, Pleshkov M, Kingma H, van de Berg R. Diagnosing vestibular hypofunction: an update. J Neurol 2021; 268:377-385. [PMID: 32767115 PMCID: PMC7815536 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-020-10139-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Unilateral or bilateral vestibular hypofunction presents most commonly with symptoms of dizziness or postural imbalance and affects a large population. However, it is often missed because no quantitative testing of vestibular function is performed, or misdiagnosed due to a lack of standardization of vestibular testing. Therefore, this article reviews the current status of the most frequently used vestibular tests for canal and otolith function. This information can also be used to reach a consensus about the systematic diagnosis of vestibular hypofunction.
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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, Russia.
- Maastricht University ENT Department, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Michael Strupp
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - 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, Russia
| | - 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, Russia
| | - 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, Russia
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13
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Starkov D, Snelders M, Lucieer F, Janssen AML, Pleshkov M, Kingma H, van Rompaey V, Herssens N, Hallemans A, Vereeck L, McCrum C, Meijer K, Guinand N, Perez-Fornos A, van de Berg R. Bilateral vestibulopathy and age: experimental considerations for testing dynamic visual acuity on a treadmill. J Neurol 2020; 267:265-272. [PMID: 33113022 PMCID: PMC7718189 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-020-10249-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP) can affect visual acuity in dynamic conditions, like walking. This can be assessed by testing Dynamic Visual Acuity (DVA) on a treadmill at different walking speeds. Apart from BVP, age itself might influence DVA and the ability to complete the test. The objective of this study was to investigate whether DVA tested while walking, and the drop-out rate (the inability to complete all walking speeds of the test) are significantly influenced by age in BVP-patients and healthy subjects. METHODS Forty-four BVP-patients (20 male, mean age 59 years) and 63 healthy subjects (27 male, mean age 46 years) performed the DVA test on a treadmill at 0 (static condition), 2, 4 and 6 km/h (dynamic conditions). The dynamic visual acuity loss was calculated as the difference between visual acuity in the static condition and visual acuity in each walking condition. The dependency of the drop-out rate and dynamic visual acuity loss on BVP and age was investigated at all walking speeds, as well as the dependency of dynamic visual acuity loss on speed. RESULTS Age and BVP significantly increased the drop-out rate (p ≤ 0.038). A significantly higher dynamic visual acuity loss was found at all speeds in BVP-patients compared to healthy subjects (p < 0.001). Age showed no effect on dynamic visual acuity loss in both groups. In BVP-patients, increasing walking speeds resulted in higher dynamic visual acuity loss (p ≤ 0.036). CONCLUSION DVA tested while walking on a treadmill, is one of the few "close to reality" functional outcome measures of vestibular function in the vertical plane. It is able to demonstrate significant loss of DVA in bilateral vestibulopathy patients. However, since bilateral vestibulopathy and age significantly increase the drop-out rate at faster walking speeds, it is recommended to use age-matched controls. Furthermore, it could be considered to use an individual "preferred" walking speed and to limit maximum walking speed in older subjects when testing DVA on a treadmill.
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Affiliation(s)
- D 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, Russia. .,Maastricht University ENT Department, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - M Snelders
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - F Lucieer
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - A M L Janssen
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Methodology and Statistics, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - M 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, Russia
| | - H 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, Russia
| | - V van Rompaey
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - N Herssens
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Multidisciplinary Motor Centre Antwerp (M2OCEAN), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - A Hallemans
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Multidisciplinary Motor Centre Antwerp (M2OCEAN), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,The Research Group MOVANT (MOVement ANTwerp), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - L Vereeck
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Multidisciplinary Motor Centre Antwerp (M2OCEAN), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - C McCrum
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - K Meijer
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - N Guinand
- Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Service of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - A Perez-Fornos
- Service of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - R 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, Russia
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Dietrich H, Heidger F, Schniepp R, MacNeilage PR, Glasauer S, Wuehr M. Head motion predictability explains activity-dependent suppression of vestibular balance control. Sci Rep 2020; 10:668. [PMID: 31959778 PMCID: PMC6971007 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-57400-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Vestibular balance control is dynamically weighted during locomotion. This might result from a selective suppression of vestibular inputs in favor of a feed-forward balance regulation based on locomotor efference copies. The feasibility of such a feed-forward mechanism should however critically depend on the predictability of head movements (HMP) during locomotion. To test this, we studied in 10 healthy subjects the differential impact of a stochastic vestibular stimulation (SVS) on body sway (center-of-pressure, COP) during standing and walking at different speeds and compared it to activity-dependent changes in HMP. SVS-COP coupling was determined by correlation analysis in frequency and time domains. HMP was quantified as the proportion of head motion variance that can be explained by the average head trajectory across the locomotor cycle. SVS-COP coupling decreased from standing to walking and further dropped with faster locomotion. Correspondingly, HMP increased with faster locomotion. Furthermore, SVS-COP coupling depended on the gait-cycle-phase with peaks corresponding to periods of least HMP. These findings support the assumption that during stereotyped human self-motion, locomotor efference copies selectively replace vestibular cues, similar to what was previously observed in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Dietrich
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - F Heidger
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - R Schniepp
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - P R MacNeilage
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Nevada, Nevada, USA
| | - S Glasauer
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Medical Technology, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Senftenberg, Germany
| | - M Wuehr
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany.
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