The aim of my project grant is to develop a portable electrodiagnostic test to classify balance disorders by compiling a statistically validated database of eye movement patterns associated with specific balance disorders. What is unique about this electrodiagnostic balance disorder test, which distinguishes it from but also complement conventional balance function tests, is its ability not only to show an impairment of balance function, but it can differentiate between balance disorders.
I am a neuroscientist specializing in human balance disorders. Over the past 17 years my research has focused on developing innovative, objective and accessible measurements of semicircular canal and otolith function of the vestibular system in three dime
Gentamicin Vestibulotoxicity: Detection And Prevention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$205,500.00
Summary
A powerful, life-saving and cheap antibiotic, gentamicin, has one potential serious permanent side-effect: loss of balance due to damage to the balance organs of the inner ears. Detected early, the inner ear damage can be reversed by stopping gentamicin. Until now there has been no way of monitoring inner ear balance at the bedside. We have now developed such a method and want to show that by monitoring inner ear balance of patients needing gentamicin we can detect damage at such an early stage ....A powerful, life-saving and cheap antibiotic, gentamicin, has one potential serious permanent side-effect: loss of balance due to damage to the balance organs of the inner ears. Detected early, the inner ear damage can be reversed by stopping gentamicin. Until now there has been no way of monitoring inner ear balance at the bedside. We have now developed such a method and want to show that by monitoring inner ear balance of patients needing gentamicin we can detect damage at such an early stage that stopping the drug and using another instead will allow the balance organs to recover by themselves.Read moreRead less