Vestibular deficits in neurodegenerative disorders: balance, dizziness, and spatial disorientation
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Published version
Author(s)
Cronin, Thomas
Arshad, Qadeer
Seemungal, Barry M
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The vestibular system consists of the peripheral vestibular organs in the inner ear and the associated extensive central nervous system projections—from the cerebellum and brainstem to the thalamic relays to cortical projections. This system is important for spatial orientation and balance, both of critical ecological importance, particularly for successful navigation in our environment. Balance disorders and spatial disorientation are common presenting features of neurodegenerative diseases; however, little is known regarding central vestibular processing in these diseases. A ubiquitous aspect of central vestibular processing is its promiscuity given that vestibular signals are commonly found in combination with other sensory signals. This review discusses how impaired central processing of vestibular signals—typically in combination with other sensory and motor systems—may account for the impaired balance and spatial disorientation in common neurodegenerative conditions. Such an understanding may provide for new diagnostic tests, potentially useful in detecting early disease while a mechanistic understanding of imbalance and spatial disorientation in these patients may enable a vestibular-targeted therapy for such problems in neurodegenerative diseases. Studies with state of the art central vestibular testing are now much needed to tackle this important topic.
Date Issued
2017-10-26
Date Acceptance
2017-09-26
Citation
Frontiers in Neurology, 2017, 8
ISSN
1664-2295
Publisher
Frontiers Media
Journal / Book Title
Frontiers in Neurology
Volume
8
Copyright Statement
© 2017 Cronin, Arshad and Seemungal. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
Sponsor
Medical Research Council (MRC)
National Institute for Health Research
Identifier
http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000413645900001&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=1ba7043ffcc86c417c072aa74d649202
Grant Number
MR/P006493/1
RDA26
Subjects
Science & Technology
Life Sciences & Biomedicine
Clinical Neurology
Neurosciences
Neurosciences & Neurology
vestibular system
vestibular perception
neurodegeneration
spatial disorientation
balance
MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY
PROGRESSIVE SUPRANUCLEAR PALSY
AMYOTROPHIC-LATERAL-SCLEROSIS
EVOKED MYOGENIC POTENTIALS
MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
PARKINSONS-DISEASE
ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE
PEDUNCULOPONTINE NUCLEUS
BRAIN-STEM
FRONTOTEMPORAL DEMENTIA
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
ARTN 538