How partial damage to the inner-ear balance sensors changes nerve signals
Peripheral vestibular hypofunction and neurosensory coding
Looks at how partial damage to the balance sensors in the inner ear changes nerve signaling and balance reflexes for people with vestibular weakness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11335699 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses an animal model to create controlled, partial damage to the balance sensors of the inner ear using a targeted chemical. Researchers record single nerve cell activity and measure the vestibulo-ocular reflex (the eye movement reflex that helps keep vision steady) to see how nerve signaling changes. They also examine tissue under the microscope and test for changes in specific proteins that support nerve and hair-cell function. By linking cell-level damage to nerve firing patterns and reflex performance, the team aims to map how partial inner-ear injury leads to balance problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic dizziness or balance problems attributed to peripheral vestibular hypofunction (inner-ear vestibular weakness) would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People whose dizziness is caused mainly by central brain disorders or non-vestibular conditions likely would not benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could help doctors diagnose partial vestibular loss more accurately and guide better targeted treatments or rehabilitation strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory and animal work, including earlier studies from the PI, supports the methods, but applying these findings to human diagnosis or treatment remains experimental.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hoffman, Larry F — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Hoffman, Larry F
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.