How peripheral injuries affect the brain's balance pathways
Official title: The impact of peripheral injury on central vestibular pathways
Funded at Wayne State University · NIH-11174026 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how damage to the balance system in the inner ear affects the brain's ability to keep us steady and aware of our surroundings, especially in older adults and those with certain brain diseases, to help understand why they might be at a higher risk of falling.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $589,483 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DC021073-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11174026 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults and individuals with neurodegenerative diseases who experience balance issues or cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without vestibular dysfunction or those not affected by cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how injuries to the peripheral vestibular system can impact the central pathways in the brain that control balance and spatial awareness. It focuses on older adults and individuals with neurodegenerative diseases, who are particularly vulnerable to cognitive decline and vestibular dysfunction. By examining changes in brain activity and molecular indicators in response to vestibular nerve damage caused by loud noise, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that contribute to increased fall risk and related health issues. The research employs advanced imaging techniques and assessments of motor function to gather comprehensive data on these effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing falls and enhancing the quality of life for vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding vestibular dysfunction, but this specific approach to studying the central nervous system's response to peripheral injury is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Wayne State University
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Holt, Avril Genene — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Holt, Avril Genene
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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.