MEMRI marker to study brain signals in vestibular pathways after loud noise
Official title: MEMRI as an in vivo marker for changes in neuronal activity in central vestibular pathways
Funded at John D Dingell VA Medical Center · NIH-11465347 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aim is to use a special imaging marker to study how noisy environments affect brain signals related to balance in people with vestibular damage, especially veterans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | John D Dingell VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2027 |
| NIH project number | 5I21RX004111-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11465347 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Veterans and individuals with noise-related vestibular symptoms who could participate in brain imaging and related assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without vestibular symptoms or those unable to undergo imaging or related testing may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses MEMRI imaging to examine how exposure to loud noise may alter central vestibular pathways that help control balance and posture. It seeks to validate tools that could later measure chronic changes in the brain and how these relate to gait and balance problems. The work includes preclinical models and human-focused assessments to establish new brain-based markers for vestibular dysfunction. Researchers hope to build a foundation for longitudinal studies and future interventions to prevent falls in at-risk individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to better brain-based tests for vestibular dysfunction and pave the way for targeted therapies to reduce falls in veterans and others exposed to loud noise.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown MEMRI can reveal activity patterns in neural pathways, but applying it specifically to central vestibular changes after noise exposure is novel.
Where this research is happening
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John D Dingell VA Medical Center
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Holt, Avril Genene — John D Dingell VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Holt, Avril Genene
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.