Understanding balance issues in children with congenital vestibular disorders

The Peripheral Vestibular System in Congenital Vestibular Disorders

NIH-funded research George Washington University · NIH-11061373

This study looks at how problems with the inner ear can affect balance and movement in children, using chick embryos to understand how these issues happen, so we can learn more about helping kids who struggle with balance.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionGeorge Washington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Washington, United States)
Project IDNIH-11061373 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how congenital vestibular disorders affect balance and motor development in children. It focuses on the inner ear's structure and its connection to the brain, particularly how abnormalities in the inner ear can lead to difficulties in maintaining balance. By using a chick embryo model, researchers aim to explore the neural circuitry involved in these disorders and how it may be altered due to congenital malformations. The findings could provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of balance issues in affected children.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with congenital vestibular disorders who experience balance and motor development challenges.

Not a fit: Patients without congenital vestibular disorders or those whose balance issues stem from other causes may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment strategies for children with balance problems due to congenital vestibular disorders.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach using a chick embryo model is novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding vestibular disorders and their impact on balance.

Where this research is happening

Washington, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.