Basic and Applied Aspects of Vestibular Function


Book Description

This volume is the compilation of the series of original articles presentes at the International Symposium on Basic and Applied Aspects of Vestibular Function held in Hong Kong, September 13-16, 1987, in conjunction with the centenary celebration of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong. The Symposium was jointly sponsored by the University of Hong Kong and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, U.S.A.







Vestibular System Part 2: Psychophysics, Applied Aspects and General Interpretations


Book Description

The function of the vestibular system is not as obvious as those of vision, hearing, touch or smell. Vestibular dysfunction, however, is clearly apparent where lesions are present. It is probably for this reason that the vestibular sense was not discovered until the nineteenth century and that clinicians have continued to playa major role in basic vestibular research right up to the present. The relationship between basic and clinical research is certainly stronger in the vesti bular field than in that of tactile sensation, for instance, as testified by the work of clinicians as MENIERE, BREUER, BARANY, DEKLEIJN and FRENZEL. In this respect the situation is similar in vestibular physiology and in endocrinology, and for the same reason. This second part of the vestibular volume of the Handbook of Sensory Physio logy will be of interest to neurologists, otologists, neurosurgeons, ophthalmologists and physiotherapists on the one hand, and psychologists, physiologists, engineers and aviation specialists on the other. For a full understanding of Part 2, it is necessary to have assimilated the basic anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry of Part 1.







Vestibular System Part 2: Psychophysics, Applied Aspects and General Interpretations


Book Description

The function of the vestibular system is not as obvious as those of vision, hearing, touch or smell. Vestibular dysfunction, however, is clearly apparent where lesions are present. It is probably for this reason that the vestibular sense was not discovered until the nineteenth century and that clinicians have continued to playa major role in basic vestibular research right up to the present. The relationship between basic and clinical research is certainly stronger in the vesti bular field than in that of tactile sensation, for instance, as testified by the work of clinicians as MENIERE, BREUER, BARANY, DEKLEIJN and FRENZEL. In this respect the situation is similar in vestibular physiology and in endocrinology, and for the same reason. This second part of the vestibular volume of the Handbook of Sensory Physio logy will be of interest to neurologists, otologists, neurosurgeons, ophthalmologists and physiotherapists on the one hand, and psychologists, physiologists, engineers and aviation specialists on the other. For a full understanding of Part 2, it is necessary to have assimilated the basic anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry of Part 1.




Vestibular System Part 1: Basic Mechanisms


Book Description

The details of the receptor mechanism are not yet fully understood for any sensory system. However, sufficient data are available (for the vestibular system and for other systems) to permit meaningful tracking of the sensory messages through the nervous system and via conscious experience. The reception, process ing, storage and output of information in man and other animals, as done by means of receptors, neurons, secretory cells and muscle fibers, are collectively referred to as mind. Sensory physiologists tend to disbelieve in extrasensory perception. Sensory physiology in general is an area upon which different sciences and methods converge. Anatomists, physiologists, psychologists, physicists, chemists, and engineers have made important contributions to sensory physiology. What is special about vestibular physiology is the fact that many research workers are clinicians, living under the constant pressure of their patient's demands. This is a disadvantage when it comes to writing handbooks, but an advantage for the pa tient, since research is guided by clinical practice and can be quickly applied. Modern methods, such as recording from single nerve units and the correlation of electrophysiological and psychophysical data, have greatly contributed to our knowledge, yet the study of lesions is still important, especially in the vestibular field.




Vestibular System Part 2


Book Description







Diagnosis and Treatment of Vestibular Disorders


Book Description

This text reviews the current understanding of vestibular anatomy allowing for a framework of reference, and how it's applied to vestibular testing, diagnosis and management of dizziness. Vestibular testing is an important tool in the evaluation and management of the patient with dizziness. It aids in establishing a diagnosis and determining the side or site of the lesion. In addition, it guides practitioners in selection of treatment and allows the ability of the patient’s condition to be evaluated over its time course. Common vestibular pathologies such as benign positional vertigo, Meniere’s disease, multisensory imbalance, vestibular neuritis, superior canal dehiscence, and vestibular migraine will be addressed in a concise and understandable manner. The text follows a clear format in which the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic features and medical or surgical management of such pathologies are discussed. The book gains increased importance as superior canal dehiscence and vestibular migraine are relatively new hot topics. Lastly, relatively rare entities such as bilateral vestibular hypofunction, pediatric vestibular disorders and central vestibular disorders are discussed. This text serves as a complete reference for clinicians, students and researchers interested in this common and severe disorder allowing for improved patient care and advancement of knowledge in the field. Chapters are written by acknowledged experts, allowing summary review of the newest and most up-to-date understanding of scientific information. Diagnosis and Treatment of Vestibular Disorders will be an invaluable resource for otolaryngologists, neurologists, otologists and neurotologists, basic science and translational researchers with interests in the vestibular system, fellows and residents in aforementioned fields, and general practitioners with an interest in patients with symptoms of dizziness.