Experimental investigation of some vestibular disfunctions that may influence postural control

The vestibule is a key structure for balance control both in static and dynamic conditions. Impairment of the vestibular function results in dizziness, vertigo, loss of equilibrium, and erroneous self- and object-motion perception. In particular, vertigo strongly affects the balance control, and many forms of peripheral vertigo are due to vestibular dysfunction, in particular dysfunctions of the semicircular canals (SCCs). During the last years we have been using animal models (either isolated frog labyrinth or its posterior SCC) to study how common disturbances of SCC mechanics, considered as possible causes of vertigo, affect vestibular receptors response, under the hypothesis that any alteration of the normal vestibular response influences self-motion perception and is likely to result in total or partial loss of balance and movement control.