Vestibular/Balance System

The Vestibular/Balance Laboratory is housed in Eisenberg 2-F, where we see approximately 160 patients per month, referred from ENT, Neurology, and many other departments within the Mayo system. We have a database going back to 1989 (at least 14,000 patients) when the laboratory was first opened. We occupy approximately 3,000 square feet. We currently have four ENG systems, one Posturography system, one Rotary Chair system, one Dynamic Visual Acuity system, one infrared visual eye monitoring system, and are in the process of trying to expand, adding an additional rotary chair and posturography system.

We have developed collaborative research efforts with the Biomechanical Research Program, PM&R, The Traumatic Brain Injury Group, Internal Medicine, and the Bio Imaging Resource. These projects have resulted in numerous professional presentations and currently have four articles submitted for publication.

We are also working with Advanced Medical Electronics to try and develop an artificial vestibular system using a Micro-electromechanical System (MEMS). Two small business grants have been submitted through this collaboration. This research could lead to tactile devices to supplement individuals without vestibular systems and possibly a vestibular implant, analogous to the one we now use for hearing.

Our goal is to measure, monitor and assess the vestibular and balance systems in humans so that we can help those with balance problems to have a higher quality of life by preventing falls and injuries, particularly in the elderly. Unfortunately, nine times more people over 80 years of age die from falls than 15-29 year olds dies from motor vehicle accidents. This assistance can be given through vestibular rehabilitation and fall prevention which is offered through PM&R at the Mayo Clinic. Currently, we have five individuals trained in this discipline, one OT and four PTs.

We have a unique opportunity because of our excellent patient population and willingness of various groups who are willing to work together to achieve these lofty goals. What is needed is time, funding, and personnel to achieve this end.