Title
Treatment of vestibular disorders with weak asymmetric base-in prisms: An hypothesis with a focus on Ménière's disease
Author
Bos, J.E.
Lubeck, A.J.A.
Vente, P.E.M.
Publication year
2018
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Regular treatments of Ménière's disease (MD) vary largely, and no single satisfactory treatment exists. A complementary treatment popular among Dutch and Belgian patients involves eyeglasses with weak asymmetric base-in prisms, with a perceived high success rate. An explanatory mechanism is, however, lacking. OBJECTIVE: To speculate on a working mechanism explaining an effectiveness of weak asymmetric base-in prims in MD, based on available knowledge. METHODS: After describing the way these prisms are prescribed using a walking test and its effect reported on, we give an explanation of its underlying mechanism, based on the literature. RESULTS: The presumed effect can be explained by considering the typical star-like walking pattern in MD, induced by a drifting after-image comparable to the oculogyral illusion. Weak asymmetric base-in prisms can furthermore eliminate the conflict between a net vestibular angular velocity bias in the efferent signal controlling the VOR, and a net re-afferent ocular signal. CONCLUSIONS: The positive findings with these glasses reported on, the fact that the treatment itself is simple, low-cost, and socially acceptable, and the fact that an explanation is at hand, speak in favour of elaborating further on this treatment. © 2017 - IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved.
Subject
After-image
Efference
Ménière's disease
Oculogyral illusion
Prisms
Re-afference
Star-walk
Treatment
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http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:f4f78a79-7aa9-4fa0-b782-ba6c82db117c
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3233/ves-170630
TNO identifier
810164
ISSN
0957-4271
Source
Journal of Vestibular Research: Equilibrium and Orientation, 27 (27), 251-263
Document type
article