Class
Article
Faculty Mentor
Christopher Dakin
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Random waveform (noisy) electrical vestibular stimulation (EVS) is often applied at suprathreshold levels to probe the vestibular system’s influence on posture. Often accompanying the stimulus are unintended, and sometimes undesirable, secondary sensations, such as tingling behind the ears, nausea, and dizziness, among others. Depending on the intensity and rate of occurrence of these sensations, they may deter individuals from participating in EVS-related research. The purpose of this investigation was to describe the occurrence and intensity of stimulus-related secondary sensations during and after EVS delivery. Fifteen healthy, young adults received a 0-25 Hz, 5 mA, random waveform EVS for a total of 8 minutes during standing and 60 minutes while walking. They reported the intensity of 11 pre-identified sensations, as well as the presence of unprompted sensations, during stimulation and up to 24 hours after EVS removal. The most frequently reported sensations during walking were unsteadiness, a tingling behind the ears, and fluttering behind the ears, while motion of the visual field and fluttering behind the ears were most common during standing. Nine of the 11 perceived sensations remained elevated immediately after EVS removal; nausea and light-headedness remained elevated in some subjects 1 hour after EVS removal. Two subjects were unable to tolerate the stimulus. Therefore, we recommend pre-screening participants and continued observation of participants after EVS removal to monitor resolution of stimulus-associated sensations. Presentation Time: Wednesday, 12-1 p.m.
Location
Logan, UT
Start Date
4-11-2021 12:00 AM
Included in
Secondary Sensations Associated With Random-Waveform Electrical Vestibular Stimulation
Logan, UT
Random waveform (noisy) electrical vestibular stimulation (EVS) is often applied at suprathreshold levels to probe the vestibular system’s influence on posture. Often accompanying the stimulus are unintended, and sometimes undesirable, secondary sensations, such as tingling behind the ears, nausea, and dizziness, among others. Depending on the intensity and rate of occurrence of these sensations, they may deter individuals from participating in EVS-related research. The purpose of this investigation was to describe the occurrence and intensity of stimulus-related secondary sensations during and after EVS delivery. Fifteen healthy, young adults received a 0-25 Hz, 5 mA, random waveform EVS for a total of 8 minutes during standing and 60 minutes while walking. They reported the intensity of 11 pre-identified sensations, as well as the presence of unprompted sensations, during stimulation and up to 24 hours after EVS removal. The most frequently reported sensations during walking were unsteadiness, a tingling behind the ears, and fluttering behind the ears, while motion of the visual field and fluttering behind the ears were most common during standing. Nine of the 11 perceived sensations remained elevated immediately after EVS removal; nausea and light-headedness remained elevated in some subjects 1 hour after EVS removal. Two subjects were unable to tolerate the stimulus. Therefore, we recommend pre-screening participants and continued observation of participants after EVS removal to monitor resolution of stimulus-associated sensations. Presentation Time: Wednesday, 12-1 p.m.