# The impact of peripheral injury on central vestibular pathways

> **NIH NIH R56** · WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $589,483

## Abstract

The vestibular system is crucial for postural control and the perception of head and body
movement in space. Older adults and those with neurodegenerative disease often are affected
disproportionately by cognitive decline and poor vestibular function. These groups are also at risk
for increased falls and early death. In the US, these populations are predicted to nearly triple to
~14 million by 2060. Symptoms of vestibular dysfunction, such as dizziness, vertigo, and postural
instability, can arise from damage to the vestibular system's peripheral or central components.
Studies suggest that loud noise can produce vestibular nerve hypofunction, manifesting as a
reduction in the amplitude of P1 of vestibular short latency evoked potentials (VsEPs). Using this
model, morphological and functional changes have been identified in peripheral vestibular organs.
However, the role of the brain in noise-induced bilateral vestibular nerve dysfunction is not well
understood. Knowledge of underlying mechanisms related to this relationship is necessary for
addressing the predicted significant increase in "fall risk" populations and is vital for preventing
their premature deaths. Therefore, we will assess in vivo changes in central neuronal activation
(MEMRI and c-Fos), changes in molecular indicators of synaptic transmission at central afferent
synapses (CaBPs, vGluTs, and CaVs), and motor function (i.e., skilled walking) in response to
vestibular nerve hypofunction generated by noise exposure. Evaluating the contributions of
irregular fibers to neuronal activation in the vestibular nuclear complex and cerebellum and
determining how these contributions change over time after noise-induced vestibular nerve
hypofunction will ultimately provide both a treatment window and targets for intervention.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11174026
- **Project number:** 1R56DC021073-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Avril Genene Holt
- **Activity code:** R56 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $589,483
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-16 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11174026

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11174026, The impact of peripheral injury on central vestibular pathways (1R56DC021073-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11174026. Licensed CC0.

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