The effect of enhanced vestibular efferent transmission on plasticity of the mammalian vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR)


We will address loss of balance, a pressing health-related issue that affects quality of life in up to 5 percent of the population. Once the balance organ is injured or degrades with age, few treatment options exist. We have identified a nerve-pathway crucial for balance adjustment and self-repair. We will test a mouse type that has this pathway genetically made more sensitive to determine whether stimulation of this pathway is a viable approach to improving recovery after balance loss in humans.