Menière's disease; pathogenesis of vestibular dysfunction and new diagnostic tests
PhD ceremony: Ms. C.M. Kingma, 14.45 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen
Title: Menière's disease; pathogenesis of vestibular dysfunction and new diagnostic tests
Promotor(s): prof. H.P. Wit, prof. B.F.A.M. van der Laan
Faculty: Medical Sciences
Menière’s disease (MD) is characterised by three symptoms: fluctuating hearing loss, episodic vertigo, and tinnitus. Although vertigo is the most severe complaint in MD, it has not been studied widely. The focus of this research was on the function of the vestibular system as an explanation for vertigo in MD.
An animal model was used to investigate the function of the vestibular system. The creation of an acute endolymphatic hydrops in the vestibular system did not cause the symptoms of MD. In case the hydrops resulted in a rupture of Reissner’s membrane, it caused an immediate and complete suppression of the function of the vestibular system. The influence of potassium ions leaking through the ruptured membrane on the sensory and neural structures in the vestibular system is the most likely explanation for the development of vertigo. It is concluded that the ‘membrane rupture hypothesis’ of MD is confirmed by the animal model for rupture and recovery of Reissner’s membrane that mimicked an episode of MD.
Last modified: | 13 March 2020 01.10 a.m. |
More news
-
08 May 2025
KNAW appoints three professors of UG/UMCG as new members
Professors Jingyuan Fu, Lisa Herzog, and Helga de Valk of the UG have been appointed members by the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW).
-
06 May 2025
Science for Society | Exercise-based learning improves children’s skills
Teaching primary school children language and maths through exercise improves their attention and task orientation. Jumping and jogging for half an hour, three times a week, while absorbing the teaching material, improves test results.
-
14 April 2025
12 Marie Sklodowska Curie Doctoral Networks for the University of Groningen
The University of Groningen has achieved very good results in the last round of Marie Sklodowska Curie Doctoral Networks.