Palatal Device Providing In-situ Sensory Feedback for Patients With Vestibular Imbalance

Background

Vestibular imbalance is prevalent in the United States and around the world. According to NIDCD, 4% (8 million) of American adults report a chronic problem with balance (visit vestibular.org for more information). The leading cause of imbalance is vestibular dysfunction. Various vestibular disorders due to aging, diseases, ototoxicity, and injuries, etc. can cause damage or degradation of the vestibular system, resulting in loss of vestibular feedback. Symptoms associated with vestibular loss include: difficulty maintaining straight posture; stumbling or unable to walk straight; lose balance on uneven surfaces or under dim lighting; floating sensation and tendency to look downward to confirm the location of the ground. Vestibular imbalance greatly increases risk of falling and has such disabling effects ranging from reduced activity levels to total loss of mobility.

Vestibular rehabilitation therapies (VRT) may help vestibular patients to compensate with vision and proprioception. However, such compensation is not adequate because the brain often needs a reliable reference in order to use visual and somatosensory information for perception of self-motion and spatial orientation. Consequently, many patients with vestibular imbalance fail to compensate, especially those with profound vestibular loss. Even those who respond to VRT may experience constant physical and mental stress due to overreliance on vision and proprioception that can be misleading in busy environments.

EquiCue™ Intraoral Balance Aid

The intraoral balance aid EquiCue™ V1 is a hidden and noninvasive balance device that vestibular patients can use in various indoor and outdoor activities. It is a retainer-like device entirely worn inside the oral cavity, with no need of surgical implantation, and can be removed when not in use. The device provides in-situ sensory feedback of head tilt and motion by applying small electrical pulses on the roof of the mouth. By sensing the feedback from the device, an individual with vestibular loss can have better judgment of the tilt and motion of the head and make physical adjustment accordingly for better balance of the body. Since the device does not cause alteration to the appearance of the user, patients may use it in public places such as shopping malls, supermarkets, and metro stations, while offering balance assistance and improved postural stability and gait in these busy environments.