A finite element model of the SCC for BPPV diagnosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A patient specific, 3 dimensional finite element model of the semicircular canals for improving management of complex cases of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
IRAS ID
203350
Contact name
Doris-Eva Bamiou
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
UCL Joint Research Office
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2016/03/106, UCL Data Protection Registration
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common causes of vertigo. It is caused by otoconia (small calcium crystals) which have been dislodged and displaced into a different section of the balance organ within the inner ear. Usually the diagnosis and management include a straightforward positional test which is treated with a positioning manoeuvre. Approximately 10% of cases are atypical and difficult to treat. This is thought to be due to atypical geometry – orientation and planarity- of the semicircular canals, the part of the balance organ that is affected in BPPV. This makes treatment of these cases difficult.
We propose to develop a patient specific 3-dimensional finite element geometric model of the three semicircular canals. A review of the literature will be conducted to identify existing models and parameters and a finite element model will be constructed. This will be validated on retrospective patient data that include 3-D brain MRI images of the semicircular canals and caloric test data to assess how the model predicts the caloric response. The enhanced model will be piloted on 7 patients with BPPV on whom brain MRI imaging and positional testing with video recording of their eye movements will be conducted. Results of this study will help inform a further study towards a definitive 3D semicircular canal model that will help resolve and successfully manage atypical cases with BPPV.
REC name
HSC REC B
REC reference
16/NI/0139
Date of REC Opinion
8 Aug 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion