C10585: Identifying and Treating Gaze InstabilityNovelty:
This invention provides a means to assess gaze stability in individual semicircular canals and treat gaze instability in adults and in children due to deficits in vestibular (inner ear) function.
Value Proposition:
Individuals with vestibular hypofunction typically have a large difference in visual activity when comparing how well they see when their head is still versus when their head is moving. This difference can be quantified using the computerized dynamic visual activity (DVA) test. The DVA measures a persons visual acuity using optotype characters (letter E) presented only while the head is moving within a certain range of rotational velocities. Currently, the only treatment options for patients with dizziness and balance problems due to vestibular damage are exercises that require the patient to move their head while attempting to keep their eyes focused on targets. No surgery exists that can restore function to the inner ear. However, the brain can learn to stabilize the eyes during head rotation from exposure to head motion and motion on the fovea of the retina. JHU has developed a means to improve gaze stability by having a subject view targets that move in relation to the head velocity. Advantages of this invention include:
• Ability to test and treat gaze instability
• A single examiner can measure passive dynamic visual acuity
• Enables objective measurement of a rehabilitation strategy
• Gaze stability training changes physiologic output from the affected inner ear (improves vestibular ocular reflex (VOR) Gain)
• Gaze stability training can be applied to the affected side only
• Incorporates real-time head velocity data and projecting targets for patients to observe during their exercise program
• May be used by clinicians (office) or by patients (home)
• Stores patients performance, accessible for progress comparison and monitoring compliance
Technical Details:
Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a technique that will allow treating clinicians to measure DVA during passive head rotations, an assay of the physiological function of the inner ear. In contrast to active DVA, passive DVA is interpreted as a more physiological measure of semicircular canal function and the neural pathways and extraocular muscles mediating the VOR. The passive DVA test can be used to test individual semicircular canal function, and serves as a proxy to more invasive methods of testing. The passive test comprises a footswitch and software that allows one person to independently assess the function of the six semicircular canals. This passive DVA test is useful to gauge natural recovery of vestibular function. Most recently, JHU researchers have developed a technique that can improve VOR gain as much as 25% in a time span of 15 minutes (Migliaccio and Schubert 2013) by gradually increasing the demand from the VOR. This is done by tasking subjects to watch targets that move during head rotation.
Looking for Partners:
To develop and commercialize the technology as an accurate examination of the extent of vestibular pathology and treatment of associated gaze instability.
Stage of Development:
Preclinical
Data Availability:
Under CDA/NDA
Publications/Associated Cases:
Not available at this time
