The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) is important for maintaining visual stability during tasks that move the head rapidly and unpredictably, for example, as occurs during running or when driving on a bumpy road. The vestibular organs, one in each inner ear, sense rotational and linear head motion and move the eyes to compensate for passive head movements. The vestibular organ can be damaged by disease, degenerative conditions and by chemical or surgical interventions. When both vestibular organs are damaged it can be severely debilitating. The research in this laboratory has two closely related goals: 1) to understand the signal processing mechanisms that control the VOR by analysing vestibular-evoked eye movements and single-unit (vestibular nerve) recordings; and 2) to apply this knowledge of basic vestibular physiology to the diagnosis and treatment of balance disorders in humans.
Dr Americo Migliaccio heads a research group that investigates the neural mechanisms underlying the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). He is particularly focused on determining the neural mechanisms important for recovery after injury of the vestibular organ. He also has a strong interest in developing improved diagnostic methods that objectively measure vestibular function.
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| "Maintaining a Balanced Life" POWMRI Brainworks Issue 34 |
"A Quest for Balance" UNSW School of Medicine Newsletter Nov 2009 |
Development of a human video-oculography systemWe are developing methods to accurately measure binocular 3D eye position during rapid head rotations using a novel technique developed by Dr Migliaccio. |
The role of vestibular efferents on the VORA series of studies will determine the role of vestibular efferents in the normal VOR and their role in VOR recovery (compensation) following injury of the vestibular organ. |
VOR adaptationA series of studies will determine the neural mechanisms necessary to adapt/modify the VOR response. |
