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Vestibular stimulation by magnetic fields
Author(s) -
Ward Bryan K.,
Roberts Dale C.,
Della Santina Charles C.,
Carey John P.,
Zee David S.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/nyas.12702
Subject(s) - endolymph , vestibular system , lorentz force , physics , magnetic field , vestibular nerve , semicircular canal , magnetostatics , inner ear , vestibule , anatomy , nystagmus , nuclear magnetic resonance , neuroscience , medicine , audiology , biology , quantum mechanics
Individuals working next to strong static magnetic fields occasionally report disorientation and vertigo. With the increasing strength of magnetic fields used for magnetic resonance imaging studies, these reports have become more common. It was recently learned that humans, mice, and zebrafish all demonstrate behaviors consistent with constant peripheral vestibular stimulation while inside a strong, static magnetic field. The proposed mechanism for this effect involves a Lorentz force resulting from the interaction of a strong static magnetic field with naturally occurring ionic currents flowing through the inner ear endolymph into vestibular hair cells. The resulting force within the endolymph is strong enough to displace the lateral semicircular canal cupula, inducing vertigo and the horizontal nystagmus seen in normal mice and in humans. This review explores the evidence for interactions of magnetic fields with the vestibular system.