THREE-DIMENSIONAL BIOMECHANICAL AND VISUALISATION MODEL OF VERTIGO DISEASE IN THE SEMI-CIRCULAR CANAL

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common type of vertigo. The symptoms of BPPV typically appear after angular movements of the head. BPPV leads to dizziness, nausea and imbalance. In this study, we examined a model of the semi-circular canal (SCC) with fully 3D three dimensional anatomical data from specific patient. A full Navier-Stokes equations and continuity equations are used for fluid domain with Arbitrary-Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) formulation for mesh motion of finite element. Fluid-structure interaction for fluid coupling with cupula deformation is used. Particle tracking algorithm is implemented for particle motion. Motion of the otoconia particles which is main cause for BPPV is simulated. Velocity distribution, shear stress and force from endolymph side are presented for patient specific three SCC. We compared our numerical models with experiments with head moving and nystagmus eye tracking. Numerical simulation can give more details and understanding of the pathology of the specific patient in standard clinical diagnostic and therapy procedure for BPPV.