A mathematical model for top-shelf vertigo: the role of sedimenting otoconia in BPPV
| dc.creator | Squires, Todd M. | |
| dc.creator | Weidman, Michael S. | |
| dc.creator | Hain, Timothy C. | |
| dc.creator | Stone, Howard A. | |
| dc.date | 2003-05-22 | |
| dc.date | 2004-01-17 | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-07-07T05:49:14Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-07-07T05:49:14Z | |
| dc.description | Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a mechanical disorder of the vestibular system in which calcite particles called otoconia interfere with the mechanical functioning of the fluid-filled semicircular canals normally used to sense rotation. Using hydrodynamic models, we examine the two mechanisms proposed by the medical community for BPPV: cupulolithiasis, in which otoconia attach directly to the cupula (a sensory membrane), and canalithiasis, in which otoconia settle through the canals and exert a fluid pressure across the cupula. We utilize known hydrodynamic calculations and make reasonable geometric and physical approximations to derive an expression for the transcupular pressure $ΔP_c$ exerted by a settling solid particle in canalithiasis. By tracking settling otoconia in a two-dimensional model geometry, the cupular volume displacement and associated eye response (nystagmus) can be calculated quantitatively. Several important features emerge: 1) A pressure amplification occurs as otoconia enter a narrowing duct; 2) An average-sized otoconium requires approximately five seconds to settle through the wide ampulla, where $ΔP_c$ is not amplified, which suggests a mechanism for the observed latency of BPPV; and 3) An average-sized otoconium beginning below the center of the cupula can cause a volumetric cupular displacement on the order of 30 pL, with nystagmus of order $2^\circ$/s, which is approximately the threshold for sensation. Larger cupular volume displacement and nystagmus could result from larger and/or multiple otoconia. | |
| dc.description | 15 pages, 5 Figures updated, to be published in J. Biomechanics | |
| dc.identifier | https://arxiv.org/abs/physics/0305100 | |
| dc.identifier | http://arxiv.org/abs/physics/0305100 | |
| dc.identifier | J. Biomech. 37 (2004)1137 --1146 | |
| dc.identifier | doi:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2003.12.014 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://salesiana.dossiersoluciones.com/handle/123456789/85322 | |
| dc.subject | Fluid Dynamics | |
| dc.subject | Medical Physics | |
| dc.subject | Quantitative Biology | |
| dc.title | A mathematical model for top-shelf vertigo: the role of sedimenting otoconia in BPPV | |
| dc.type | text |