Text

theses

This thesis describes the design, fabrication, and testing of the AVETOR prototype, a device for evaluating vestibular function in relationship to balance. Current diagnostic methods of vestibular function tend to be uncomfortable, lack specificity in diagnosing the problem, and yield inconsistent results. AVETOR takes advantage of the fact that ocular muscles respond to vestibular activity, and hence can be a measure of the same. The AVETOR prototype consists of an automated, mechanical striker to stimulate the vestibular system, sensors to detect muscle activity, and a processor to record and save the test results. The device uses an Arduino Pro Mini/Dynabrush board capable of controlling the striker and processing the signals from the sensors. Protocols for testing were programmed via the Arduino IDE. The AVETOR prototype was tested on three subjects with and without the application of a 2 Hz tapping stimulus at the Fz location of the forehead over a period of 8 seconds, as well as with and without purposeful eye movement. The results indicate that AVETOR meets the required specifications relating to striker iii control (frequency, duration, and threshold conditions) and data capture (sensor recording and file management). FMG was used as a novel modality to detect VOR responses. The FMG response of the inferior oblique muscles detected a consistent response during purposeful eye movement, but little to no response during the tap stimulation. However, as this is an untried method additional trials are needed. Further improvement on the data acquisition methodology, use of sensors, and studies on the striker’s ability to induce VEMPs are recommended, but out of the scope of this thesis.

ETD_8927

M.S.

Includes bibliographical references

by Shreyak Desai

doi:10.7282/T3GT5RMS

ETD graduate

The author owns the copyright to this work.