PhD Defence Lisa van Stiphout

Keywords: Bilateral vestibulopathy, Vestibular implantation
 

"Characterization of Bilateral Vestibulopathy Towards Vestibular Implantation"

Bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP) is a condition in which the vestibular function in both ears is impaired. There are limited treatment options, and recovery of vestibular function is poor. This thesis aimed to improve the understanding of BVP, particularly in terms of evaluation and diagnostics, to support the development of an effective vestibular implant. Although BVP can have different causes, no clear link was found between the cause and the pattern of vestibular impairment. This thesis also showed that self-motion perception – the sense of when and how we move – can be a useful measure to assess treatment effects, for example after vestibular implantation. To capture the full range of BVP symptoms and their impact on daily life, a new questionnaire was developed: the Bilateral Vestibulopathy Questionnaire. It is the first validated patient-reported outcome measure specifically developed for BVP, providing a comprehensive tool for evaluating BVP symptoms and treatment effectiveness. In addition, this thesis showed that patient expectations regarding vestibular implantation closely match the improvements seen in vestibular implant research. Finally, based on current insights, this thesis proposes a new diagnostic algorithm to support and improve the diagnostic process in clinical practice. 

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