This proposal presents research projects to evaluate a new technology, Electrovestibulography (EVestGTM) that holds potential to objectively, quickly and quantitatively measure the severity of concussion, thus aiding in its diagnosis. EVestG signals are recorded painlessly and non-invasively from the external ear in response to a vestibular stimulus; they are the brain signals modulated by the vestibular response. When concussed, people commonly experience balance (vestibular) problems and dizziness, as well as confused thinking.

The proposed research is to design, develop and validate an artificial ear-canal that simulates the electrical noise conditions that exist when taking EVestG measurements by associated bio-signal amplifiers. Such a simulator will allow the rapid, rational and accurate refinement of such amplifiers and tympanic electrode; it will also allow improvements to be made to the developed signal extraction software algorithms.

Dizziness is among the top three reasons that patients seek medical attention, and one of the most common disabling conditions that humans face. One of the diseases that may cause dizziness is Meniere’s disease, which its correct and timely diagnosis and separation from other causes of dizziness with current techniques are quite challenging.