title: A trail of artificial vestibular stimulation: electricity, heat, and magnet.
abstract: The interaction between the magnetic field of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine and ion currents within the inner-ear endolymph results in a Lorentz force. This force produces a pressure that pushes on the cupula within the semicircular canals causing nystagmus and vertigo. Here I discuss several implications of this unique and noninvasive way to stimulate the vestibular system in experimental neurophysiology and clinical neurology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. aasefshaikh@gmail.com
authors.forename: Aasef G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Shaikh
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008954:Models, Biological; D009760:Nystagmus, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology*; D012027:Reflex, Vestibulo-Ocular / Q000502:physiology*; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000502:physiology*