Spatial cognition, body representation and affective processes: the role of vestibular information beyond ocular reflexes and control of posture

Abstract

A growing number of studies in humans demonstrate the involvement of vestibular information in tasks that are seemingly remote from well-known functions such as space constancy or postural control. In this review article we point out three emerging streams of research highlighting the importance of vestibular input: (1) Spatial Cognition: Modulation of vestibular signals can induce specific changes in spatial cognitive tasks like mental imagery and the processing of numbers. This has been shown in studies manipulating body orientation (changing the input from the otoliths), body rotation (changing the input from the semicircular canals), in clinical findings with vestibular patients, and in studies carried out in microgravity. There is also an effect in the reverse direction; top-down processes can affect perception of vestibular stimuli. (2) Body Representation: Numerous studies demonstrate that vestibular stimulation changes the representation of body parts, and sensitivity to tactile input or pain. Thus, the vestibular system plays an integral role in multisensory coordination of body representation. (3) Affective Processes and Disorders: Studies in psychiatric patients and patients with a vestibular disorder report a high comorbidity of vestibular dysfunctions and psychiatric symptoms. Recent studies investigated the beneficial effect of vestibular stimulation on psychiatric disorders, and how vestibular input can change mood and affect. These three emerging streams of research in vestibular science are—at least in part—associated with different neuronal core mechanisms. Spatial transformations draw on parietal areas, body representation is associated with somatosensory areas, and affective processes involve insular and cingulate cortices, all of which receive vestibular input. Even though a wide range of different vestibular cortical projection areas has been ascertained, their functionality still is scarcely understood.

Neuroticism modulates brain visuo-vestibular and anxiety systems during a virtual rollercoaster task

“…The influence of anxiety on visuo-vestibular systems involved in balance control was initially described more than a century ago [Balaban and Jacob, 2001;Gowers, 1887], although only recent research has begun to examine the interactions across visual, vestibular, and anxiety systems [Balaban and Jacob, 2001;Carmona et al, 2009;Coelho and Balaban, 2015;Kapfhammer et al, 2014;Lopez, 2016;Mast et al, 2014].…”

Concept of an upright wearable positron emission tomography imager in humans

“…The study of naturally occurring motor activity with neuroimaging has thus been largely limited to small movements such as finger tapping in which the head can be kept very still, although some rare exceptions such as an MRI-compatible supine exercise bike have been created (Mehta, Verber, Wieser, Schmit, & Schindler-Ivens, 2012), further underscoring the need for motion freedom in this niche area of research. One important example is in the study of vestibular processes, which requires the complex integration of vestibular inputs with somato-proprioception and visual information (Mast, Preuss, Hartmann, & Grabherr, 2014). Such studies have been severely limited, despite large populations of patients having balance disorders.…”

The Moving History of Vestibular Stimulation as a Therapeutic Intervention

“…The hemispheric specific activation/deactivation pattern has been suggested to enhance or hinder specific lateralized brain processes (McKay et al, 2013;NollHussong et al, 2014;Preuss et al, 2014b) . On a smaller scale, vestibular stimulation influences neuro-transmitter release (for a discussion see Gurvich et al, 2013;Mast et al, 2014). The alteration of specific neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and GABA are thus crucial for understanding the influence of vestibular stimulation on cognition.…”