Neuro-Otology Research

Neuro-otology focuses on the inner ear and its connections in the brain. On the clinical side we evaluate patients with dizziness, imbalance, hearing loss and tinnitus. We have a world renowned clinical laboratory that provides clinicians with detailed measurements of the function of the inner ear in its brain connections. On the research side we study the causes of dizziness and imbalance with particular emphasis on: vestibular migraine, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, Meniere's disease, familial episodic ataxia, and familial vestibulopathy. We have several genetic research studies in progress and are conducting a placebo controlled treatment trial of rizatriptan for episodes of vestibular migraine. 

Common forms

Clinical research and trials

Rizatriptan for Episodic Dizziness in Vestibular Migraine

• Consent Form (PDF)

Migraine-associated vertigo (genetics):

• Research subjects: Patients with migraine and episodic vertigo.
• Requirements: Interview in person or by phone; blood sample for DNA

Familial and sporadic episodic ataxia (genetics):

• Research subjects: Patients with episodes of ataxia (imbalance and incoordination)
• Requirements:Interview in person or by phone; blood sample for DNA

Natural history of familial or sporadic episodic ataxia:

• Research subjects: Patients with episodic ataxia
• Requirements:Yearly visit to UCLA for approximately 4 hours of testing

4 AP for treatment of episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2):

• Research subjects: EA2 patients with frequent attacks
• Requirements: Pilot double-blind study with 4-aminopyridine added to current treatment for two 3-month periods in one year.

Bilateral vestibulopathy (genetics):

• Research subjects: Patients with bilateral loss of vestibular function
• Requirements: Interview in perosn or by phone; vestibular function test; blood sample for DNA

Director

Robert W. Baloh, MD

Faculty

Gail Ishiyama, MD