Brain scans reveal clues to why some people suffer worse balance problems
NCT ID NCT07709143
First seen Jul 16, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study investigates why some people with bilateral vestibular hypofunction—a chronic balance disorder—experience more severe symptoms than others. Researchers will use advanced brain imaging (MRI) and a battery of vestibular function tests in about 80 patients and 40 healthy volunteers. By linking brain structure, inflammation markers, and symptom reports, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind the condition and pave the way for more personalized care.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this study could lead to better diagnostic tools and more personalized rehabilitation strategies for people with balance disorders.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study, not a treatment trial, so it will not directly test any new therapy. The findings may not apply to all patients with vestibular hypofunction.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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About 120 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Oct 2024
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2029
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
The study population will consist of participants aged over 16 years, including patients diagnosed with bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH) and age-matched healthy controls. Patients with BVH will include individuals meeting the diagnostic criteria for bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP) or presbyvestibulopathy (PVP). A total of 120 participants will be enrolled from five medical centers, including 80 BVH patients and 40 healthy controls. All participants must be able to understand the study procedures, comply with the protocol, communicate and cooperate with investigators, and provide written informed consent.
- Ages
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16 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Sex unrestricted, age over 16 years old. 2. Patients meeting the diagnostic criteria for bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP) and presbyvestibulopathy (PVP) 3. Participants or their legal representatives, who comprehensively understand the research purpose, demonstrate sufficient compliance with the study protocol, have the ability to communicate and cooperate, and have signed the informed consent form. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Administration of medications potentially affecting cerebral function, including psychotropic drugs (antidepressants, anxiolytics) or prolonged anti-vertigo medication usage. 2. Presence of severe cardiovascular or systemic medical conditions, organ dysfunction, or significant mobility impairments. 3. Significant local or systemic diseases, or psychiatric disorders causing cognitive impairment, specifically schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, or generalized anxiety disorder. 4. Pregnant or lactating women. 5. Participation in alternative pharmaceutical or medical device clinical trials within the preceding 3-month period. 6. Clinically significant head movement restrictions. 7. Subjects assessed by investigators as unsuitable for study participation. 8. Individuals with contraindications for MRI, including cardiac pacemakers, implanted electronic devices, claustrophobia, metallic implants incompatible with magnetic resonance imaging and medications potentially compromising MRI scan safety.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital
RECRUITINGShanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200233, China
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