Cortical Changes in Total and Partial Vestibular Dysfunction, As Measured by EEG

A recent study by Hadi et al. (2026) analyzed and compared electroencephalogram (EEG) findings in individuals with presumed normal vestibular functions and those with partial and complete loss of vestibular reactivity. These individuals underwent rotational chair testing at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 degrees/second, while EEG recordings were conducted across 32 channels. The researchers sought to compare cortical differences and the processing of “self-motion” between groups. This was of particular interest, as they attempted to glean additional information about how the central vestibular system processes movement when it is “uncoupled” from the vestibular system; in other words, how does the central vestibular system process motion without input from the peripheral system? EEG findings ultimately revealed similar recordings in those with normal vestibular function and those with partial vestibular loss. Time-locked cortical changes in electrical activity appeared similar across these groups. Those with a presumed total loss in vestibular reactivity showed attenuated EEG results across a number of regions. These findings suggest the utility of EEG in evaluating those with vestibular loss. This article provides a basis for future research, which may help further our understanding of non-vestibular cues for equilibrium. 

Reference

Hadi, Z., Du, K., Suresh, T., Bandrivska, S., & Seemungal, B. M. (2026). The cortical electrophysiological changes evoked by natural vestibular stimulation in healthy and bilateral vestibulopathy, Journal of Neurophysiology, 36(1):380-393.