Methods and apparatuses for stimulating otolith organs by linear acceleration

Abstract

A base section supports a revolution section. The revolution section supports a tilting section. The tilting section supports a seat section. The seat section includes a seat, a seat back and a step. The seat back has a restraining section. The restraining section includes an occipital region retainer and a temple retainer. Subject is seated with its occipital region and temples restrained by the restraining section. The head of subject is tilted on one side down from a head's horizontal plane in the Reid stereotaxic coordinate system to place one of left and right otolith organs within the head's horizontal plane. In this tilted position, different liner acceleration stimuli are applied to left and right otolith organs, respectively, for independent function tests of the left and right otolith organs.

1 . An apparatus for stimulating otolith organs by linear acceleration, comprising:
 (a) a base section with a source of linear acceleration;   (b) a revolving section supported by the base section for linear reciprocal movements, wherein the revolving section includes a rotary main shaft, a pair of transmission gearing mechanisms cooperating with the main shaft via gear mount plates, a handle for operating the transmission gearing mechanisms, and means for rotating the main shaft via the transmission gearing mechanisms to a desired angular position using the handle in locking or unlocking position at the desired angular position;   (c) a tilting section supported by the revolving section to tilt from the head's horizontal plane in the Reid stereotaxic coordinate system;   (d) a seat section supported by the tilting section; and   (e) a restraining section, on the seat section, adjustable in all directions to restrain a subject with respect to the seat section.   
   
   
       2 . A method for stimulating otolith organs by linear acceleration, comprising the steps of:
 (a) tilting a head of a subject on one side down from a head's horizontal plane in the Reid stereotaxic coordinate system to place one of left and right otolith organs within the head's horizontal plane;   (b) applying linear acceleration to the head of the subject within the head's horizontal plane; and   (c) applying different linear acceleration stimuli to the left and right otolith organs, respectively.   
   
   
       3 . The method as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the head is tilted on one side down 10 degrees from the head's horizontal plane. 
   
   
       4 . The method as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the subject is has lumber restrained, shoulders restrained, a occipital region restrained and temples restrained.