Modeling the Effects of Gravity Transitions in the Vestibular System: Preliminary Findings (P06.042)

Abstract

Objective: To demonstrate the effects of electromagnetic induction in a model of a human vestibular system. Background Humans are exposed to different geomagnetic gradients believed to produce physiological changes in balance and locomotion. Current investigations using magnetic field-dependent chemical reactions and magnetite have not properly explained such neuro-otologic disturbances happening in and out of Earth. The electromagnetic induction mechanism model may explain the vestibular side effects affecting balance and locomotion of people exposed to different geomagnetic fields. Design/Methods: We used Matlab custom-written scripts for modeling one semicircular canal of the vestibular system, which we exposed under eight different movement conditions, ranging from common walking on earth up to spaceflights in presence of static geomagnetic fields. The electrical resistance (R) for the semicircular canal was estimated to be 6.2 x 10-4 Ω. The induced electrical voltage and current was estimated according to Faraday9s: ∇x E = -∂B / ∂t; Kirchhoff9s: C ∂V / ∂t + V/R = 0, and Ohm9s law:I = V/R. Results: The induced vestibular voltage and current obtained with this computational model was of almost four orders of magnitude. It was approximately 6000 times or 76 decibels larger for the space shuttle - where the induced vestibular current was ∼ 1 A - compared to the baseline obtained while walking. Interestingly, such induced voltage and current started to be significant, approximately 150 times or 44 decibels larger at altitudes employed by commercial airplane flights. Conclusions: We found a new geomagnetic-side effect in the human semicircular canal due to fast aerospace motion, which starts to be significant at altitudes still used for human living. Such geomagnetic effects may play a role to induce balance, gait and locomotion abnormalities in people living in extreme environments. A closed system using an internal current loop present in the inner ear, is very likely to happen in humans. Supported by: Doctor Fidias E. Leon-Sarmiento was supported the Department of Defense ( USAMRAA, W81XWH-09-1-0467 ); Doctor Carlos V. Rizzo-Sierra was supported by the University of Pamplona (Research Grant No. 0012). Disclosure: Dr. Leon-Sarmiento has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rizzo-Sierra has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gonzalez has nothing to disclose.