Simulation and evaluation of stimulation scenarios for targeted vestibular nerve excitation

Abstract

Recent studies show that vestibular implants have the potential to compensate the loss of functionality of the organ of equilibrium. The objective of this study was the development of a simulation framework which estimates the capability of various electrode arrangements and stimulation waveforms to selectively excite the ampullary nerves in the vestibular system. The choice of electrode configuration and stimulation waveform shows a significant influence in resulting selectivity, energy expenditure and injected charge in our simulations. This simulation environment could be beneficial in the development of safe and selective stimulation electrode designs.

Keywords

• charge
• electrode configuration
• energy
• neural stimulation
• selectivity
• vestibular implant
• waveform