Abstract #2053
Mechanisms for vertigo experienced by subjects in a high field environment: Hypotheses and Experiments
Cavin I, Bowtell R, Gowland P, Glover P
Sir Peter Mansfield Magnetic Resonance Centre, University of Nottingham
There are three possible mechanisms for induction of vertigo related to exposure due to magnetic fields. These are Magnetohydrodynamic effects (MHD); Susceptibility of maculae; and Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) of hair cells due to induced circulating currents. The theoretical basis for each mechanism is examined from both a physics and physiological point of view. A series of experiments are reported and calculations presented which preclude MHD and advance the possibility that the susceptibility of the otolithic organs are the dominant mechanism at high fields. Induced currents are not ruled out completely but there is currently no direct experimental evidence for this mechanism using a controlled experimental dB/dt.
