Affiliations: Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Robin T Bigelow, Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. Tel.: +1 410 954 9825; Fax: +1 410 955 0035; E-mail: rbigelow@jhmi.edu
Abstract: A growing body of literature suggests the inner ear vestibular system has a
substantial impact on cognitive function. The strongest evidence exists in
connecting vestibular function to the cognitive domain of visuospatial
ability, which includes spatial memory, navigation, mental rotation, and
mental representation of three-dimensional space. Substantial evidence also
exists suggesting the vestibular system has an impact on attention and
cognitive processing ability. The cognitive domains of memory and executive
function are also implicated in a number of studies. We will review the
current literature, discuss possible causal links between vestibular
dysfunction and cognitive performance, and suggest areas of future research.
