| abstract |
A device and associated method for providing vestibular stimulation to an individual includes active elements positioned on or proximate an ear insert. The active elements include but are not limited to at least one electrode, at least one thermometer, and at least one thermoelectric transducer. The device includes a computerized control module regulating the active elements. The device incorporates an ear insert that allows the active elements to engage the individual's ear canal and therefore access the individual's vestibular system. Vestibular stimulation applied to the individual is customized for directly stimulating desired regions of the brain for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. In a preferred embodiment, the device provides vestibular stimulation sufficient to promote physiological changes in the individual, the changes selected from the group consisting of circadian temperature cycle time shifts, ascorbic acid production, serotonin production, acetylcholine production, histamine production, and heat shock protein production. |