Name
Carlijn E.L. Hoekstra
Departement Ortholaringology
Section Brain function and plasticity
Function
MD, PhD-student
Supervisor
dr. G.A. van Zanten
Title research
A central nervous system approach to tinnitus
Summary research
Tinnitus is a phantom auditory perception of meaningless sound (registration of sound in the absence of an external or internal acoustic stimulus). It is a common problem (prevalence 7-19%) which may interfere with the ability to lead a normal life. The pathophysiology of the disorder is poorly understood. Tinnitus is thought to be generated in the brain, as a result of functional reorganization of auditory neural pathways and tonotopic maps in the central auditory system, following damage to the peripheral auditory system. Unfortunately, there is no generally accepted cure or treatment.
This research project focuses on diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for tinnitus. Diagnostic strategies are investigated through a standard diagnostic protocol. Different therapeutic approaches, such as medication and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, are studied as randomized controlled trials. The pathofysiology of tinnitus is investigated through an fMRI study.