Şeyma Tuğba Öztürk
I am a Lecturer in the Department of Audiology at Istanbul Medipol University, where I have been serving since 2020. My academic journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Audiology from Bezmialem Vakıf University (2013–2017), followed by a Master's degree in Clinical Audiology at Istanbul Medipol University (2017–2020). Currently, I am pursuing a Ph.D. in Audiology at the same institution.
My research interests encompass vestibular physiology, particularly focusing on vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs), visual-vestibular integration, sensory reweighting, and vection. I am dedicated to exploring the interplay between peripheral vestibular assessments and central multisensory processing to enhance diagnostic and rehabilitative approaches for balance disorders.
In addition to my academic pursuits, I hold a C2 proficiency level in English and have obtained certification in laboratory animal use.
Session
Multisensory integration between the vestibular and visual systems plays a critical role in spatial orientation and postural control. Peripheral vestibular assessments such as cervical and ocular VEMPs offer insight into otolith function, while recent research into visual-vestibular integration, sensory reweighting, and vection sheds light on how the brain adapts to sensory conflict and vestibular dysfunction.
This course will explore the neurophysiological and clinical relevance of VEMP testing, as well as cortical-level responses to sensory perturbation, based on both behavioural paradigms and neuroimaging evidence. Particular focus will be placed on sensory reweighting mechanisms in chronic dizziness and the use of visual motion stimuli (vection) in evaluating cortical vestibular integration. Case examples and experimental findings will demonstrate how combining peripheral and central-level assessments can enhance clinical decision-making and treatment design in disorders such as vestibular migraine, PPPD, and BVP.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Explain the physiological basis and clinical application of cervical and ocular VEMP testing.
Describe the role of visual-vestibular integration and vection in spatial orientation and postural control.
Define sensory reweighting and interpret its implications in vestibular compensation and rehabilitation.
Integrate peripheral (e.g., VEMP) and central (e.g., vection, cognitive adaptation) assessments into clinical reasoning.
Critically evaluate emerging technologies and paradigms used to assess cortical vestibular processing.