Neurological physics
What is neurological physics?
The term neurological physics has a broad context. In Southampton, we specialise in understanding brain pressure and its regulation regarding arterial blood supply, venous drainage, and the equilibrium with intracranial pressure and the cerebrospinal fluid system. Measurement of pressure dynamics is essential. Amongst other techniques, we utilise non-invasive pressure measurements using the Southampton cerebral and cochlear fluid pressure (CCFP) analyser which detects brain pressures by measuring tympanic membrane displacement (TMD).
Our two primary research objectives are to improve measurements of blood flow regulation in the brain and to develop non-invasive intracranial pressure measurements. The ultimate goal is to enhance the knowledge base on cerebral blood flow and brain pressure in the context of trauma and neurodegenerative disease.
Obscure audio-vestibular disorders (TMD)
In the non-invasive intracranial pressure assessment (NIPA) unit, the team has experience understanding the signs and symptoms associated with intracranial hypertension, hypotension and obscure disorders of the middle ear. We combine this understanding with objective measurements made using the Southampton CCFP analyser, also known as the TMD analyser.
If a patient has the following symptoms, they may be referred to the NIPA unit for further investigation:
- Hearing, balance and tinnitus problems of an obscure nature, for example, a Meniere’s-like symptom profile
- Low-frequency whooshing or pulsatile tinnitus, especially if combined with imbalance, vertigo or brain fog
- Aural or head pressure sensations
- Unexplained low frequency or fluctuating hearing loss, especially if combined with any of the above symptoms
- Persistent Eustachian tube function where a patulous (open) Eustachian tube may be a possible diagnosis.