The Lab for Equilibrium Investigations and Aerospace (LEIA), previously known as AUREA, brings together the academic platform of the University of Antwerp and the clinical platform of the European Institute for Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) and Head-and-Neck Surgery (HNS) at the Sint-Augustinus Hospital in Antwerp. LEIA aims to perform pioneering research in the domains of the vestibular system and of spaceflight.
Spaceflight research entails (i) investigating the impact of spaceflight on the brain of astronauts with advanced MRI techniques (BRAIN-DTI project) and (ii) investigating the equilibrium organ after long-duration spaceflight by means of centrifugation of astronauts (GAZE-spin project). Furthermore, LEIA's participation in ESA's spaceflight analogue studies, such as head-down bedrest and parabolic flight, offers complementary ways to study the effect of simulated spaceflight on the brain. The LEIA team has an internationally renowned reputation for this research.
Vestibular sciences entail (i) investigating brain biomarkers and treatment efficacy of Mal de Débarquements Syndrome (MdDS) as one of the few centres in the world, (ii) investigating treatments for patients with severe bilateral vestibular function loss, including otolith-vestibular implant and the balance belt, (iii) using state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to diagnose Ménière's Disease, and (iv) developing treatment for Visual Induced Dizziness and Motion Sickness. Furthermore, head of LEIA prof. Floris Wuyts is a renowned expert in vestibular pathologies and diagnoses.
With these research endeavours, LEIA aims to address biomedical challenges for astronauts engaging in human space exploration missions and to better understand and treat various forms of dizziness and imbalance in patients. Next to advancing science, our goal is to increase the quality of life of patients and ensure the health of astronauts.