In this episode of the Making Vestibular Visible podcast we talk about blast wave injuries, and the vestibular injury that results from near- or far- exposure to explosives. Whether due to an isolated act of terrorism or an ongoing regional conflict, the impact of explosives is severe. It's estimated that 1 in 8 people globally have been exposed to conflict in 2024. This includes those living within 5 kilometers (3 miles) of violent events, such as bombings and explosions. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is one of the places where soldiers and civilians experience war-related injuries.
Speaker: ​Dr. Konstantin Trinus is a distinguished medical professional from Kyiv, Ukraine specializing in neuro-otology. He graduated with honors from Kyiv Medical Institute and earned his PhD focusing on human and animal physiology. He has a Doctor of Medicine degree in neurology, with a dissertation on vestibular disturbances as early indicators of neurological deficits in individuals exposed to ionizing radiation from the Chornobyl catastrophe. Dr. Trinus has held various research and academic positions and has lectured internationally, authored numerous scientific publications, and received several awards, such as the Tsiolkovsky Medal and the Claussen-Tato Prize in 2018 for his significant contributions to neuro-otology. ​
Dr. Trinus has conducted extensive research into the vestibular consequences of blast wave injuries, particularly among participants of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) in Ukraine. His studies have identified a significant prevalence of vestibular disturbances in individuals exposed to blast trauma, including symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, kinetosis, and orthostatic discomfort. For instance, his research revealed that 70.77% of ATO participants reported dizziness, and 26.15% experienced objective vertigo, indicating a strong correlation between blast exposure and vestibular dysfunction. His work emphasizes the need for comprehensive vestibular assessment and targeted rehabilitation strategies for individuals affected by blast-induced mild traumatic brain injuries. ​