Interpreting the meaning of changes in hippocampal volume associated with vestibular loss

Many studies have documented cognitive deficits, especially spatial in patients with some form of vestibular loss. Almost 20 years ago, hippocampal (HPC) atrophy was reported to be correlated memory deficits such and the idea has gradually emerged that HPC may causally responsible for deficits. However, results volume following loss not always been consistent, a number no evidence atrophy. This paper argues atrophy, if it does occur loss, directly, is more likely rapid functional changes are responsible, due interruption transmission information HPC. The argument presented here rests on 3 tranches evidence: (1) Cognitive observed humans even absence atrophy; (2) animal despite deficits; (3) Animal shown immediate consequences place cells, far too quickly explained by It possible when occur, related longer-term consquences living which increase circulating cortisol.