SUMMARY
Jeffrey P. Staab, M.D., studies the clinical features, mechanisms, and treatment of chronic dizziness, with a focus on persistent postural perceptual dizziness (PPPD) and related aspects of functional neurological disorder. Working with national and international investigators, he seeks to deepen the understanding of conditions that lie at the intersection of neurology, otology, vestibular medicine and psychiatry.
Dr. Staab's research integrates methods from vestibular physiology, neurology, otology, psychosomatic medicine and functional neuroimaging. It seeks to clarify how neurologic and vestibular illnesses, changes in space and motion processing, and behavioral factors interact to produce chronic dizziness and other functional neurological conditions. He also contributes to the development of international diagnostic criteria for vestibular and functional neurological disorders. Together, these efforts are shaping new approaches to diagnosis and treatment and improving outcomes for patients.
Focus areas
- Understanding clinical conditions that cause chronic dizziness. Dr. Staab's primary research focuses on the clinical features and pathological mechanisms underlying PPPD and other conditions that cause chronic dizziness. He works to identify risk factors, triggers, perpetuating factors and comorbidities that drive persistent dizziness. This research provides a foundation for more accurate diagnosis and the development of more effective treatment strategies.
- Advancing international vestibular and neurologic classification systems. Dr. Staab played a central role in developing the framework of the International Classification of Vestibular Disorders, a standardized set of definitions of vestibular diseases and disorders, created by the Barany Society. As chair of the Behavioral Subcommittee for this endeavor, he led efforts to establish the definition of PPPD, which is now recognized as the most common cause of chronic vestibular symptoms worldwide. His contributions to other subcommittees have produced validated criteria for mal de debarquement syndrome, motion sickness and hemodynamic orthostatic dizziness. Dr. Staab currently co-chairs the Classification Committee of the Functional Neurological Disorder Society, which is developing diagnostic criteria for functional neurologic disorder and its subtypes.
- Functional neuroimaging of central vestibular pathways. Dr. Staab collaborates with research partners from several countries to investigate alterations in brain networks that process vestibular and visual inputs for spatial orientation control of gait and gaze. His neuroimaging studies identify changes in brain activity and connectivity in regions involved in processing these stimuli and show how psychological factors can alter their function, potentially contributing to persistent dizziness.
- Investigations of vestibular migraine. Dr. Staab studies clinical associations between vestibular migraine and other vestibular disorders such as PPPD. He was the co-principal investigator of a large randomized controlled trial that found rizatriptan to be ineffective for stopping vestibular migraine attacks.
- Investigations of post-traumatic dizziness. Dr. Staab examines the clinical, physiologic and neuroimaging features of chronic dizziness following traumatic brain injury, with particular attention to functional changes associated with persistent symptoms.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Staab helps patients with long-lasting dizziness get clearer answers and better treatments. By defining what causes persistent dizziness and how it affects the brain and daily life, his research makes it easier for healthcare professionals to recognize this condition early and choose the right care. Dr. Staab also explores new treatments and tools that may help reduce dizziness, improve balance and lessen anxiety. Patients benefit from more accurate diagnoses, more effective therapies and a better understanding of what to expect during recovery.
Professional highlights
- Functional Neurological Disorder Society:
- Secretary, Board of Directors, 2024-present.
- Co-chair, Classification Committee, 2020-present.
- Founding member, 2018-present.
- Distinguished Life Fellow, American Psychiatric Association, 2023-present.
- Barany Society, Oversight Committee for the International Classification of Vestibular Disorders, 2010-present:
- Member, Functional Measures Subcommittee, 2020-present.
- Co-chair, Behavioral Subcommittee, 2010-present.
- Member, Motion Sickness Subcommittee, 2021.
- Member, Mal de Debarquement Subcommittee, 2020.
- Member, Orthostatic Dizziness Subcommittee, 2019.
- Department Chair and Department Diversity Leaders Outstanding Partnership Award, Mayo Clinic Office of Belonging (formerly the Office of Diversity and Inclusion), 2024.
- Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry:
- Chair, Research Subcommittee, 2021-2023.
- Wayne Katon Research Award, 2019.
- Imperial College London, Visiting Researcher, 2013.