Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation

The only device designed for Galvanic Vestibular stimulation, from the leader in non-invasive neuromodulation.

The Soterix medical Galvanic Vestibular stimulator is the clinical standard when precision and safety cannot be compromised. The Soterix Galvanic Vestibular stimulator is the only device specifically designed for Galvanic Vestibular stimulation.

Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation

Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation by Soterix Medical

Soterix Medical is the leader in non-invasive electrical stimulation through engineering optimized and customized technologies. The Soterix Medical Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation (GVS) systems includes the first electrode designed for trans-mastoid stimulation, the first headgear to support mastoid electrode robustly, and the first stimulation with outputs, controls, and safety monitoring optimized for GVS.

The Vestibular HD Electrode Holder is specially designed for consistent contact with the mastoid. They are designed to be used with HD-GEL that provides both electrical continuity from the device to the skin and ensures skin comfort. To further secure the Vestibular HD Electrode Holder, a unique Vestibular HEADstrap based on the Soterix Medical “BLUE” hypoallergenic, latex-free, elastic material, can be simply applied. Finally, the Galvanic Vestibular Stimulator, based on the industry-standard Soterix Medical 1x1 platform, is the only system designed for consistent and controlled current delivery, even at current up to 6 mA. Two stimulator models are available: 1) Bench-top form factor and 2) Hand-held form factor. Both the devices provide noisy GVS waveform (white noise) in addition to DC, AC, and Random Noise waveforms.

Galvanic Strap

Unique accessories integrate with Soterix Medical Galvanic Vestibular stimulators.


About Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation

About Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation

Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation (GVS) is a method of non-invasive electrical stimulation to affect the vestibular system and potentially change balance. The stimulus produces stereotyped automatic postural and ocular responses. Depending on how GVS is applied it can produce specific sensations that may be related to the anatomy and physiology of the vestibular apparatus, including the three semi-circular canals. The technology has been tested for decades for medical and non-medical applications. However, it was not until 2014 when Soterix Medical introduced the first Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation system that a stimulator, head-gear, and electrodes optimized for GVS was available. The Soterix Medical Galvanic Vestibular System is the most advanced technology available for reliable and tolerated GVS and the only system incorporating state of the art electronic and electrode technology.

One feature of GVS is the polarity specific nature of induced changes. The Soterix Medical GVS technology has two models, a Bench-top form factor with an Open-Panel design that allows easy access to all the stimulation controls and a hand-held version that can be programmed for remote supervised current delivery. The systems provide currents up to 6 mA which have been used to produce significant changes in perception but lower currents are better tolerated and may be effective when provided for a sustained period of time in producing neuro-plastic effects. The RELAX™ feature available on all Soterix Medical GVS devices allow dynamic titration of dose while SMARTScan™ provides intelligent read-out of impedance before and during stimulation. The technique of GVS has been used for a long time but the mechanisms underlying responses are not fully understood. Soterix Medical is committed to providing researchers and clinicians with modern and advanced GVS technology in support of rational advancement of science - because experimental reliability is limited by the quality of technology. Customized stimulators, head-gear, and electrodes ensure reliable contact and stimulation.

About Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation

Galvanic vestibular stimulation is the process of electrical neuromodulation of brain organs associated with balance. Targets include the nerve in the ear that maintains balance, which includes two groups of receptors in the vestibular system: the three semi-circular canals, and the two otolith organs (the utricle and the saccule). Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation technology has been investigated over decades for both scientific and medical purposes, but the Soterix Medical GVS system is the first technology designed for robust and controlled stimulation.

While the technique of galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) has been used for some time, and the effects robust and clear, the mechanisms of GVS remain under investigation. The stimulus produces stereotyped automatic postural and ocular responses. The mechanisms underlying these responses are not understood, although they are commonly attributed to altered otolith output. It is assumed that vestibular afferents from the otoliths and semicircular canals are affected similarly by GVS.

Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation Accessories

The maintenance of a stable stance in humans (and animals) involves a range of sensor apparatuses including the vestibular system. Soterix Medical GVS systems are designed to deliver direct current non-invasively to the vestibular system with electrodes placed on the mastoid bones. The Vestibular HD-Cup electrodes are designed to optimally interface mechanically and electrically with the mastoid process. One hypothesis is that GVS results in a continuous modulation of the firing rate of vestibular afferents, which manifests in a standing subject leaning in a different direction depending in the polarity of the current. Typically, subjects will lean towards the anode. However, the behavioral and potential therapeutic effects of GVS are subtler in postural sway and homeostatic response that in turn may lead to plasticity. The Soterix Medical GVS platform is the only system that allows controlled and reproducible stimulation, which is required to advance the science and treatment of GVS.


Clinical and Research Standard for Vestibular Stimulation

Clinical and Research Standard for Vestibular Stimulation

Science driven designed of stimulator and accessories, equal more reproducable and tolerated protocols

The most advanced, simple to use, precise, reliable stimulator for Vestibular Neuromodulation. The Soterix Medical Galvanic Vestibular Stimulators were designed with inputs from clinicians and researchers and is the only Stimulator designed specifically for this purpose. Available in two models (Bench-top and Hand-held form factors), all Soterix Medical Vestibular Stimulators have unique and industry-leading features.

The Soterix Medical GVS system is the most advanced and reproducible system for stimulation of the Vestibular system. Soterix Medical GVS system includes simple but robust headgear, high performance mastoid electrodes based on the exclusive High-Definition (HD) design, and an advanced current stimulator with unique features allowing for both acute and plasticity experiments.


Two state of the art GVS devices

Bench-top form factor

  • Direct Current, Sine, Random Noise, White Noise, Sub-sensory (Stochastic Resonance) Waveforms
  • 0.5 to 200 Hz for Sine, Random Noise, and White Noise waves. Monophasic or Biphasic option (50% duty cycle). 1-2 Hz and 0-30 Hz implementation for Sub-sensory waveform.
  • 0.5 to 200 Hz for non-DC waves, monophasic or biphasic option (50% duty cycle)
  • Up to 6 mA peak current, adjustable real time with RELAX
  • Simple and safe Open-Panel™ interface
  • Power: Internal rechargeable battery (removable)
  • Additional unique Soterix Medical controls and features such as Wireless control, External trigger, etc.
Soterix Medical 1x1 Galvanic Device

Manual & Specifications

Hand-held form factor

  • Remote supervised delivery of Direct Current, Sine, Random Noise, and White Noise Waveforms
  • Cost effective device for remote supervised GVS
  • Secure administrator mode to program stimulation dose
  • 1 to 200 Hz for non-DC waves, monophasic or biphasic option (50% duty cycle)
  • 1Hz frequency resolution
  • Up to 6 mA peak current
  • Intelligent power management maximizes battery life
  • Compact Design
  • Power: Internal rechargeable battery (removable)
  • Additional unique Soterix Medical controls and features such as External trigger can be added on demand
Soterix Medical Mini GVS Device

Manual & Specifications


Unique Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation features

The most advanced, simple to use, precise, reliable stimulator for Galvanic Vestibular stimulation. The Soterix Medical Galvanic Vestibular stimulator was designed with inputs from clinicians and researchers and is the only stimulator designed specifically for Galvanic Vestibular stimulation. The Soterix Galvanic Vestibular stimulation has industry leading features:

Galvanic Direct or Oscillating Stimulation

Current Controlled. DC or Oscillating Wave with adjustable frequency. Monophasic or Biphasic. Adjustable intensity. Peak current up to 6 mA. Real time adjustment of intensity (for experimental design or based on patient feedback) using RELAX ‐ option available for bench-top device.

4 duration settings (up to 20 minutes) with count-down clock display and easy-access ABORT option.

4 current settings (up to 6 mA) with unique power-management and automatic current reduction when poor contact conditions are detected.

Single device can be configured for two electrodes (one anode and one cathode). Custom options for three electrodes (two anodes and one cathode or two cathodes and one anode) and four electrodes (two anodes and two cathodes) are available.

Sham waveform validated with our electrodes for robust blinding of subject.

Provides a continuous visual indication of electrode quality before and during stimulation.

From pre-stimulation set-up, to during stimulation monitoring, to post-stimulation confirmation, the Soterix Medical SMARTscan™ feature provides an intuitive and clear indication of electrode contact quality. Use the SMARTscan™ during set-up to adjust electrodes and head-gear for optimal fit. During stimulation, SMARTscan™ provides a constant indication of electrode quality and can be monitored during adjustments (e.g. addition of gel to drying electrodes). After stimulation, SMARTscan™ confirms a successful trial. Because “resistance” is not meaningful for GVS, SMARTscan™ was developed by Soterix Medical engineers to provide clinical investigators with a simple to read indication of contact quality.

Clearly indicates the actual current supplied at the moment – option available for bench-top device.

What other devices promise, the Soterix Galvanic Vestibular stimulation delivers. The back-lit display can be monitored at all times: pre-stimulation, stimulation, ramp-up, ramp-down to confirm status of current intensity delivered.

May be used to supply a very weak current prior to Galvanic Vestibular stimulation to help condition the skin – option available for bench-top device.

TICKLE™ may be used to both condition skin prior to Galvanic Vestibular stimulation and for naïve subjects who are anxious about stimulation. A custom on-off waveform pattern generates mild and brief sensation under electrodes.

Allows the clinician to use a simple sliding bar to transiently decrease the current from the pre-set value, for example, based on subject feedback. – option available for bench-top device.

Based on feed-back from leading clinical centers, Soterix Medical exclusive feature RELAX™ accommodates subjects who may be anxious when stimulation is initiated or during the course of stimulation. The RELAX™ slider may be adjusted from full to reduced intensity based on subject sensation without interrupting or aborting stimulation.

Allows the clinician or administrator to set dose and use limits. Allows supervision of stimulation sessions remote from clinic – option available for hand-held device.

A simple feature that minimizes dropout in double-blind clinical trials - option available for hand-held device.

Sometimes trivial issues require stimulation interruption or adjustment. Rather than abort a session which can result in subject exclusion or data confounds, the PAUSE feature was developed in collaboration with clinical trial experts running higher-volume or longer duration trials. For both automatic (under SMART scan) and user initiated PAUSE, this exclusive feature intelligently avoids breaking sham even in double-blind trials.


GVS + MRI

Soterix Medical GVS systems can be used in the fMRI/MRI using a unique GVS-MRI kit. These complete kits provide an easy solution for full integration of our GVS stimulator with MRI/fMRI. The setup is rated to be compatible with any sequence in a 7T machine in Normal and First Level modes.

Soterix Medical Engineers have designed the MRI/fMRI accessories while keeping in mind the subject’s safety, stimulation tolerability, and the operator's ease-of-use. The unique setup uses filters through the patch panel for exceptional RF noise control, providing unmatched reliability. Learn more...

Unique Soterix Medical IFS-MRI kit
Caution! Investigational Device. Federal (or United States) law limits device to investigational use.