Development of an Eco-Friendly Smartphone-Assisted Nystagmus Recording System for Recording Vertigo Attacks Anytime, Anywhere: Pilot App Development Study.

BACKGROUND

The widespread adoption of smartphones and tablet devices, along with advancements in data communication technology, has resulted in a paradigm shift in the treatment of dizziness. External factors, such as the spread of COVID-19, have accelerated this transformation in recent years. We have been pursuing telemedicine and web-based medical care to treat dizziness and have developed different products and services necessary for each treatment process stage. Several patients face difficulties in accessing medical facilities during severe vertigo episodes. Furthermore, clinical findings, such as nystagmus or other symptoms, may be absent when symptoms subside by the time of their appointment.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop a smartphone app for capturing eye movements and head positions during vertigo attacks, enabling recordings anywhere, even at home or work.

METHODS

We developed an app named "iCapNYS" that uses the iPhone's front camera and gyro sensor to record eye movements and head positions. The app incorporates features designed to encourage spontaneous eye movements, minimizing nystagmus suppression caused by fixation. Additionally, we designed lightweight, recyclable cardboard goggles to securely hold the smartphone and block visual stimuli from the surrounding environment, optimizing the recording conditions.

RESULTS

The "iCapNYS" system successfully captured subtle peripheral vestibular nystagmus in a patient with vertigo. The recorded nystagmus characteristics are comparable to those obtained using traditional infrared CCD (charge-coupled device) cameras.

CONCLUSIONS

This app is an effective tool for treating vertigo and is easy for older adults to use, as it can be recorded with only 3 taps. We expect that the introduction of this nystagmus-monitoring system will improve vertigo treatment quality, promote medical collaboration, and provide patients with peace of mind in their care.