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Journal of Neurology

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Open Access 31-08-2023 | Nystagmus | Original Communication

Capturing nystagmus during vertigo attacks using a smartphone: adherence, characteristics, pearls and pitfalls

Authors: Ali Melliti, Maurice van de Berg, Raymond van de Berg

Published in: Journal of Neurology | Issue 12/2023

Abstract

Objective

To investigate adherence, characteristics, and first clinical experiences of capturing ictal nystagmus at home, which can be performed to complement the diagnostic process in patients with episodic vestibular symptoms.

Methods

Patients were recruited at a tertiary referral center in case capturing ictal nystagmus could contribute to the diagnostic process (e.g., to detect or rule out BPPV). They were asked to capture ictal nystagmus with their own smartphone at home, using a smartphone-based adapter (Nystagmocatcher, Balansdiagnos, Stockholm, Sweden). All recordings were analyzed by the last author (RvdB), and the adherence, characteristics, and first clinical experiences were evaluated.

Results

Seventy patients with vestibular symptoms were asked to participate in this study. Sixty-two (89%) agreed to participate. The median period of participation was 86 days. Fifty-one patients experienced attacks during the study period. Eventually, 51% of them provided eye movement recordings sufficient for analysis. Different types of nystagmus were observed: positional nystagmus related to BPPV, positional nystagmus not related to BPPV, functional eye movements, and the absence of nystagmus or functional eye movements. Capturing ictal nystagmus could contribute to the diagnostic process in several ways, including to detect or rule out BPPV, to detect or rule out vestibular origin of symptoms, to determine the affected side, telemedicine, to monitor attack frequency, and to detect malingering. Furthermore, strict guidance of patients was necessary, which could be time-consuming.

Conclusion

Capturing ictal nystagmus can contribute to the diagnostic process in several ways, which motivates to rethink current clinical workflow in vestibular medicine. However, strict guidance is necessary and not all patients provide ictal recordings. In an outpatient setting, it would be advised to use ictal nystagmus recordings on indication, to complement the diagnostic process.

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Title: Capturing nystagmus during vertigo attacks using a smartphone: adherence, characteristics, pearls and pitfalls
Authors: Ali Melliti
Maurice van de Berg
Raymond van de Berg
Publication date: 31-08-2023
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Nystagmus
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Telemedicine
Published in: Journal of Neurology / Issue 12/2023
Print ISSN: 0340-5354
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1459
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-023-11965-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Capturing nystagmus during vertigo attacks using a smartphone: adherence, characteristics, pearls and pitfalls

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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