JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Dizziness/vertigo is caused by various factors, including peripheral vestibular and central disorders. Although consultations with specialists are advisable when necessary, patients with severe vertigo symptoms may have limited mobility, which may interfere with hospital visits. The spread of COVID-19 has further limited the number of hospital visits for patients with dizziness; therefore, a method of medical care that allows for more accurate treatment under time and geographical constraints is needed. Recently, telemedicine has become widespread owing to the popularity of smartphone and tablet devices, and the use of devices and systems for medical examinations has made it possible to provide efficient medical care. However, no previous scoping review has mapped existing studies for telemedicine for vertigo and dizziness, and no recommendations have been made regarding which devices and systems should be used for each disease.

Objective:

The aim of this review was to map and assess previous studies on the use of information communications technology, smartphones, and applications for treating patients with vertigo and discuss the added value of introducing telemedicine to improve the quality of medical care and create an environment that builds security and trust for patients beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

A scoping review was conducted with the methodological framework of Arksey and O’Mally and in accordance with the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews. Previous reports in medical literature databases, PubMed/Medline and Cochrane Library, published between January 2000 and December 2022 were searched to review smartphone-assisted treatment for vertigo telemedicine. Two authors independently assessed eligibility and extracted data.

Results:

The review included 18 papers, which reported devices or systems for telemedicine for vestibular dysfunction. Among these studies that reported the use of a device or application, two were related to anamnesis and subjective symptoms, 13 were related to objective examination, eight were related to remote diagnosis, and four were related to treatment and rehabilitation.

Conclusions:

With the advancement of technology, the use of telemedicine in patients with dizziness may be feasible. In the future, it is necessary to consider how telemedicine can be utilized in dizziness treatment and an effective treatment system combining in-person medical care and the effective use of devices may be developed, for effective management of dangerous vertigo and related diseases. The smooth introduction of telemedicine in vertigo treatment is expected to improve the quality of treatment, increase opportunities for patients to receive medical care, and reduce time and travel costs, leading to a sense of security and trust. Clinical Trial: No registration for this scoping review.