JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

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 online medical care for treating 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:

Creating a smartphone application development designed to capture eye movements during vertigo attacks, enabling recordings at any location, including home or work.

Methods:

We developed an application named “iCapNYS” that leverages the iPhone’s front camera and gyro sensor to record eye movements and head positions. This application uses features that encourage spontaneous eye movements to reduce nystagmus suppression caused by fixation. Additionally, we designed lightweight, recyclable cardboard goggles that would securely hold the smartphone and block ambient light, thereby 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 cameras.

Conclusions:

This application is an effective tool for treating vertigo and is easy for the elderly to use, as it can be recorded with only three 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.