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A recent study has highlighted the potential therapeutic benefits of recording nystagmus during vertigo attacks in patients with Meniere’s disease (MD), using mobile phone technology. Published online on December 12 in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, the study explored how self-recording of eye movements during vertigo attacks can provide valuable diagnostic and therapeutic insights.
Led by Valéria Ionescu from the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne in France, the study involved patients diagnosed with definite Meniere’s disease, based on criteria from the Barany Society. During vertigo attacks, patients were video-recorded either by physicians using videonystagmoscopy or by themselves or their surroundings using mobile phones. This allowed for the examination of nystagmus — involuntary eye movements that often occur during vertigo episodes.
The study’s findings revealed that the majority of nystagmus during vertigo attacks in MD patients was horizontal, although vertical nystagmus was observed in a small subset of patients. Specifically, eight patients were recorded by mobile phone, eight by videonystagmoscopy, and one by both methods. The researchers noted that while horizontal nystagmus predominated, vertical nystagmus, including both down-beating and up-beating variations, was present in a few cases. Interestingly, some patients even experienced a shift from vertical to horizontal nystagmus during the episode.
From a diagnostic perspective, the direction of nystagmus was not necessarily useful in determining the affected side in MD. However, the study found that video recordings of nystagmus — particularly those captured by mobile phones — provided valuable objective proof of the debilitating impact of MD on a patient’s daily life. These recordings may also play a role in therapeutic decision-making, especially when considering more invasive treatments like chemical labyrinthectomy.
The study concludes that the use of mobile phones for recording nystagmus during vertigo attacks could serve as an effective and accessible tool for both diagnosis and treatment planning in Meniere’s disease patients.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Individuals experiencing symptoms of vertigo or Meniere’s disease are encouraged to consult a healthcare provider for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
