We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

HospiMedica

Download Mobile App
Recent News AI Critical Care Surgical Techniques Patient Care Health IT Point of Care Business Focus

Virtual Reality Helps Diagnose Systemic Dizziness Episodes

By HospiMedica International staff writers
Posted on 12 Jan 2017
An innovative portable technology provides a convenient and inexpensive method for diagnosing vestibular system disorders.

Developed jointly by researchers at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU; Lithuania) and the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU; Kaunas), the technology is based on the Myo armband, a gesture recognition device worn on the forearm manufactured by Thalmic Labs (Kitchener, Canada), which enables the user to control technology wirelessly using various hand motions, interpreted using a set of electromyographic (EMG) sensors.

Image: The Myo armband helps diagnose vestibular disorders (Photo courtesy of KTU/LSMU).
Image: The Myo armband helps diagnose vestibular disorders (Photo courtesy of KTU/LSMU).

The EMG sensors identify electrical activity in the forearm muscles, which is then combined with a gyroscope, accelerometer, and magnetometer to recognize the gestures. The researchers analyzed data from the Myo, combining it with additional input from Samsung virtual reality (VR) software, synchronizing between the different programming languages and environments in order to analyze vestibular conditions. The technology is currently being tested with healthy volunteers.

“Dizziness is a very common health disorder, experienced by both young and older people. Strong systemic dizziness, followed by imbalance, nausea, paleness, and perspiration interferes with human activities and can cause great anxiety,” said lead author Professor Ingrida Ulozienė, PhD, of LSMU. “If the condition persists, the quality of life, mood and work efficiency suffers. Sometimes dizziness can be a symptom of more serious diseases. Unfortunately, the condition is relatively difficult to diagnose.”

The vestibular system includes the parts of the inner ear and brain that process the sensory information involved with controlling balance and eye movements. Commonly diagnosed vestibular disorders include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis, Ménière’s disease, secondary endolymphatic hydrops, and perilymph fistula. Other problems related to vestibular dysfunction include vestibular migraine and complications from autoimmune disorders and allergies.

Related Links
Kaunas University of Technology
Lithuanian University of Health Sciences
Thalmic Labs



Gold Member
SARS‑CoV‑2/Flu A/Flu B/RSV Sample-To-Answer Test
SARS‑CoV‑2/Flu A/Flu B/RSV Cartridge (CE-IVD)
Gold Member
Solid State Kv/Dose Multi-Sensor
AGMS-DM+
Silver Member
Compact 14-Day Uninterrupted Holter ECG
NR-314P
New
Endoscope Tracking Software
T-DOC Endo

Latest Patient Care News

Surgical Capacity Optimization Solution Helps Hospitals Boost OR Utilization

Game-Changing Innovation in Surgical Instrument Sterilization Significantly Improves OR Throughput

Next Gen ICU Bed to Help Address Complex Critical Care Needs