VertiGo – a pilot project in nystagmus detection via webcam

Abstract

Dizziness is one of the most common symptoms in medicine. For differentiation of peripheral or central origin of the vertigo, history and clinical examination with detection of a nystagmus is essential. The aim of this study was to detect horizontal vestibular nystagmus utilizing a webcam. In the feasibility study, caloric induced vestibular nystagmus was recorded with conventional video-nystagmography and webcam. Analysis of recorded data was performed with a developed software which used computer vision techniques. A designed algorithm detected nystagmus existence and their direction. The software was evaluated by an expert-rated video-nystagmography. Webcam-based vestibular nystagmus detection is possible. Currently, a clinical application is not approved. Further software improvements are necessary to increase its accuracy.

Keywords

• dizziness
• nystagmography
• nystagmus detection
• vertigo
• video oculography