Reconstructing animated eye movements from electrooculography data to aid the diagnosis of vestibular disorders

Objective To develop a method of visualising electrooculography data to improve the interpretability of nystagmus eye-movements captured using the Continuous Ambulatory Vestibular Assessment (CAVA(R)) device. Design We are currently undertaking a clinical investigation to evaluate the capabilities of the CAVA(R) device to detect periods of pathological nystagmus. The work presented here was undertaken using unblinded data obtained from the preliminary phase of this investigation. Study sample One patient with Meniere's disease and one with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. Results Using the electrooculography data captured by the CAVA(R) device, we reconstructed 2D animations of patients' eye movements during attacks of vertigo. We were able to reanimate nystagmus produced as a consequence of two conditions. Concurrent video footage showed that the animations were visually very similar to the patient's actual eye-movements, excepting torsional eye-movements. Conclusions The reconstructed animations provide an alternative presentation modality, enabling clinicians to largely interpret electrooculography data as if they were present during a vertigo attack. We were able to recreate nystagmus from attacks experienced in the community rather than a clinical setting. This information provides an objective record of a patient's nystagmus and could be used to complement a full neurotologic history when considering diagnosis and treatment options.