US 2004/0006287 A1 · Comprehensive vertigo management

Abstract

A comprehensive vertigo management system and methodology is provided which employs a spatial maneuvering device, preferably under computer control, to orient a subject selectively differently in space, thus to create vestibular activity which is directly related to spatial motion (including acceleration) and/or orientation. Data is collected relating to such orientation and activity, along with certain subject-introduced reaction data in certain instances and video-camera data, and fed to a computer which cooperates in presenting an intuitive visual and pictorial correlation that enables physician diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation regarding elements of dysfunction of the subject's vestibular system.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A computer-based method for observing and identifying abnormal human vestibular activity comprising

inducing such activity in a subject through a selected spatial orientation for the subject and
while so inducing, and employing a participating computer, creating a viewable visual correlation which links current subject spatial orientation with at least one component of current subject vestibular activity.

A method employable in relation to a chosen human subject, and during a period of position-related vestibular activity, for acquiring medically informative data, including computer-processible data, regarding the nature of a selected component of such activity, said method comprising

utilizing a sensor device which produces a data-stream that relates to spatial orientation, acquiring, during such a period, first-category data which contains information that effectively describes the de facto pattern and current condition of the chosen subject's spatial orientation,
additionally, during that same period, and employing another device which produces a data-stream that relates to subject behavior, acquiring second-category data which contains information that effectively describes the pattern and current condition of at least one selected type of the chosen subject's outwardly expressed behavior which is linked to the selected component of vestibular activity, and
supplying the first and second acquired data categories to data processing structure which includes an appropriate computer processor.

Apparatus useable in relation to a chosen human subject for acquiring medically informative data, including computer-processible data, regarding the nature of a selected component of position-related vestibular activity which exists during a pre-selected time period, said apparatus, comprising

chosen-subject manipulation structure for establishing different spatial orientations (positions) for a chosen subject,
first data-stream structure operatively associated with said manipulation structure, operable, during the mentioned pre-selected time period, to provide first-category data which contains information that effectively describes the then de facto pattern and current to state of the chosen subject's spatial orientation,
second data-stream structure operatively associated with the chosen subject, operable, also during the mentioned pre-selected time period, to provide second-category data which contains information that effectively describes the pattern and current state of at least one selected type of the chosen subject's outwardly expressed behavior which is linked to the selected component of vestibular activity, and
a computer processor operatively connected to said first and second data-stream structures, operable to receive and process such first- and second-category data.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Comprehensive vertigo management

Life of this patent

Comprehensive vertigo management

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21