Remote Medical Consultation for Vestibular Disorders: Technological Solutions and Case Report

Abstract

Complaints of vertigo and imbalance are common presentations to primary care physicians, yet there are few specialists who diagnose and treat these problems as a significant part of their practices. We demonstrated the feasibility of remote consultation for a patient presenting with vertigo using a two-way digital video and audio network. It was possible to take an appropriate history, examine the patient, and provide a diagnosis and treatment. The patient had a common problem that causes dizziness: benign positional vertigo (BPV). An essential component of the examination was the use of a head-mounted display with embedded cameras. The cameras allowed viewing of the patient's eye movements, which were diagnostic.