Nystagmus Assessment for Vertigo

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

+4 other locations

Overseen byPierre La Rochelle, MD, MSc

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: CHU de Quebec-Universite Laval

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?This trial tests special glasses and a diagnostic method to help doctors better identify eye movements in patients with dizziness or balance issues in the emergency room.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals who can consent and have experienced a new episode of acute vertigo, dizziness, or imbalance in the last 28 days. Participants must be able to speak French or English and be available for follow-up after 3 months. Those with trauma, intoxication before symptoms, or very low blood sugar levels cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

I have experienced new episodes of vertigo, dizziness, or imbalance in the last 28 days.

Must be able to consent.

Exclusion Criteria

I cannot speak French or English well.

Not reachable for 3 month follow-up

Only one participation is permitted

+3 more

Participant Groups

The study tests the use of Frenzel lenses and a diagnostic algorithm to assess nystagmus (a vision condition) in patients with acute vertigo visiting the emergency department. It's designed to see if these tools are practical and accurate in a real-world setting.

4Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: No Frenzel Lens with Diagnostic AlgorithmExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Nystagmus assessment in different manoeuvres is performed without the use of Frenzel lens. Without mentioning to patient, the emergency physician will use a diagnostic algorithm inspired from the TiTrATE approach to interpret the nystagmus and propose the need or the irrelevance for neuro-imaging

Group II: Frenzel Lens without Diagnostic AlgorithmExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Frenzel lens will be applied on patients' eyes during different diagnostic maneuvers to assess if a nystagmus is present and describe its main characteristics. No diagnostic algorithm will be used to interpret nystagmus.

Group III: Frenzel Lens with Diagnostic AlgorithmExperimental Treatment2 Interventions

Frenzel lens will be applied on patients' eyes during different diagnostic maneuvers to assess if a nystagmus is present and if present describe its main characteristic. Without mentioning to patient, the emergency physician will use a diagnostic algorithm inspired from the TiTrATE approach to interpret the nystagmus and propose the need or the irrelevance for neuro-imaging

Group IV: No Frenzel Lens and No Diagnostic AlgorithmActive Control1 Intervention

The emergency physician is performing the assessment of nystagmus and its interpretation as usual. The Frenzel lens and the diagnostic algorithm are not used.