3D Sensing System with Automated Data Output for Objective Cervical Dystonia Diagnosis and Treatment Monitoring

Unmet Need

Cervical dystonia is a neurological disorder affecting about 60,000 people in the United States, characterized by abnormal postures, tremor, pain, and spasms of the neck muscles. Current measurements of cervical dystonia rely on subjective physician observations of movement, which lack precision and objectivity. There is a need for an accurate and objective method to measure cervical dystonia patients’ neck movements to monitor disease progression and treatment response.

Technology

Duke inventors have developed a 3D sensing device with an automated data output analysis pipeline system for detecting and measuring neck movement. This is intended to be used by neurologists in a clinical setting to measure the neck movement of patients with cervical dystonia. It facilitates diagnosis by assessing the severity and tracking the progress of the condition. Specifically, the invention combines a video-based and sensor-based system to record neck movements. The technology synchronizes the neck sensor with EMG measurements and movements of the head, providing quantitative data about disease severity and patient-specific pathology. This has been demonstrated with an automated data output system for neck movements from the sensor-based system and have a working protocol to analyze the movements. The invention will be compared to clinician-rated scales to detect changes in neck movement in patients with cervical dystonia before and after established treatments.

Other Applications

This technology could also be used by physical therapists and rehabilitative specialists to measure patients’ movements and responses to treatments. The technology could be expanded to be used for other movement disorders including oromandibular dystonia, writer's cramp, and blepharospasm.

Advantages

• The first system to combine sensor-based neck measurements with video-based measurements
• Offers an objective and simple-to-use method for measuring cervical dystonia, reducing reliance on subjective physician observations
• Provides detailed and precise monitoring on disease progression and treatment response