Methods and kits for assessing central nervous system integrity
Inventors
Samadani, Uzma • Offen, Shani • Carrasco-Queijeiro, Marisa • Heeger, David
Assignees
New York University NYU • US Department of Veterans Affairs
Publication Number
US-12201361-B2
Publication Date
2025-01-21
Expiration Date
2033-03-25
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Abstract
A system includes an eye tracker having a camera, the eye tracker being configured and arranged to track an eye movement of a subject, and a processor in communication with the eye tracker, the processor being configured and arranged to create a dataset of the eye movement, generate a plot of the dataset, the plot reflecting a timecourse of eye position versus time, and identify one or more streaking vertical lines in the plot to indicate a deficit in cranial nerve II function.
Core Innovation
The invention provides systems and methods for assessing central nervous system (CNS) integrity by tracking, analyzing, and comparing eye movements of a subject to those of a control or to the subject’s baseline normative eye movement. The eye movements are tracked using an eye tracker equipped with a camera, typically collecting at least 100,000 samples over a time window of 30 to 500 seconds while a visual stimulus traverses a predefined box trajectory on a display.
By generating and analyzing datasets of the eye movements, the system generates plots representing the timecourse of eye position versus time, specifically reflecting the trajectory along the box’s top, bottom, and side arms. Deviations from normal patterns, such as the presence of streaking vertical lines, increased variability, or distortion in box shape, indicate deficits in cranial nerve function, including but not limited to cranial nerves II, III, IV, and VI.
This invention addresses the problem that current methods for diagnosing elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), cranial nerve dysfunction, or related CNS conditions are invasive, require specialized expertise, are based on imaging that may not reflect functional impairment, or depend on patient ability to perform spatial calibration. By avoiding the requirement for spatial calibration and enabling detection and quantification of subclinical nerve or CNS dysfunction through automated analysis of eye movement, the invention proposes a rapid, sensitive, and quantitative alternative for neurologic assessment.
Claims Coverage
There are two independent claims in this patent, each directed to a system utilizing eye movement tracking and analysis to detect cranial nerve deficits, including screening for multiple sclerosis.
System for tracking eye movement to identify cranial nerve deficits using box trajectory analysis
The system comprises: - An eye tracker with a camera configured to track eye movement of a subject along a box trajectory (having a top arm, a bottom arm, and two side arms), collecting at least 100,000 samples over 30–500 seconds. - A display presenting a visual stimulus. - A processor that: - Creates a dataset of the subject's eye movement in response to the stimulus. - Generates a plot of the dataset, corresponding to at least one of the top or bottom arms, representing timecourse of eye position versus time. - Identifies scanning vision by detecting streaking vertical lines in the plot, which indicate a deficit in cranial nerve function.
System for screening multiple sclerosis via eye movement tracking and scanning vision detection
The system comprises: - An eye tracker with a camera configured to track a subject's eye movement along a box trajectory (top, bottom, and side arms) with at least 100,000 samples over 30–500 seconds. - A display for presenting a stimulus. - A processor that: - Creates a dataset of the eye movement as the subject responds to the stimulus. - Plots a timecourse of eye position versus time for at least one of the top or bottom arms. - Identifies features in the plot indicating a cranial nerve deficit and confirms scanning vision by monitoring for streaking vertical lines.
The independent claims focus on the core inventive features of high-frequency, non-calibrated eye movement tracking along a box trajectory, automated analysis and visualization of eye movement data, and identification of specific patterns (including streaking vertical lines) to indicate cranial nerve dysfunction or aid in screening for disorders such as multiple sclerosis.
Stated Advantages
Provides a high-sensitivity, quantitative, and rapid method for detecting subclinical or clinically apparent ocular motility dysfunction and cranial nerve deficits without requiring spatial calibration.
Enables assessment of CNS function and detection of increased intracranial pressure or nerve palsy with noninvasive, automated eye movement tracking, reducing reliance on invasive techniques or imaging.
Allows screening and monitoring of neurological integrity in populations unable or unwilling to perform calibration, including those who cannot follow instructions.
May reduce the need for CT scans and invasive monitoring in populations at risk for shunt malfunction, lesions, or elevated intracranial pressure, offering a low-risk alternative for evaluation.
Documented Applications
Assessing CNS integrity and cranial nerve function (including II, III, IV, VI) by tracking and analyzing eye movements.
Screening for, diagnosing, and monitoring the progression of increased intracranial pressure, hydrocephalus (including normal pressure hydrocephalus), transtentorial herniation (cranial nerve III palsy), concussion, and optic neuropathy.
Detecting, diagnosing, and screening for diseases or conditions featuring increased intracranial pressure caused by trauma, cerebrovascular accident, aneurysm, tumors, infections, inflammatory diseases, venous drainage disruption, pseudotumor, idiopathic causes.
Quantifying disease severity and optimizing shunt valve pressure in normal pressure hydrocephalus and diagnosing shunt malfunction.
Detecting or evaluating posterior fossa mass effect as manifested by cranial nerve VI palsy.
Screening for multiple sclerosis by tracking and analyzing specific eye movement patterns.
Localizing intracranial lesions; monitoring progression of intracranial lesions or disease processes; measuring neurological impairment and recovery.
Screening and monitoring for disorders that impede conductance through the optic disc or optic nerve, such as optic neuritis or central optic nerve atrophy.
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