A scoping review was performed using PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping review) guidelines [6].

The review subsequently proceeded with the stages using the framework given by Arksey and O’Malley [7]: identifying the research question and relevant studies; selecting studies; charting the data; and collating, summarizing, and reporting the results. The protocol for this scoping review has not been registered or published.

We conducted a search of medical literature databases (MEDLINE via PubMed, Cochrane Library) to identify relevant reports for this scoping review on smartphone-assisted treatment for vertigo telemedicine. The search was conducted between January 1, 2000, and May 30, 2023.

The search strategy was developed by 3 authors (TK, MN, and HF) and applied to each database. A set of controlled variables (“dizziness” or “vertigo” and “telemedicine” or “teletreatment” or “Internet” or “diagnosis” and “smartphone” or “cellphone” or “application” or “Digital Therapeutics”) were used to identify relevant studies. In addition, a manual search was performed to screen the reference lists of the included papers.

All identified studies were reviewed to determine whether they answered the following questions: “How can a smartphone be used in dizziness telemedicine?” and “What types of devices and applications have been reported to be related to dizziness, especially for monitoring, testing, teleconsultation, and therapy?” We applied specific inclusion and exclusion criteria based on study type, period, type of materials, target population, and type of medical act (Textbox 1). The authors independently screened titles, abstracts, and full-text papers for inclusion in the study.

Two investigators (MN and HF) independently extracted study-specific data using a standardized collection form with the following information: authors, year of publication, title, aim, telehealth device or app, design and methods, timing of material use, and summary.

We used an inductive approach to address the research question, focusing on themes identified from the included papers. The results were summarized accordingly. The types of medical acts were divided into 4 thematic groups: anamnesis and subjective symptoms, objective tests, diagnosis, and treatment.

The database and manual searches yielded 356 publications. After the removal of duplicates, the titles and abstracts of 289 publications were screened. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the full texts of 38 publications were read, 18 publications were excluded, and 20 publications were included in this review (Figure 1, Multimedia Appendix 1 [3,8-26]).

Among the 20 studies that reported the use of a device or app, 2 were related to anamnesis and subjective symptoms [3,8], 12 were related to objective examination [8-19], 7 were related to remote diagnosis [9,11,15,16,18,20], and 7 were related to treatment and rehabilitation [20-26] (Table 1).

All papers included adult patients. Seven papers were randomized controlled trials [3,9,20-23,25]. Ten papers used a mobile phone, among which 5 included an app for the subjective visual vertical (SVV) test [10,17,19], head impulse test (HIT) [13], and hearing test [8]. Three papers used virtual reality (VR) for treatment with the Epley maneuver [21] and vestibular rehabilitation [23,26]. Eight papers included apps or devices with more than one category of medical act performed; all papers were about sequential acts [8,9,11,12,15,16,18,20].

To answer the research question, “What types of devices and applications have been reported to be related to dizziness, especially for monitoring, testing, teleconsultation, and therapy?” the results of this review are presented in 4 thematic groupings: anamnesis and subjective symptoms, objective test, diagnosis, and treatment.

Two papers reported the use of mobile phone apps for assessing anamnesis and subjective symptoms. Both systems involved the input of daily symptoms by patients, which were then reviewed by a medical provider who monitored the postoperative symptoms and severity of symptoms related to dizziness [3,8]. Postoperative patient follow-up led to reassurance and positive feedback, and postoperative dizziness symptoms improved significantly [3]. Subjective symptoms and self-hearing tests were recorded in combination with a hearing test [8].

The severity of self-reported tinnitus increased significantly with the increase in the severity of self-reported hearing loss in the affected (P=.01) and unaffected ears (P<.001) and was useful in determining the severity of Ménière disease.

Twelve papers reported the use of mobile phone apps for objective tests. Seven of the reports used examination data to diagnose various diseases, including acute and chronic vertigo, in the emergency department [9,11,18]. In contrast, only 1 study combined these with subjective symptoms (Martin et al [8]) and used Dizzy Quest and an iPad-based hearing test.

Various types of tests are conducted in vertigo treatment, including balance function, nystagmus, and visual stimulation tests, such as SVV. The types of tests in the report included HIT [13], SVV [10,17,19], nystagmus [9,11,12,15,16,18], gait analysis [14], and hearing tests [8].

For nystagmus, some researchers used the camera functionality of smart devices and directly shared their videos, while others used deep learning to classify the video data [16].

In a report comparing remote and existing examinations, Parker et al [13] reported a video HIT app (iPhone) that uses the iPhone’s Augmented Reality Kit system. Shah et al [18] reported that the remote screening of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is possible with high specificity. The sensitivity for diagnosing BPPV via a smartphone recording of eye movements of the Dix Hallpike test was 92.86%, with a specificity of 100% and a negative predictive value of 97.87%.

Among the included papers, 7 reported the use of mobile phone apps for the diagnosis of dizziness. These apps were used after conducting objective tests, and they focused on identifying central vertigo, BPPV, and Ménière disease [9,11,18]. All of these studies used smartphone apps as diagnostic tools.

Another paper reported the EMBalance decision support system (DSS), a multilanguage platform, for diagnosing vestibular disorders in primary care settings [20]. The EMBalance DSS serves as a supportive tool by providing a structured and detailed diagnostic and management plan for various vestibular disorders. In terms of diagnostic accuracy, the study found that nonspecialist physicians using the EMBalance DSS had a higher percentage of correct diagnoses compared with those without the DSS (54% vs 41.5% correct diagnoses, respectively). As a standalone tool, the DSS demonstrated better sensitivity for first- and second-line diagnostic decisions compared with the nonspecialist group without the DSS (odds ratio 3). However, it is important to note that the specificity of the DSS was somewhat weakened.

Seven papers reported the use of mobile phone apps or the internet for the treatment of dizziness. Physical therapy, such as head position therapy and rehabilitation, was identified as an effective treatment for vertigo. Among these 6 papers, 2 used VR technology, the Epley maneuver [21], and vestibular rehabilitation [23,26]. Both studies reported long-term therapeutic effects over a 6-month period. In addition, van Vugt et al [22] reported more effective results when the mobile phone app was incorporated into regular rehabilitation. Guerrero et al [24] examined the effects of a virtual exercise program on balance in adults with Down syndrome and reported a significant improvement compared with the pretesting level.

This scoping review mapped and assessed previous studies on the use of ICT, smartphones, and apps for treating patients with vertigo. The results demonstrated that smartphones and apps were feasible for use in dizziness telemedicine and enabled high-quality dizziness care at home and other remote locations, resulting in a practice that benefits both physicians and patients. Dizziness is a symptom perceived by people of various ages. Approximately 30% of adults aged >65 years report experiencing dizziness that interferes with their daily life [27]. Patients with dizziness are at an increased risk of falling, which interferes with daily life and limits their participation in social activities [27,28]. In addition, the time available for in-person medical care is limited in the clinic, and there are many geographical constraints. To use telemedicine and teleconsultation for patients with dizziness, considering a variety of symptoms and tests that feature in dizziness treatment and an effective combination of individualized interviews, examination, and treatment methods could lead to the development of an effective treatment strategy.

In this review of articles published since 2000, most were published after 2015, indicating an increasing trend in the need for telemedicine over the years.

Many reports on telemedicine for vertigo were published around 1990. Wolf et al [29] reported “telemetric” electronystagmography, which involved conducting nystagmus testing outside of the clinic setting. Viirre et al [30,31] reported on efforts to use a head mount device for nystagmus evaluation and VR technologies in rehabilitation. As many mechanical tests, such as nystagmus, balance function, and hearing tests, are used in clinical practice for vertigo, the medical care approach is influenced by the evolution of telecommunications and devices. Furthermore, the demand for telemedicine has been increasing since the late 2010s due to the widespread use of smartphones, internet connectivity, and the global COVID-19 pandemic. With the advent of innovative methods, there is a need to discuss the effectiveness and challenges associated with devices in vertigo management and the optimal use of these tools.

Regarding the current theoretical and practical research gaps, the use of smartphones and apps allows for a variety of medical treatments equivalent to existing dizziness treatments. Studies have been conducted on several diseases, their use in acute and chronic phases, and their application to examination, as well as diagnosis, symptoms, and rehabilitation. However, there is a lack of comprehensive use of each app and device in combination and a lack of examples of use for diagnosis and interviewing. These limitations may be attributed to the following reasons: multiple systems are not yet well coordinated, which makes medical treatment time consuming; the IT literacy of users; the development of an environment in which the systems can be used; and the medical care system, including insurance coverage.

Regarding the use of devices in the papers reviewed, most of the cases used the device for objective examination rather than other medical acts. There were a few cases of device use for multiple medical acts; however, there were no reports of device use for multiple acts, such as anamnesis-to-diagnosis or examination-to-treatment.

Dizziness is caused by various pathological conditions in the inner ear, nervous system, and musculoskeletal system. Consequently, a combination of tests, including nystagmus evaluation, balance function assessment, and imaging techniques (such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging), is required for thorough examination and diagnosis. Therefore, smartphones and other devices are being increasingly used as substitutes for conventional testing methods, facilitating the diagnostic process for patients with vertigo. By combining various devices and apps, it is feasible to build a comprehensive system for vertigo treatment, and the future holds great promise.

VestAid is an innovative tablet-based system for vestibulo-ocular reflex exercises [32]. VestAid validated eye-gaze accuracy as part of the study and detected eye movement abnormalities in the participants with directed energy exposure, concussion, and vestibular neuritis [33]. Although not included in the review as this paper is in the initial evaluation stage of the system, this system is capable of recognizing facial movements and providing rehabilitation for vertigo through games. VestAid can also perform objective and subjective data collection and is expected to be used for multiple medical acts in various apps in the clinical practice of vertigo.

In the management of dizziness, subjective symptoms and objective findings are used for diagnosis, and in some cases, the final diagnosis depends on the response after treatment. Thus, comprehensive dizziness care leads to improvement in the quality of care. For chronic dizziness, diagnosis may be confirmed by excluding other diseases, depending on the accompanying symptoms and their severity. Among individuals under the age of 20 years, migraine-associated dizziness, including vestibular migraine and benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood or orthostatic dysregulation, are the most common types of vertigo; however, there are cases in which the two overlap, and the diagnosis is unclear. There have been several reports of anxiety and fear, anemia, menstruation, hypotension, insomnia, headache, stiff shoulders, and neck, with coexisting or overlapping menopausal symptoms in women with dizziness. It is essential to monitor dizziness and lightheadedness during daily activities in such cases.

For diagnosis using a smart device, diseases related to the diagnosis or exclusion were central vertigo identification, BPPV, and Ménière disease [9,11,18]. The dizziness experienced by the patient is mild in many cases of recurrent dizziness, such as Ménière disease, delayed endolymphatic hydrops, vestibular migraine, and BPPV, and there are no significant findings at the time of presentation, making a definitive diagnosis difficult. Therefore, eye movement findings during a vertigo attack are crucial for a definitive diagnosis. Kiroglu et al [9] reported the use of a cell phone camera for diagnosing Ménière disease. Compared with the conventional method of diagnosis, no significant differences were observed in the rate of diagnosis of Ménière disease when recording eye movement during a vertigo attack [9].

There have also been several instances of artificial intelligence implementation in nystagmus and vestibular rehabilitation using VR. The accuracy of video-oculography using a smartphone has shown steady improvement. Parker et al [34] and Friedrich et al [35] reported, respectively, that ARkit-based apps and ConVNG are developing methods ranging from pupil detection to nystagmus analysis, which are expected to further improve the accuracy of diagnosis in smartphone vertigo practice [34,35].

Examination findings in vertigo treatment are often judged by referring to waveforms and images, which are also quantified, making it a suitable field for machine learning and deep learning. In addition, medical devices that monitor eye movements, such as Frenzel glasses, are similar to VR goggles and could be introduced to both physicians and patients without any significant modifications. With technological advancements, the quality and accuracy of vertigo medical care are expected to improve further.

Concerning the target users of the system, most apps were used by patients, and the data were confirmed by the medical staff. The current style of medical care mainly involves interaction between physicians and patients. There is an effort to change this style, as enhancing collaboration between patients and physicians as well as between physicians is expected to further expand the range of medical care that can be provided. Physician-to-patient telemedicine has many advantages, such as the reduction of time and travel costs, reduction in the waiting period for medical care, increased opportunities to see patients, avoidance of risk of spread of infection during pandemics, and complementary medical care in the event of a patient becoming a high-risk contact.

The EMBalance DSS developed by Bamiou et al [20] describes a system in which primary care physicians consult with specialists. EMBalance is effective both as a supporting tool and a standalone tool, creating an opportunity for appropriate medical care in the absence of specialists. Balance disorders can occur due to various causes, including peripheral vertigo caused by the inner ear and vestibular nerves, problems in the cerebellum and brainstem, circulatory dysregulation (ie, arrhythmia), and dizziness related to migraines, anxiety, and depression. Although circumstances may vary by region, this type of consultation between general physicians and specialists may be necessary. Nevertheless, specialists in dizziness are unevenly distributed, and there is a possibility of disparities in the medical care they can provide. Telemedicine enables collaboration between physicians and patients, as well as among physical therapists, pharmacists, and patients’ families. Regarding the execution of rehabilitation and sharing of medical conditions, the geographical limitations of conventional in-person consultations will be eliminated.

There are challenges and limitations in the dissemination of dizziness telemedicine, such as privacy, communication environment, information leakage, and ICT literacy. Although it is technically possible to provide medical care equivalent to in-person consultation, it is necessary to clarify the safety and legal issues related to apps and devices. Another challenge is differentiating between acute and emergency dizziness.

Serious conditions must be ruled out in the emergency department as telemedicine is not always able to respond to emergencies for which contact is required. It is important to differentiate between BPPV, Ménière disease, first attacks (ie, vestibular migraine), and peripheral dizziness (ie, vestibular neuritis and stroke) in cases of acute dizziness. Currently, the Head Impulse, Nystagmus, and Test of Skew are recommended to differentiate vertigo from stroke [36]. Some studies have used telemedicine in emergency settings for medical care coordination of acute vertigo [37,38]. This study will contribute to organizing the existing practice and clarifying the possibilities and challenges of combining the two in considering a system of telemedicine using smartphones and devices in vertigo practice.

No previous study has reviewed the use of smartphones for vertigo telemedicine. We believe that the expansion of vertigo telemedicine based on this study will lead to increased opportunities to see patients, reduced treatment and travel time, reduced risk of infection, and improved quality of care. It also clarifies issues such as limitations in the acute setting and app combinations, which are crucial for achieving an appropriate comprehensive vertigo treatment system. A strength of this review was that we used an acknowledged framework for conducting scoping reviews, in addition to the PRISMA-ScR for guiding the reporting of the review. In addition, a broad, comprehensive, and systematic search was performed to identify published studies. To our knowledge, this review is the first to examine the characteristics of smartphones and smart devices to support dizziness telemedicine inclusively. Nevertheless, this review has some limitations. Searching the literature for “smartphone-assisted dizziness therapy” was difficult due to the diversity in the language used to describe such materials and interventions. Second, some articles may have been missed. Although multiple reviewers extracted data from included articles, unclear descriptions may have arisen.

This review evaluated the use and benefits of digital technologies, such as smartphones and apps, in the treatment of vertigo, highlighting the potential of telemedicine in enhancing care quality and building patient trust. Despite the increased adoption of these technologies, further improvements in individual and combined systems are needed for better accuracy.