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Mobile phone generated vibrations used to detect diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Jonathan David May1, Matthew William John Morris2
1Speciality Registrar 6 Trauma and Orthopaedics, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Chesterfield Royal Foundation Hospital Trust, United Kingdom.
Summary
A mobile phone can accurately screen for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a condition on the rise. Testing vibration sensation at the first metatarsal head using a phone is a reliable diagnostic method.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Diabetology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Diabetic peripheral neuropathy incidence is increasing in the UK.
- Neuropathy impacts patient management and treatment decisions.
- Novel screening methods are needed to detect diabetic peripheral neuropathy early.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of mobile phone vibrations as a screening tool for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
- To compare the accuracy of mobile phone screening with traditional methods.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 61 patients: 21 with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, 21 controls, and 19 with lower limb injuries.
- Vibration sensation was tested using a mobile phone, 10g Semmes-Weinstein monofilament, and 128Hz tuning fork.
- Testing sites included the index finger, patella, malleoli, heel, and metatarsal heads.
Main Results:
- Mobile phone screening achieved 88% accuracy, outperforming the tuning fork (77%) and monofilament (79%).
- The first metatarsal head was the most accurate site for vibration testing (86%).
- Patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy detected significantly fewer vibrations (48%) compared to controls (95%).
Conclusions:
- Mobile phones offer an accurate and accessible method for screening diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
- The head of the first metatarsal is the optimal site for this screening.
- Lower limb injuries can affect vibration sensation, necessitating screening of the contralateral limb.
