Data compression, and a dynamic display system for the differential diagnosis of hand tremor in the clinical neurological examination

Abstract

A display system using multivariate analysis and signal compression methods is described; it serves for the analysis of complex dynamic phenomena via curves in a 2-dimensional coordinate system. Differential diagnosis is then possible, simply by comparing visually the relative variations and differences of shape for these curves. Two major applications are given: (a) 2-dimensional display of hand tremor, for reference testing in relation to the positive diagnosis of ataxia and the differential diagnosis of extrapyramidal syndrome, including the Parkinson syndrome. (b) Visual feedback to the patient when performing tracking tasks in relation to the differential diagnosis of tremor or in training for the use of limbs.