The eye‐tracking computer device for communication in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. (19th December 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Spataro, R.; Ciriacono, M.; Manno, C.; La Bella, V.
• Is Part Of: Acta neurologica Scandinavica. Volume 130:Number 1(2014:Jul.)
• Page Start: 40
• Page End: 45
• Publication Date: 2013-12-19
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1111/ane.12214
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0001-6314

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="ane12214-abs-0001"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="ane12214-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objective</title> <p>To explore the effectiveness of communication and the variables affecting the eye‐tracking computer system (ETCS) utilization in patients with late‐stage amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).</p> </sec> <sec id="ane12214-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>We performed a telephone survey on 30 patients with advanced non‐demented ALS that were provisioned an ECTS device. Median age at interview was 55 years (IQR = 48–62), with a relatively high education (13 years, IQR = 8–13). A one‐off interview was made and answers were later provided with the help of the caregiver. The interview included items about demographic and clinical variables affecting the daily ETCS utilization.</p> </sec> <sec id="ane12214-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>The median time of ETCS device possession was 15 months (IQR = 9–20). The actual daily utilization was 300 min (IQR = 100–720), mainly for the communication with relatives/caregiver, internet surfing, e‐mailing, and social networking. 23.3% of patients with ALS (<italic>n</italic> = 7) had a low daily ETCS utilization; most reported causes were eye‐gaze tiredness and oculomotor dysfunction.</p> </sec> <sec id="ane12214-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Eye‐tracking computer system is a valuable device for AAC in patients with ALS, and it can be operated with a good performance. The development of oculomotor impairment may limit its functional use.</p> </sec> </abstract>