Using Telemedicine to Improve Spasticity Diagnosis Rates

Using Telemedicine to Improve Spasticity Diagnosis Rates

The purpose of this study is to test the reliability of using telemedicine so a neurologist can remotely identify residents of a long-term care facility who should be referred to a neurologist for an in-person spasticity consultation.

The aim of this study is to improve spasticity (a form of muscle rigidity) diagnosis through validation of telemedicine as a tool for spasticity evaluation or referral. This study will test the reliability of using telemedicine so a neurologist can remotely identify residents of a long-term care facility who should be referred to a neurologist for an in-person spasticity consultation. The telemedicine referral tool will be tested for bedside implementation in all consenting participants residing in Tennessee State Veteran's Home, which is a long-term care facility in Murfreesboro, TN. Each of the 140 residents will receive one neurological examination and one physical examination guided by the teleneurologist. A medical record review will also be performed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or female subjects of any race, aged 18 and above
• Resident of the selected long-term care facility
• The subject, or if appropriate their medical decision maker, is willing and able to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subjects for whom participation in the study may cause medical harm