Pharmacological systems and methods using eyelid tracking

Abstract

A technique is provided for identifying correct or sufficient doses in a patient being treated with a drug for a neurological deviation condition. A method may include performing a plurality of fright response tests on a user, each test utilizing a device having a camera, a display, and optionally a speaker, and each test occurring at a different time after the user has been administered a medicament. The method may include receiving a plurality of images of at least one eye of the user from a camera during each test, and then calculating a magnitude of eyelid closure based on each image. The method may include determining a value of a correlation between a predetermined plasma concentration of the drug and the determined amplitude, and then determining whether a correct or sufficient dose has been reached based on the value of the correlation.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 428,952, filed November 30, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to psychopharmacology, and more specifically to the use of computer-based eyelid tracking technology to help identify the correct drug dosage for patients with neurodeviate conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and schizophrenia. Background Technology

[0004] Psychopharmacology is the study of the use of drugs to treat mental disorders. The complexity of this field requires psychopharmacologists to understand, among other things, all clinically relevant principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

[0005] When confirming a treatment plan, psychopharmacologists typically access a vast amount of literature, clinical studies, and data (such as plasma concentrations) that show the duration of a drug's effectiveness in the human system. However, even with all this information, when using medication to treat patients with neurological disorders, psychopharmacologists may need more than six months and go through a great deal of trial and error to find the correct dosage for a particular patient. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The following describes how the disclosed techniques and systems address various shortcomings in the prior art. The disclosed systems and methods can, for example, reduce the time required to determine whether a prescription dosage is correct.

[0007] In some embodiments, a method may be provided for identifying the correct dosage in a patient being treated with a drug for neurological deviation symptoms. The method may include performing three or more startle response tests on a user, each test occurring at a different time after the user has been administered the drug. In a preferred embodiment, each test may utilize a mobile device having a camera, a display, and optionally a speaker. The method may include receiving multiple images of at least one eye of the user from the camera during each test. The method may include calculating the amplitude of eyelid closure for each test. The method may include determining a value of correlation between a predetermined plasma concentration of the drug and the amplitude of eyelid closure at the different time after the user has been administered the drug. The method may include determining, based on the value of the correlation, whether the correct dosage has been reached. In some embodiments, all these steps may be performed on a mobile device. In some embodiments, the mobile device may send the multiple images to a remote processor configured to calculate the amplitude, determine the correlation, and determine whether the correct dosage has been reached.

[0008] In some embodiments, the amplitude may be positively correlated with the plasma concentration of the drug. In some embodiments, the amplitude may be negatively correlated with the plasma concentration of the drug.

[0009] The method may include recommending a modified dose of the drug based on the correlation. In some embodiments, the method may include repeating the steps with the same drug dose. In some embodiments, the method may include adjusting the dose of the drug and repeating the steps. In some embodiments, the method may include receiving input indicating when to administer the drug. In some embodiments, the method may include receiving input indicating the dose to be administered. In some embodiments, the method may include storing information in a database, including a user code, dose, administration time, and the amplitude and time of capturing each of the plurality of images.

[0010] In some embodiments, a system may be provided. The system may include one or more processors. The system may include a display operatively coupled to a first processor of the one or more processors. The system may include a camera operatively coupled to the first processor. The system may include a speaker coupled to the first processor. The system may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The storage medium may contain instructions that, when executed, configure the one or more processors to perform a specific task individually or jointly. The processor may be configured to cause the system to perform methods as disclosed herein. The processor may be configured to perform three or more startle response tests on a user, each test utilizing the display, the speaker, or both, and each test occurring at a different time after the user has been administered the drug. The processor may be configured to receive multiple images of at least one eye of the user from the camera during each test. The processor may be configured to calculate the amplitude of eyelid closure of the at least one eye for each test. The processor may be configured to determine the correlation between a predetermined plasma concentration of the drug and a curve formed by the amplitude of eyelid closure at the different time after the user has been administered the drug. The processor can be configured to determine whether the correct dose has been reached based on the value of the correlation.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first processor may reside on a mobile device. In some embodiments, all steps may be performed on the mobile device (e.g., by the first processor). In some embodiments, the first processor may reside on a mobile device, a second processor of the one or more processors may reside on a remote device, and the first processor may be configured to send the plurality of images to the second processor. The second processor may be configured to calculate the amplitude, determine the correlation, and determine whether the correct dose has been reached. In some embodiments, the amplitude may be positively correlated with the plasma concentration of the drug. In some embodiments, the amplitude is negatively correlated with the plasma concentration of the drug.

[0012] The one or more processors may be configured to recommend a modified dose of the drug based on the correlation. The one or more processors may be configured to receive input indicating when the drug should be administered. The one or more processors may be configured to receive input indicating the dose to be administered. The one or more processors may be configured to store information in a database, including user code, dose, administration time, and the amplitude and time of capturing each of the plurality of images. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the method.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a simplified block diagram of the system.

[0016] Figure 3 Each test performed for methylphenidate at a dose of 10 mg is a graphical representation of the startle response and the amplitude of eyelid closure.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a graph showing clinical data on plasma methylphenidate concentrations of two different drugs at two different doses.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a graph showing the eyelid closure amplitude and plasma concentration measured over a period of time.

[0019] Figure 6 It is an illustration of a template used to track facial landmarks, and especially eye landmarks.

[0020] Figures 7A-7C This is a graph showing eyelid closure relative to time after the prepulse that begins at time t=0, including N=9 matched controls for neurologically normal individuals (7A), and N=10 individuals with ADHD before (7B) and after (7C) the use of methylphenidate.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the neural circuitry involved in the auditory startle reflex. The neural circuitry includes: the auditory cortex (AC); the central amygdala (CE); the cochlear nucleus (CN); the cochlear root nucleus (CrN); the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN); the facial nerve nucleus (FN); the lateral amygdala (LA); the lateral superior olivary nucleus (LSO); the medial geniculate body of the thalamus (MGB); the motor neuron (MN); the caudal reticular nucleus of the pons (PnC); the ventral cochlear nucleus (VCN); and the ventrolateral tegmental nucleus (VTN).

[0022] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and present slightly simplified representations of various features illustrating the basic principles of the invention. Specific design features such as the sequence of operations disclosed herein, including, for example, the specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes of the various illustrated components, will be determined to some extent by the specific intended application and usage environment. Some features of the illustrated embodiments have been enlarged or distorted relative to other features to facilitate visual display and clear understanding. Specifically, thin features may be thickened, for example, for clarity or illustrative purposes. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The following description and accompanying drawings illustrate only the principles of the invention. It will therefore be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to design various arrangements that, while not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention and are included within its scope. Furthermore, all embodiments detailed herein are primarily intended for illustrative purposes only to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventors to advance the technology, and should be understood as not being limited to such specifically detailed embodiments and conditions. Additionally, unless otherwise indicated (e.g., “otherwise” or “or in an alternative”), the term “or” as used herein refers to a non-exclusive or. Moreover, the various embodiments described herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments may be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments.

[0024] The numerous innovative teachings of this application will be described with particular reference to the presently preferred exemplary embodiments. However, it should be understood that such embodiments provide only a few examples of the many advantageous uses of the innovative teachings herein. Generally, the statements in this specification do not necessarily limit any of the various claimed inventions. Furthermore, some statements may apply to some inventive features but not to others. Those skilled in the art and affected by the teachings herein will recognize that the invention is also applicable to a variety of other technical fields or embodiments.

[0025] Surprisingly, it has been determined that for many drugs used to treat neurological symptoms, blinking characteristics (such as the amplitude of blinking) can be used as a representative of plasma drug concentration.

[0026] These medications can be stimulants, such as methylphenidate, methylphenidate salts, amphetamine, amphetamine salts, and / or atoxetine HCl. The medications can also be antidepressants and / or anxiolytics. Furthermore, the medications can be amphetamines, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or hallucinogens.

[0027] Amphetamines, such as methylphenidate, work by increasing the release of neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine, and / or inhibiting their reuptake. This increased concentration of these neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft leads to enhanced neurotransmission. This enhanced neurotransmission is associated with increased alertness, elevated mood, concentration, and energy. Increased levels of dopamine and / or norepinephrine in the brainstem circuits can be quantified using a simple brainstem reflex, the startle reflex, along with pre-pulse inhibition and habituation of this reflex.

[0028] Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the synaptic cleft, thereby increasing serotonin levels in the cleft. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in mood regulation and other functions. In a normally functioning synapse, serotonin is released from the presynaptic neuron and binds to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron. Increased serotonin levels in the brainstem circuit can be quantified using a simple brainstem reflex, namely the startle reflex, along with prepulse inhibition and habituation of this reflex.

[0029] Hallucinogens, such as psilocybin (found in some mushrooms), LSD (lysergic acid diethylamine), and DMT (dimethyltryptamine), exert their effects primarily through interaction with the serotonin system in the brain. The serotonin receptor subtype 5-HT2A is particularly relevant to the effects of hallucinogens. Activation of the 5-HT2A receptor leads to increased serotonin transmission in certain brain circuits, including the brainstem. Increased serotonin levels in brainstem circuits can be quantified using simple brainstem reflexes, namely the blink startle reflex, and pre-pulse inhibition and habituation of this reflex. Additionally, hallucinogens are thought to induce changes in neuroplasticity, thereby affecting synaptic plasticity and connectivity in the brain. This can contribute to the reported therapeutic effects of hallucinogens, especially in the context of mental health conditions. Changes in neuroplasticity can be quantified using test paradigms that probe learning and memory formation, including the blink conditioning reflex.

[0030] Neurological symptoms can be caused by, for example, neurological disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Neurological symptoms can also be caused by, for example, chronic neurological disorders such as narcolepsy.

[0031] In some embodiments, a method may be provided for identifying the correct dosage in a patient being treated with a drug for neurological deviation symptoms. Reference Figure 1 Method 100 may include performing a series of startle response tests on the user after the user has been given the drug.

[0032] The series of tests will typically include three or more tests, each occurring at a different time after the user has been administered the medication. The timing of the tests may vary. In some embodiments, tests are performed hourly. In some embodiments, the pharmacokinetics and / or pharmacodynamics of the drug and the person may determine the number of tests and the timing of the tests. In some embodiments, the time between the first and second tests may differ from the time between the second and third tests. In some embodiments, the time between each test may be equal.

[0033] Each test is typically performed by the component system.

[0034] refer to Figure 2 In some embodiments, system 200 may include one or more processors, which may include a first processor 210, a second processor 211 and / or a third processor 212.

[0035] As used herein, the term "processor" can include any combination of hardware, firmware, and software for processing data or digital signals. Processor hardware can include, for example, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), general-purpose or special-purpose central processing units (CPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), graphics processing units (GPUs), and programmable logic devices such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). In a processor, as used herein, each function can be performed by hardware configured (i.e., hardwired) to perform that function, or by more general-purpose hardware (such as a CPU) configured to execute instructions stored in a non-transitory storage medium. A processor can be fabricated on a single printed circuit board (PWB) or distributed across several interconnected PWBs. A processor can contain multiple processing units; for example, a processor can include two processing units, an FPGA and a CPU, interconnected on PWBs.

[0036] In some embodiments, display 220 may be operatively coupled to a first processor. In some embodiments, camera 230 may be operatively coupled to a first processor. In some embodiments, speaker 250 may be operatively coupled to a first processor. In some embodiments, non-transitory computer-readable medium 240 may be operatively coupled to a first processor. In some embodiments, non-transitory computer-readable media 240, 241, 242 may be operatively coupled to a respective processor (e.g., first processor 210, second processor 211, third processor 212, etc.). In some embodiments, each processor may be located within a separate housing. In some embodiments, first housing 260 is a mobile device, such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, or laptop computer. In some embodiments, second housing 261 and / or third housing 262 may be a remote server and / or computing device associated with a psychopharmacologist or other medical professional. If multiple processors are used, the first processor may communicate with the second and / or third processors.

[0037] As those skilled in the art will understand, a camera, display, and / or speaker can be used in any suitable manner to test startle response. For example, PCT / US2021 / 058698 describes in more detail at least one method for performing a startle response test using a processor, camera, and speaker as disclosed herein. This may include, for example, using a speaker to output white noise at a sufficient power level to induce a startle response. The speaker may be, for example, a speaker in a headset or headphones. This may include changing a blank screen from a black background to a bright white background.

[0038] refer to Figure 1 In some embodiments, the method may include receiving multiple images from a camera of at least one eye of 120 users during each test.

[0039] In some embodiments, the method may include calculating the amplitude of eyelid closure for at least one eye for each test using multiple images. In some embodiments, this may be performed by a first processor. In some embodiments, multiple images may be sent to a remote processor (e.g., a second processor 211 on a remote server, which may be within a second housing 261), and the second processor will perform this step.

[0040] This step typically involves various image processing steps to estimate the degree of eyelid opening or closing in any given image. Various techniques for achieving this are well known in the art. Non-limiting examples of how this can be done may be understood as follows:

[0041] Computer vision and image processing techniques can be used to detect fully automated and real-time markings on human faces. More preferably, the algorithm is optimized to provide fast and accurate tracking of the eyelids of both adults and infants. Any suitable techniques known for training machine learning algorithms can be utilized here.

[0042] Algorithms can be used to detect multiple facial landmarks. Figure 6 The image shows an example of a template 600 using 68 markers. In some embodiments, template 600 may contain or consist of 6 markers for each eye captured in the image. Figure 6 The six marks we see are: left eye corner 601, left upper eyelid mark 602, right upper eyelid mark 603, right eye corner 604, right lower eyelid mark 605, and left lower eyelid mark 606.

[0043] Once the markers are identified, calculations can be performed. Specifically, for each image, the eyelid closure fraction (FEC) can be calculated. Using six preferred markers as examples, conceptually, the calculation is performed by examining the positional differences of the six markers, and specifically:

[0044]

[0045] When viewing multiple images of the same individual, one can base their view on the minimum FEC (“FEC”). MIN ") and the largest FEC ("FEC") MAX The normalization ("FEC") is determined by the FEC. NORM Specifically, FEC N0RM =1-(FEC-FEC) MIN ) / (FEC MAX FEC NORM A value of 0 corresponds to a fully open eye, and FEC NORM A value of 1 corresponds to a fully open eye.

[0046] In some embodiments, when both eyes are detected, various techniques can be used. FEC can be calculated for each eye, and the results can be, for example, averaged together (or otherwise statistically combined). FEC can be calculated for each eye, and the minimum value can be used. FEC can be calculated for each eye, and the maximum value can be used. FEC can be calculated for each eye, and the difference between the two FEC values ​​can be determined. If the difference is higher than a threshold, a flag can be set to 1, or a variable can be added to indicate an abnormal response.

[0047] In some embodiments, if no eyes are detected in a given image, or if more than two eyes are detected, the image can be skipped.

[0048] The calibration sequence may have occurred prior to these steps, and the FEC can be determined based on images or videos captured during calibration. MIN and FEC MAX Value. In some embodiments, the FEC may be determined solely based on images or videos captured as part of the test described above. MIN and FEC MAX value.

[0049] A schematic diagram of the first step of the method can be found in Figure 3 I saw it in the middle.

[0050] For each drug, a predetermined target plasma concentration curve can be stored in a database, for example, on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The curve can be a table of data, or it can be... Figure 4 The curve shown.

[0051] Once the test is complete, the method may include determining the correlation values ​​between the target plasma concentration curve of the drug and the amplitude of eyelid closure at different times after the user has been administered the drug.

[0052] In some embodiments, the shape of the target plasma concentration curve is compared to the shape of a curve already fitted to the calculated amplitude versus time. (Reference) Figure 5 In the example comparison of 500, it will be based on Figure 3 The first curve 510 of the amplitude data in the data is parallel to any axis. Figure 4 Comparing the first curve with the second curve 520 of one of the plasma methylphenidate concentration curves, it can be seen that the first curve has a first inverted peak 511 and a second inverted peak 512, which are generally aligned with the first peak 521 and the second peak 522 of the second curve, respectively. Furthermore, it can be seen that for this drug, the amplitude curve (first curve 510) is negatively correlated with the plasma methylphenidate concentration curve; that is, when the plasma concentration curve shows the maximum concentration, the blink amplitude shows the minimum concentration. In some embodiments, the amplitude is positively correlated with the plasma concentration of the drug. In some embodiments, the amplitude is negatively correlated with the plasma concentration of the drug.

[0053] In some embodiments, plasma concentrations may be normalized before being compared with amplitude data. In some embodiments, plasma concentrations may be stored as normalized data, so that the system does not need to normalize plasma concentrations to determine correlation values.

[0054] In some embodiments, the amplitude data may be inverted or otherwise modified to facilitate correlation or comparison. For example, in some embodiments, the y-axis value of the curve is determined by mA. nDetermine, where A is the determined magnitude at a given point, m is the weighting factor (e.g., a value of 0-1), and n is 1 or -1.

[0055] In some embodiments, values ​​can be assigned based on the similarity between the two curves. This similarity measurement can be determined using known techniques such as Fréchet distance and root mean square difference.

[0056] In some embodiments, values ​​may be assigned based on a least-squares fit between the amplitude (or a modified amplitude) and the plasma drug concentration.

[0057] In some embodiments, the curves are not compared; instead, the amplitude at time point T after drug administration is compared with the concentration determined by interpolating and tabulating plasma drug concentration data.

[0058] In some embodiments, the method may include determining whether the correct or sufficient dose has been reached based on a correlation value. In some embodiments, this can be accomplished by comparing the correlation value to a threshold. The determination may include notifying the individual (e.g., a user, doctor, etc.) whether the correct or sufficient dose has been reached.

[0059] In some embodiments, all steps are performed on a device (such as a mobile device) including a camera for capturing multiple images - Reference Figure 2 All steps can be performed on the device associated with the first housing 260.

[0060] In some embodiments, a first device (such as a mobile device) sends multiple images to a remote processor (such as...). Figure 2 The second processor 211 in the system, wherein the remote processor is configured to perform calculation 130, determine 140 the correlation and determine 150 whether a sufficient dose has been reached.

[0061] In some embodiments, the method may include recommending a modified dose of the drug based on correlation (or generating a recommendation for a modified dose of the drug). For example, in some embodiments, for a given drug, if the correlation value is in a first range, it may indicate that a relatively small change to the dose is appropriate, while if the correlation value is in a second (lower) range, it may indicate that a relatively large change to the dose is appropriate.

[0062] Additionally, in some embodiments, amplitude or amplitude-related statistics can be used to determine whether the dose should be increased or decreased. For example, if the standard deviation of the amplitude is in a first (e.g., high) range, it can indicate that the dose should be increased, while if the standard deviation of the amplitude is in a second (e.g., low) range, it can indicate that the dose should be increased.

[0063] In some embodiments, the method may include repeating the steps with the same drug dosage. In some embodiments, the method may include adjusting the drug dosage and repeating the steps.

[0064] In some embodiments, the method may include receiving input 106 indicating when the drug should be administered. For example, in some embodiments, the person being treated may input this information using an input device (such as a keyboard). In some embodiments, a psychopharmacologist or other medical professional may input this information. This information is then typically sent to one or more processors.

[0065] In some embodiments, the method may include receiving input indicating the dose to be administered. For example, in some embodiments, the person being treated may input this information using an input device (such as a keyboard). In some embodiments, a psychopharmacologist or other medical professional may input this information. In some embodiments, this may be accomplished by one or more devices configured to administer medication. For example, an autoinjector may have a processor configured to dispense a fixed amount of medication (e.g., intravenously) into the user's body and then automatically transmit this information to one or more processors.

[0066] In some embodiments, the method may include storing information 135 in a database, the information including a user code, dose, administration time, and the amplitude and time of capturing each of the plurality of images. This step may occur at any time during the process following the collection of relevant information, and / or may occur at multiple times (e.g., the administration dose and time may be stored before any startle test is performed, while the time of capturing each image may be stored immediately after the images are captured (or in parallel).

[0067] refer to Figure 2 System 200 includes non-transitory computer-readable media 240, 241, 242 containing instructions that, when executed, configure one or more processors to perform the methods disclosed herein.

[0068] refer to Figures 7A-7C Various tests related to pre-pulse inhibition (PPI) were performed. PPI is a behavioral phenomenon in which the startle response is suppressed when a weaker sound (pre-pulse) that does not elicit a startle reflex is preceding a short, loud startle sound (pulse). Therefore, PPI measures sensorimotor gating, the mechanism by which the nervous system filters out irrelevant sensory information to protect the brain from overstimulation and to enable appropriate responses to relevant stimuli. PPI has low specificity for brain regions and probes midbrain function and the regulatory roles of midbrain reception from the limbic system, thalamus, and prefrontal cortex.

[0069] The method typically comprises several steps. To test pre-pulse suppression, the method optionally begins by first emitting a white noise pre-pulse 701 with a first intensity configured not to elicit a startle reflex in the user. The lack of a startle reflex following this pre-pulse can optionally be confirmed by capturing one or more images after the pre-pulse is emitted, and no substantial degree of eyelid closure, as described above regarding the blinking conditioned reflex, is detected.

[0070] Following the delay, the method may then include emitting a white noise pulse 702 having a second intensity configured to elicit a startle reflex in the user, the second intensity being greater than the first intensity. The presence of a startle reflex following this pulse may optionally be confirmed by capturing one or more images after the pulse is emitted and determining a first degree of eyelid closure.

[0071] As in Figure 7A The study observed the average response of nine individuals considered neurologically normal. In contrast, the average response of ten individuals diagnosed with ADHD treated with methylphenidate was significantly lower than before treatment. Figure 7B ) and after treatment ( Figure 7C As shown in the figure, prior to treatment, compared to normal neurological behavior, the degree of eyelid closure was significantly greater for each intensity of prepulse (00, 05, 10, 25, and 50). Figures 7A-7C In the text, "pre-pulse XX" indicates that the pre-pulse is presented at approximately XX% of the pulse intensity (e.g., "pre-pulse 25" indicates that the pre-pulse is presented at approximately 25% of the pulse intensity). Surprisingly, after treatment with methylphenidate, a significant reduction in eyelid closure was observed for each pre-pulse intensity, reaching levels similar to those of normal neurological responses.

[0072] exist Figure 8 The neural circuitry behind the auditory startle reflex can be seen in the diagram. Some components of the auditory system (solid lines, solid circles) and efferent nerves (dashed lines and hollow circles) are shown. The fastest path for transmitting auditory input to motor output is from the CrN via the PnC to motor neurons, including the FN. Additionally, multiple afferent systems, including the LSO, VTN, DCN, and VCN, stimulate large PnC neurons. Amygdala activity directly controls the expression of the startle reflex by projecting onto the PnC. Therefore, anything that modulates the efferent nerves involved here or affects the startle reflex pathway is expected to be detectable.

[0073] While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments described above, modifications and variations may be made to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the inventive concept disclosed herein. For example, although specific parameter values, such as dimensions and materials, may be described with respect to the disclosed embodiments, within the scope of the invention, the values ​​of all parameters may vary over a wide range to suit different applications.

[0074] As used herein, the term “and / or” in conjunction with the list of items means one or more items in the list, i.e., at least one item in the list, but not necessarily all items in the list.

[0075] The disclosed aspects or portions thereof may be combined in ways not listed above and / or explicitly claimed. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed herein may be suitably practiced without any elements not specifically disclosed herein. Various modifications may be made to the systems, methods, apparatuses, mechanisms, techniques, and portions thereof described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, and such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the invention. For example, while a specific order of steps or arrangement of functional elements is presented in the various embodiments described herein, various other orders / arrangements of steps or functional elements may be utilized in the context of the various embodiments. Further, while modifications to embodiments may be discussed individually, multiple modifications, compound modifications, etc., may be used simultaneously or sequentially in the various embodiments.

[0076] Although various embodiments incorporating the teachings of this invention have been shown and described in detail herein, those skilled in the art can readily devise many other different embodiments that still incorporate these teachings. Therefore, while the foregoing is directed to various embodiments of the invention, other and additional embodiments of the invention can be devised without departing from the essential scope of the invention. Accordingly, the appropriate scope of the invention is determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A method for determining the correct dosage in a patient being treated with a drug for neurological deviation symptoms, the method comprising: Three or more startle response tests are performed on the user, each test utilizing a mobile device with a camera, a display and optionally a speaker, and each test occurs at a different time after the user has been given the drug; During each test, multiple images of at least one eye of the user are received from the camera; For each test, calculate one or more amplitudes of eyelid closure for at least one eye; At each different time point in each test after the user has been administered the drug, a value relating the predetermined plasma concentration of the drug to one or more amplitudes of the closure of the eyelid is determined; as well as The value of the correlation is used to determine whether the correct dosage has been reached.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein all steps are performed on the mobile device.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the mobile device sends the plurality of images to a remote processor, the remote processor being configured to calculate the one or more amplitudes, determine the correlation, and determine whether the correct dose has been reached.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one or more amplitudes are positively correlated with the plasma concentration of the drug.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one or more amplitudes are negatively correlated with the plasma concentration of the drug.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising recommending a modified dosage of the drug based on the correlation.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising repeating the steps of: performing a startle response test, receiving images, calculating amplitude, determining a value of correlation, and determining whether the correct dose has been reached.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising adjusting the dosage of the drug and repeating the steps of: performing a startle response test, receiving an image, calculating the amplitude, determining a correlation value, and determining whether the correct dosage has been reached.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising receiving input indicating when the drug is administered.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising receiving an input indicating the dose applied.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising storing information in a database, the information including user code, dose, administration time, and the one or more amplitudes and times of capturing each of the plurality of images.

12. A system comprising: One or more processors; A display, the display being operatively coupled to a first processor among the one or more processors; A camera, which is operatively coupled to the first processor; Optionally, a speaker is coupled to the first processor; as well as A non-transitory computer-readable medium containing instructions that, when executed, configure the one or more processors to: Perform three or more startle response tests on the user, each test utilizing the display, the speaker, or both, and each test occurring at a different time after the user has been administered the drug; During each test, multiple images of at least one eye of the user are received from the camera; For each test, calculate one or more amplitudes of eyelid closure for at least one eye; and The correlation between a predetermined plasma concentration of the drug and a curve formed by one or more amplitudes of the closure of the eyelid was determined at different times after the user had been given the drug.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the instructions, when executed, further configure the one or more processors to determine whether the correct dose has been reached based on the value of the correlation.

14. The system of claim 12 or 13, wherein the first processor is located on the mobile device, and all steps are performed on the mobile device.

15. The system of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the first processor is located on a mobile device, and the second processor of the one or more processors is located on a remote device, the first processor being configured to send the plurality of images to the second processor, and the second processor being configured to calculate the one or more amplitudes, determine the correlation, and determine whether the correct dose has been reached.

16. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the one or more amplitudes are positively correlated with the plasma concentration of the drug.

17. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the one or more amplitudes are negatively correlated with the plasma concentration of the drug.

18. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the instructions, when executed, further configure the one or more processors to recommend a modified dose of the drug based on the correlation.

19. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the instructions, when executed, further configure the one or more processors to receive input indicating when the drug is administered.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the instructions, when executed, further configure the one or more processors to receive input indicating the dose to be applied.

21. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein the instructions, when executed, further configure the one or more processors to store information in a database, the information including user code, dose, administration time, and the one or more amplitudes and times for capturing each of the plurality of images.

Images