Psychopharmacological systems and methods using eyelid tracking

Abstract

Techniques are provided for identifying correct or sufficient medication in patients receiving medication treatment for neurological deviation conditions. The method may include conducting multiple tests of a user's startle response, each test utilizing a device having a camera, a display, and optionally a speaker, with each test occurring at a different time after the user is administered the medication. The method may include receiving multiple images of at least one of the user's eyes from the camera during each test and calculating an eyelid closure amplitude based on each image. The method may include determining a correlation value between a predetermined plasma concentration of the medication and the determined amplitude, and then determining whether the correct or sufficient medication dosage has been achieved based on the correlation value.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 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.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to psychopharmacology, and more particularly to using computer-based eyelid tracking technology to assist in identifying correct medication for patients with neurodegenerative conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and schizophrenia. [Background technology]

[0003] Psychopharmacology is the study of the use of drugs in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. The complexity of this field requires psychopharmacologists to understand all the clinically relevant principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, among others.

[0004] When identifying a treatment strategy, psychopharmacologists typically have access to extensive literature, clinical studies, and data (such as plasma concentrations) that show how long a drug remains effective in a person's body. However, even with all this information, when a patient with a neurological disorder is treated with a drug, it can take the psychopharmacologist more than six months, involving much trial and error, to find the correct dosage for a particular patient. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Various deficiencies in the prior art are addressed by the techniques and systems disclosed below. The disclosed systems and methods may be used, for example, to reduce the time required to determine whether a prescribed dosage is correct. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In some embodiments, a method for identifying correct medication dosing in a patient receiving medication treatment for a neurological deviation condition may be provided. The method may include conducting three or more tests of a user's startle response, each test occurring at a different time after the user is administered the medication. 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 of the user's eyes from the camera during each test. The method may include calculating, for each test, an amplitude of eyelid closure of at least one eye. The method may include determining a correlation value between a predetermined plasma concentration of the medication and an amplitude of eyelid closure at different times after the user is administered the medication. The method may include determining whether the correct medication dose has been achieved based on the correlation value. In some embodiments, all of these steps may be performed on the mobile device. In some embodiments, the mobile device may transmit the multiple images to a remote processor, which is configured to calculate the amplitude, determine the correlation, and determine whether the correct medication dose has been achieved.

[0007] 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.

[0008] The method may include recommending modifying the dosage of the drug based on the correlation. In some embodiments, the method may include repeating the steps with the same dosage of the drug. In some embodiments, the method may include adjusting the dosage of the drug and repeating the steps. In some embodiments, the method may include receiving input indicating when the drug was administered. In some embodiments, the method may include receiving input indicating which dosage was administered. In some embodiments, the method may include storing information in a database, the information including a user code, the dosage, the time of administration, and the amplitude and time at which each of the plurality of images was acquired.

[0009] In some embodiments, a system may be provided. The system may include one or more processors. The system may include a display operably connected to a first processor of the one or more processors. The system may include a camera operably connected to the first processor. The system may include a speaker connected to the first processor. The system may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The storage medium may include instructions that, when executed, configure the one or more processors, individually or collectively, to perform a particular task. The processor(s) may be configured to cause the system to implement a method disclosed herein. The processor(s) may be configured to conduct three or more tests of a user's startle response, each test utilizing a display, a speaker, or both, and each test occurring at a different time after the user is administered the drug. The processor(s) may be configured to receive multiple images of at least one eye of the user from the camera during each test. The processor(s) may be configured to calculate, for each test, an amplitude of eyelid closure of at least one eye. The processor(s) may be configured to determine a correlation between a predetermined plasma concentration of the drug and a curve formed by the amplitude of eyelid closure at different times after the user is administered the drug. The processor(s) may be configured to determine whether the correct dosage has been achieved based on the correlation value.

[0010] 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 the mobile device, and a second processor of the one or more processors may reside on a remote device, and the first processor may be configured to transmit the plurality of images to the second processor. The second processor may be configured to calculate the amplitude, determine a correlation, and determine whether the correct dosage has been achieved. 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.

[0011] The one or more processors may be configured to recommend a modification to the dosage of the medication based on the correlation. The one or more processors may be configured to receive an input indicating when the medication was administered. The one or more processors may be configured to receive an input indicating which dosage was administered. The one or more processors may be configured to store information in a database, the information including a user code, a dosage, a time of administration, and an amplitude and time at which each of the plurality of images was taken.

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present 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. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a flowchart of a method. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of the system. [Figure 3] 1 is a graphic depiction of the startle response test and eyelid closure amplitude determination for each test using methylphenidate at a dose of 10 mg. [Figure 4]1 is a graph showing clinical data of plasma methylphenidate concentrations for two different medications at two different dosages. [Figure 5] 1 is a graph showing eyelid closure amplitude and plasma concentration measured over time. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a template for tracking facial landmarks, particularly eye landmarks. [Figure 7A] FIG. 12 is a graph showing eyelid closure over time after a prepulse starting at time t=0, including subjects corresponding to N=9 for neurotypical individuals. [Figure 7B] FIG. 1 is a graph showing eye closure over time after a prepulse starting at time t=0, including subjects corresponding to N=10 for individuals with ADHD prior to methylphenidate use. [Figure 7C] 1 is a graph showing eyelid closure over time after a prepulse starting at time t=0 with subjects corresponding to N=10 for individuals with ADHD following methylphenidate use. [Figure 8] Schematic diagram of the neural circuit underlying the acoustic startle reflex, including the auditory cortex (AC), central amygdala (CE), cochlear nucleus (CN), cochlear root nucleus (CrN), dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN), facial nucleus (FN), lateral amygdala (LA), lateral superior olivary nucleus (LSO), medial geniculate body of the thalamus (MGB), motor neurons (MN), caudal pontine reticular nucleus (PnC), ventral cochlear nucleus (VCN), and ventrolateral tegmental nucleus (VTN). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale and that they represent somewhat simplified representations of various features illustrating the underlying principles of the present invention. Specific design features of the sequences of operations disclosed herein, such as the specific dimensions, orientation, location, and shape of the various illustrated components, are determined in part by the particular intended application and use environment. Certain features of the illustrated embodiments may be enlarged or distorted relative to others to facilitate visualization and clear understanding. In particular, for example, thin features may be depicted in bold for clarity and illustrative purposes.

[0015] The following description and drawings merely illustrate the principles of the present invention. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications may be devised that embody the principles of the present invention and are within the scope of the present invention, even though not explicitly described or shown herein. Furthermore, all examples cited herein are expressly intended for illustrative purposes only, primarily to help the reader understand the principles of the present invention and concepts provided by the inventor(s) to further advance the art, and should not be construed as being limited to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Furthermore, the term "or," as used herein, means a non-exclusive "or" (e.g., "or, otherwise," or "or alternatively") unless otherwise indicated. Furthermore, 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.

[0016] Many of the innovative teachings of the present application will be described with particular reference to 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. In general, statements made in the specification of the present application do not necessarily limit the various claimed inventions. Moreover, some statements may apply to certain inventive features but not to other inventive features. Those skilled in the art and informed by the teachings herein will recognize that the present invention is applicable to a variety of other technical fields or embodiments.

[0017] Surprisingly, it has been found that for many drugs used to treat neurological disorders, eye blink characteristics (such as blink amplitude) can be used as a proxy for drug concentration in plasma.

[0018] Such drugs may be stimulants such as methylphenidate, methylphenidate salts, amphetamine, amphetamine salts, and / or atomoxetine hydrochloride. The drugs may be antidepressants and / or anti-anxiety drugs. The drugs may be amphetamines, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or hallucinogens.

[0019] Amphetamines, such as methylphenidate, work by increasing the release and / or inhibiting the reuptake of neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine. This increases the concentration of these neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, leading to enhanced neurotransmission. This increased neurotransmission is associated with increased alertness, elevated mood, improved focus, and increased energy. Increased dopamine and / or norepinephrine concentrations in brainstem circuits can be quantified using a simple brainstem reflex, the eyeblink startle reflex, and prepulse inhibition and habituation of this reflex.

[0020] Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the synaptic cleft, resulting in increased serotonin concentrations in the synaptic cleft. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in regulating mood, among other functions. In a normally functioning synapse, serotonin is released from the presynaptic neuron and then binds to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron. Increased serotonin concentrations in brainstem circuits can be quantified using a simple brainstem reflex, the eyeblink startle reflex, and prepulse inhibition and habituation of this reflex.

[0021] Hallucinogens, such as psilocybin (found in certain mushrooms), LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), and DMT (dimethyltryptamine), exert their effects primarily through interactions with the serotonin system in the brain. The 5-HT2A serotonin receptor subtype is particularly involved in the effects of hallucinogens. Activation of 5-HT2A receptors leads to increased serotonin transmission in specific brain circuits, including the brainstem. Increased serotonin concentrations in brainstem circuits can be quantified using a simple brainstem reflex, the eyeblink startle reflex, and prepulse inhibition and habituation of this reflex. Furthermore, hallucinogens are thought to induce neuroplastic changes, affecting synaptic plasticity and connectivity in the brain. This may contribute to the reported therapeutic effects of hallucinogens, particularly in the context of mental health conditions. Neuroplastic changes can be quantified using test paradigms that probe learning and memory formation, including eyeblink conditioning.

[0022] The neurological condition may be, for example, a condition resulting from a neurological disorder such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The neurological condition may be, for example, a condition resulting from a chronic neurological disorder such as narcolepsy.

[0023] In some embodiments, a method may be provided for identifying the correct medication in a patient being treated with a drug for a neurological deviation condition. Referring to FIG. 1, a method 100 may include administering a series of startle response tests 110 to a user after the user has been administered the drug.

[0024] This series of tests typically includes three or more tests, with each test being performed at a different time after the user has been administered the drug. The timing of the tests can vary. In some embodiments, tests are performed hourly. In some embodiments, the pharmacokinetics and / or pharmacodynamics of the drug and the person can determine the number of tests and when the tests are performed. In some embodiments, the time between the first and second tests can be different from the time between the second and third tests. In some embodiments, the time between each test can be equivalent.

[0025] Each test is typically performed by a system of components.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the 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.

[0027] As used herein, the term "processor" may include any combination of hardware, firmware, and software used to process data or digital signals. Processor hardware may 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 circuits such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). In a processor, as used herein, each function may be performed by either embedded hardware configured to perform that function or more general-purpose hardware, such as a CPU, configured to execute instructions stored on a non-transitory storage medium. A processor may be fabricated on a single printed wiring board (PWB) or distributed across several interconnected PWBs. A processor may include multiple processing units; for example, a processor may include two processing units, an FPGA and a CPU, interconnected on a PWB.

[0028] In some embodiments, display 220 may be operably connected to the first processor. In some embodiments, camera 230 may be operably connected to the first processor. In some embodiments, speaker 250 may be operably connected to the first processor. In some embodiments, non-transitory computer-readable medium 240 may be operably connected to the first processor. In some embodiments, non-transitory computer-readable media 240, 241, 242 may be operably connected to a respective processor (e.g., first processor 210, second processor 211, third processor 212, etc.). In some embodiments, each processor may be located in a separate housing. In some embodiments, first housing 260 is a mobile device such as a mobile phone, tablet, or laptop. 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. When multiple processors are used, a first processor may be in communication with a second processor and / or a third processor.

[0029] The startle response can be tested using a camera, a display, and / or a speaker in any suitable manner as would be understood by one skilled in the art. For example, at least one approach for conducting a startle response test using a processor, a camera, and a speaker as disclosed herein is described in more detail in International Application No. 2021 / 058698. This can include, for example, using a speaker to output white noise at an output level sufficient to evoke a startle response. The speaker can be, for example, a speaker in headphones or earphones. This can include changing a black screen from a black background to a pure white background.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the method may include receiving 120 multiple images of at least one eye of the user from a camera during each test.

[0031] In some embodiments, the method may include calculating 130, for each test, the amplitude of eyelid closure for at least one eye using the plurality of images. In some embodiments, this may be performed by the first processor. In some embodiments, the plurality of images may be transmitted 125 to a remote processor (e.g., a second processor 211 on a remote server, which may be in the second housing 261), and the second processor performs this step.

[0032] This step typically involves various image processing steps to estimate the degree to which the eyelids are open or closed in any image. Various techniques for achieving this are well known in the art. A non-limiting example of how this can be done can be seen as follows.

[0033] Computer vision and image processing techniques can be used to detect landmarks on the human face in a fully automated, real-time manner. More preferably, the algorithm is optimized to provide fast and accurate tracking of eyelids in both adults and infants. Suitable techniques known for training machine learning algorithms can be utilized here.

[0034] An algorithm can be used to detect multiple landmarks on the face. FIG. 6 shows an example of a template 600 using 68 landmarks. In some embodiments, the template 600 can include or consist of six landmarks, one for each eye captured in the image. These six landmarks are the left edge 601, the upper left eyelid mark 602, the upper right eyelid mark 603, the right edge 604, the lower right eyelid mark 605, and the lower left eyelid mark 606, as seen in FIG. 6.

[0035] Once the landmarks are identified, a calculation can be made. Specifically, for each image, the eyelid closure coefficient (FEC) can be calculated. Using the preferred six landmarks as an example, conceptually, this is calculated based on the difference in the positions of these six points, specifically:

number

[0036] When viewing multiple images of the same individual, the minimum FEC ("FEC MIN " ) and Max FEC (" FEC MAX " ) based on normalization ("FEC NORM Specifically, the FEC NORM =1-(FEC-FEC MIN ) / (FEC MAX ) FEC NORM If is 0, the eyes are fully open and FEC NORM If is 1, the eye is fully open.

[0037] In some embodiments, when two eyes are detected, various techniques may be used. An FEC may be calculated for each eye, and the results may be averaged (or statistically combined), for example. An FEC may be calculated for each eye, and the minimum value may be used. An FEC may be calculated for each eye, and the maximum value may be used. An FEC may be calculated for each eye, and the difference between the two FEC values ​​may be determined. If the difference exceeds a threshold, a flag value may be set to 1, or a variable may be incremented, indicating an abnormal response has occurred.

[0038] In some embodiments, if no eyes or more than two eyes are detected in a given image, the image may be skipped.

[0039] These steps may be preceded by a calibration sequence, and the FEC MIN Value and FEC MAXThe value may be determined based on images or video captured during calibration. MIN Value and FEC MAX The value may be determined solely based on images or video captured as part of the above-described testing.

[0040] A schematic of the first step in this method can be seen in FIG.

[0041] For each drug, the predetermined target plasma concentration curve may be stored in some manner, for example, in a database on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. This curve may be a table of data or may be a curve such as that shown in FIG.

[0042] Once the testing is complete, the method may include determining (140) a correlation value between the target plasma concentration curve of the drug and the amplitude of eyelid closure at different times after the user is administered the drug.

[0043] In some embodiments, the shape of the target plasma concentration curve is compared with the shape of the curve fitted to the amplitude calculated over time. Referring to Figure 5, in an exemplary comparison 500, a first curve 510 based on amplitude data in Figure 3 is compared with a second curve 520 of one of the plasma methylphenidate concentration curves from Figure 4 on any axis, and it can be seen that the first curve has a first inversion peak 511 and a second inversion peak 512 that are approximately 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.

[0044] In some embodiments, the plasma concentrations may be normalized before being compared to the amplitude data, hi some embodiments, the plasma concentrations may be stored as normalized data so that the system does not need to normalize the plasma concentrations to determine the correlation value.

[0045] 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 values ​​of the curves are expressed as mA n where A is the determined amplitude at a given point, m is a weighting coefficient (e.g., a value between 0 and 1), and n is 1 or −1.

[0046] In some embodiments, a value can be assigned based on the similarity of the two curves. Such a measure of similarity can be determined using known techniques, such as via Frechet distance, root mean square difference, etc.

[0047] In some embodiments, values ​​can be assigned based on a least squares fit of the amplitude (or modified amplitude) to the drug concentration in plasma.

[0048] In some embodiments, the curves are not compared, but rather the amplitude at time T after dosing is compared to the concentration determined by interpolating pooled plasma drug concentration data.

[0049] In some embodiments, the method may include determining (150) whether a correct or sufficient dosage has been achieved based on the correlation value. In some embodiments, this may be done by comparing the correlation value to a threshold. This determining may include notifying an individual (user, physician, etc.) whether a correct or sufficient dosage has been achieved.

[0050] In some embodiments, all steps are performed on a device, such as a mobile device, that includes a camera used to capture the multiple images; with reference to FIG. 2, all steps may occur on a device associated with first housing 260.

[0051] In some embodiments, the first device (such as a mobile device) transmits the plurality of images to a remote processor (such as second processor 211 in FIG. 2 ), which is configured to perform the calculating (130), determining the correlation (140), and determining whether a sufficient dosage has been achieved (150).

[0052] In some embodiments, the method may include recommending (or generating a recommendation for) a modified dosage of the medication based on the correlation (160). For example, in some embodiments, for a given medication, a correlation value in a first range may indicate that a relatively small modification to the dosage is appropriate, and a correlation value in a second (lower) range may indicate that a relatively large modification to the dosage is appropriate.

[0053] Furthermore, in some embodiments, amplitude or statistics related to amplitude may be used to determine whether to increase or decrease the dosage. For example, if the standard deviation of the amplitude is in a first (e.g., high) range, it may indicate that the dosage should be increased, and if the standard deviation of the amplitude is in a second (e.g., low) range, it may indicate that the dosage should be increased.

[0054] In some embodiments, the method may include repeating the steps with the same dosage of the drug. In some embodiments, the method may include adjusting the dosage of the drug and repeating the steps.

[0055] In some embodiments, the method may include receiving (106) input indicating when the medication was administered. For example, in some embodiments, the person receiving treatment may enter this information using an input device (such as a keyboard). In some embodiments, a psychopharmacologist or other medical professional may enter this information. This information is then typically sent to one or more processors.

[0056] In some embodiments, the method may include receiving (105) input indicating which dose has been administered. For example, in some embodiments, the person receiving treatment may enter this information using an input device (such as a keyboard). In some embodiments, a psychopharmacologist or other medical professional may enter this information. In some embodiments, this may occur via one or more devices configured to administer the medication. For example, an auto-injector may have a processor configured to administer a quantity of medication to a user (e.g., intravenously) and then automatically transmit that information to one or more processors.

[0057] In some embodiments, the method may include storing information in a database (135), including a user code, dosage, administration time, and the amplitude and time at which each of the plurality of images was acquired. This step may occur at any point in the process after the relevant information has been collected and / or may occur multiple times (e.g., dosage and administration time may be stored before any startle tests are performed, while the time at which each image was taken may be stored immediately after (or concurrently with) the image is acquired).

[0058] Referring to FIG. 2, system 200 includes non-transitory computer-readable media 240, 241, 242 that include instructions that, when executed, configure one or more processors to perform the methods as disclosed herein.

[0059] Referring to Figures 7A-7C, various tests of prepulse inhibition (PPI) have been performed. PPI is a behavioral phenomenon in which the magnitude of a startle response is suppressed when a short, loud startle sound (pulse) is presented following a softer sound (prepulse) that does not elicit a startle reflex. In other words, PPI measures sensorimotor gating, a neural mechanism that filters out irrelevant sensory information to protect the brain from overstimulation and allow it to respond appropriately to relevant stimuli. PPI is not limited to specific brain regions but instead probes midbrain function and the modulatory influence it receives from the limbic system, thalamus, and prefrontal cortex.

[0060] The method generally includes several steps. To test prepulse inhibition, the method optionally begins by first issuing a white noise prepulse 701. The white noise prepulse 701 has a first intensity configured to not elicit a startle reflex in the user. The absence of a startle reflex after this prepulse can optionally be confirmed by acquiring one or more images after the prepulse is issued and not detecting a substantial degree of eyelid closure as described above for eyeblink conditioning.

[0061] After 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 the pulse may optionally be confirmed by taking one or more images after the pulse is emitted and determining a first degree of eyelid closure.

[0062] As can be seen in Figure 7A, the average responses of nine individuals considered neurotypical are shown. For comparison, the average responses of 10 individuals diagnosed with ADHD who were treated with methylphenidate are shown before (Figure 7B) and after (Figure 7C). As shown, before treatment, the degree of eye closure was dramatically greater at all prepulse intensities (00, 05, 10, 25, and 50) compared to neurotypical behavior. In Figures 7A-7C, "Prepulse XX" indicates that the prepulse was presented at approximately XX% pulse intensity (e.g., "Prepulse 25" indicates that the prepulse was presented at approximately 25% pulse intensity). Surprisingly, after administration of methylphenidate, a dramatic reduction in eye closure was observed at all prepulse intensities, to levels similar to those of neurotypical individuals.

[0063] Figure 8 shows the neural circuitry underlying the acoustic startle reflex. Several elements of the auditory system (solid lines, filled circles) and efferents (dotted lines and open circles) are shown. The fastest pathway for acoustic input to motor output is from the CrN through the PnC to motor neurons, including the FN. Furthermore, multiple afferents, including the LSO, VTN, DCN, and VCN, excite neurons in the giant PnC. Activity in the amygdala directly controls the expression of the startle reflex through its projections to the PnC. Therefore, anything that modulates the efferents involved here or influences the startle reflex pathway is expected to be detected.

[0064] Although the present invention is described through the above-described exemplary embodiments, modifications and variations to the illustrated embodiments may be made without departing from the inventive concepts disclosed herein. For example, although specific parameter values ​​such as dimensions and materials may be described in connection with the disclosed embodiments, within the scope of the present invention, the values ​​of all parameters may vary over a wide range to suit different applications.

[0065] As used herein, including in the claims, the term "and / or" when used in connection with a list of items means one or more of the items in the list, i.e., at least one of the items in the list, but not necessarily every item in the list.

[0066] The disclosed aspects, or portions thereof, may be combined in ways not described above and / or not explicitly claimed. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element not specifically disclosed herein. Various modifications may be made to the systems, methods, devices, mechanisms, techniques, and portions thereof described herein with respect to the various figures, and such modifications are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention. For example, while various embodiments described herein show a particular order of steps or arrangement of functional elements, various other orders / arrangements of steps or functional elements may be utilized within the context of various embodiments. Furthermore, modifications to the embodiments may be considered individually, and various embodiments may employ multiple modifications simultaneously or sequentially, combinations of modifications, etc.

[0067] While various embodiments incorporating the teachings of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, those skilled in the art can readily devise many other various embodiments which still incorporate these teachings. Thus, while the foregoing is directed to various embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. Thus, the appropriate scope of the present invention is to be determined from the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. A method for identifying an appropriate dosage in a patient being treated with a drug for a neurological deviation condition, comprising: conducting three or more tests of a user's startle response, each test utilizing a mobile 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 drug; receiving, during each test, a plurality of images of at least one eye of the user from a camera; calculating, for each test, one or more amplitudes of eyelid closure of said at least one eye; determining a correlation value between a predetermined plasma concentration of the drug and the one or more amplitudes of closure of the eyelid at different time points in each test after the drug has been administered to the user; determining whether the correct dosage has been achieved based on the correlation value; A method comprising:

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

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

4. The method of 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 of 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 of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising recommending an altered dosage of the medication based on the correlation.

7. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising repeating the steps of conducting a startle response test, receiving an image, calculating amplitude, determining a correlation value, and determining whether the correct dosage has been achieved with the same drug dosage.

8. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising repeating the steps of adjusting the dosage of the drug and performing a startle response test, receiving images, calculating amplitude, determining a correlation value, and determining whether the correct dosage has been achieved.

9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising receiving an input indicating when the medication was administered.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising receiving an input indicating which dose has been administered.

11. 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising storing information in a database, said information including a user code, a dosage, a time of administration, and said one or more amplitudes and times at which each of said plurality of images was acquired.

12. 1. A system comprising: one or more processors; a display operatively connected to a first processor of the one or more processors; a camera operatively connected to the first processor; Optionally, a speaker connected to said first processor; A non-transitory computer-readable medium containing instructions that, when executed, cause the one or more processors to: conducting three or more tests of a user's startle response, each test utilizing the display, the speaker, or both, and each test occurring at a different time after administration of a drug to the user; receiving a plurality of images of at least one eye of the user from the camera during each test; calculating, for each test, one or more amplitudes of eyelid closure of said at least one eye; a non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to determine a correlation between a predetermined plasma concentration of the drug and a curve formed by the one or more amplitudes in the closure of the eyelid at different times after the drug is administered to the user.

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

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

15. 15. The system of claim 12, wherein the first processor resides on a mobile device and a second processor of the one or more processors resides on a remote device, the first processor configured to transmit the plurality of images to the second processor, and the second processor configured to calculate the one or more amplitudes and determine the correlation to determine whether a correct dosage has been achieved.

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

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

19. The system of any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the instructions, when executed, further configure the one or more processors to receive an input indicating when the medication has been administered.

20. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the instructions, when executed, further configure the one or more processors to receive an input indicating which dose has been administered.

21. 21. The system of any one of claims 12-20, wherein the instructions, when executed, further configure the one or more processors to store information in a database, the information including a user code, a dosage, a time of administration, and a time at which the one or more amplitudes and each of the plurality of images were acquired.

Images