Clinical review
Reviewer: Dr Rachael Taylor, PhD, MAud, PGDipSci, BSc, MNZAS. Research Fellow and Vestibular Audiologist, the University of Auckland, Department of Physiology.
Vanessa Simpson BHSc (Physiotherapy), NZRP. Senior Vestibular and Neurological Physiotherapist and Educator. Owner of Vertigo Balance Clinic.
Tania Linford MNZAS, BSc, Maud, PGDip Couns. Senior Clinical Audiologist. Owner and operator of Tinnitus Relief Limited.
Date of review: June 2023
Platform: Apple
Version: 1.1
Comments: The main features of the app are unusable without scanning a marker provided by a doctor. User reviews give 2.2 stars, with the majority giving negative reviews.
Please note: It is essential that vertigo, dizziness and other balance disorders are properly and fully assessed and diagnosed by a medical professional or specialist, and their advice is followed, prior to users attempting to use vertigo apps.
Safety concerns: Yes. The app appears to have caused stress for many users because they cannot get it to work (see app reviews). Noting limited access to the app by the reviewer. The app does not seem to specify the different types of vertigo it is appropriate for (eg, vertigo has different causes and triggers, requiring different types of treatment and exercises).
New Zealand relevance: No – The reviewer has enquired with multiple GPs, Nurses, Physiotherapists and a Neurologist in New Zealand and none have heard of the app or know how to provide patients with the necessary marker. The apps features are therefore inaccessible.
