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iTremor

iTremor by Head Diagnostics is a handheld medical device (currently only used as an investigational device, as not yet FDA cleared) that enables healthcare professionals to measure ocular microtremor (OMT) – a subtle, involuntary eye movement generated by the brainstem.

It’s seamless to integrate into routine clinical practice:

Ocular Microtremor measurement in 3 seconds
Intrinsic neuro physiological biomarker present in all individuals
Non-invasive measurement
Designed to complement existing neurological assessment
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How It Works

Device

iTremor operates by directing a safe, non-invasive low-power visible spectrum laser light at the subjects sclera. The system detects microscopic tremors of the eye. The movement/frequency is measured in Hertz.

Software

The device’s onboard software then processes the signal to calculate OMT frequency, which can be reviewed by the clinician on the device at the edge.

Test

Because the test is non-invasive and rapid it can be performed in both clinical and research settings, offering the potential for a scalable, measure of ocular microtremor in 3 secs.

What is OMT and Why It Matters?

Every individual exhibits OMT. In cited literature, it has been shown that various neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, where brainstem function is often impaired, OMT frequency has been shown to be reduced. This reduction is thought to reflect diminished neural drive and loss of brainstem function, making OMT a potential physiological biomarker of disease.

By providing an objective, brainstem-based signal, OMT has the potential to transform how we diagnose and monitor neurological conditions – offering a physiological measure that complements, and may one day enhance or replace, subjective clinical rating scales.

Key Features

Rapid, Non-Contact OMT Measurement

The iTremor uses a non-invasive and laser-based, approach to measure ocular microtremor with no need for eye probes or direct contact. Each recording takes just three seconds, providing fast, reliable data without patient discomfort, or prolonged testing.

Normative Reference Database

OMT results can be interpreted leveraging the sizeable normative dataset which assessed OMT in healthy individuals. (Note these results are not yet disclosed). This reference range supports clinicians in interpretation of patient OMT values. 

Validated, Reproducible Results
Integration with Clinical Assessment

OMT measurements are designed to complement existing clinical rating scales such as the MDS-UPDRS Hohn and Yarr, HDX Cognition, MMSE etc.

Head Diagnostics aims to demonstrate that instant reporting with iTremor may allow clinicians to combine objective physiological signals with traditional assessments, supporting more confident diagnostic and management decisions at point of care.

Track Neurological Change Over Time

Longitudinal monitoring of OMT may be used to detect subtle changes in brainstem function over time. This technology has the potential to support early detection of disease progression, assess treatment response, and guide clinical decision-making in both routine care and interventional studies.

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iTremor Clinical Evaluation

Research

Research over several decades has shown that ocular microtremor (OMT) frequency is altered in a range of neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, and even in cases of brainstem death and sedation monitoring. These findings may suggest OMT as a sensitive physiological marker of brainstem function, capable of detecting subtle changes in neurological integrity.

Applications

By capturing these abnormalities, iTremor holds potential for application not only in Parkinson’s disease and Dementia/AD/MCI, but also across a wider spectrum of neurological disorders where fast, objective, reliable biomarkers are urgently needed (e.g. ALS, MSA, PSP, Narcolepsy, Stroke, Sedation etc.)

Publications

For further detail, please visit our publications page, which provides a comprehensive overview of the scientific studies exploring OMT’s clinical relevance.

iTremor Users

The iTremor device is designed for use by a range of healthcare professionals, appropriately trained in the assessment and monitoring of neurological disorders.

Healthcare

Primary care physicians, Neurologists, General Practitioners, Specialist Clinicians and Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Technical Assistants needing objective, rapid and non-invasive tools to support assessment of underlying neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s, MS and Alzheimer’s disease/MCI/Alzheimer's etc.

Research

In clinical trials, the iTremor provides a quantifiable end point critical for evaluating therapies. Its non-invasive nature, user-friendly design, and digital data capture make it well suited for deployment across multi-center and remote study settings, facilitating standardized assessments and high-quality, reproducible data collection.

Regulatory

Head Diagnostics is working towards a regulatory filing with the FDA in 2026. Please contact Head Diagnostics for more details

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ocular microtremor (OMT)?

OMT is a continuous, high-frequency involuntary eye movement generated by the activity of brainstem nuclei of the ocular motor nerve. It is present in all individuals, even when the eyes appear still. Changes in OMT frequency may reflect alterations in neurological function.

How does iTremor measure OMT?

iTremor uses a non-contact, laser-based sensor to measure OMT safely and quickly. A measurement takes only three seconds, is noninvasive and requires minimal operator training.

Is training required to operate the iTremor?

Brief training is required, and Head Diagnostics can provide an instructional video, and IFU. Click here to view the video.

Is iTremor intended for clinical diagnosis?

At this stage, iTremor is designed as a research and investigational tool and is not FDA cleared. While early studies suggest potential for supporting diagnosis and disease monitoring, further validation studies are ongoing to establish additional clinical utility. 

What conditions can iTremor be used to study?

OMT abnormalities have been reported in Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, Brain Stem death, and other neurological conditions. Current research focuses on these primary indications with intent to explore utility more broadly in the future. Head Diagnostics is partnering with research organisations to assess clinical utility in Sedation, Alzheimer's Disease, MCI, Dementia, Parkinson's Disease, Blast Effect on OMT, Traumatic Brain Injury (Concussion), Neuro disease conversion.

Does the iTremor have regulatory approval?

The iTremor is currently in the process of clinical investigation to determine clinical and regulatory claims. Regulatory filings in both the U.S. and EU is anticipated in 2026. For the most up-to-date information on regulatory status, please contact Head Diagnostics directly.

How does iTremor fit into clinical workflow?

The device is portable, quick to use, and integrates easily alongside standard neurological assessments providing an adjunct point-of-care tool. Results are intended to complement existing clinical scales and diagnostic tools.

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