Dr. Dara Meldrum, a seasoned vestibular physiotherapist with over 25 years of experience, has identified a multitude of challenges hindering optimal patient adherence to prescribed exercises for vestibular issues. Patients often encounter difficulties in accurately executing exercises, leading to frequent errors or non-compliance with their prescribed programs. Recognizing the pressing need for a solution, Dr. Meldrum, drawing upon her extensive research background at the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland and Trinity College Dublin, embarked on a journey of innovation within the field.

This culminated in the birth of Vertigenius, a groundbreaking solution poised to revolutionise the treatment of vertigo and other vestibular disorders. Rooted in Dr. Meldrum’s unwavering commitment to delivering individualised care and support, Vertigenius empowers patients to effectively engage with their prescribed exercises. Representing a monumental advancement in the field, Vertigenius offers a comprehensive and personalised approach to vestibular rehabilitation, thereby ushering in a new era of patient-centric care.

1. What prompted you to study physiotherapy and how did your career develop initially?

I’ve been a physiotherapist for over 30 years. I always wanted to work in healthcare and considered a few professions in the area before selecting physiotherapy. Once I started my training at Trinity College Dublin, I realised I loved it and I have never looked back.  After I qualified, I worked abroad in Canada in a neurosurgical hospital and became interested in rehabilitation in neurological disorders. I returned and worked in a similar hospital in Dublin and then I completed a Master of Science in Neuro-rehabilitation in London. It was after this that I started to work with patients with vestibular and balance disorders.

  2. How did you get into research and become an expert in balance problems?

I have always been interested in the “why” of rehabilitation interventions and measuring the effect of what we do in Physiotherapy in order to drop what is not effective and find evidence based improved ways of care . The brain (and the inner ear) are fascinating organs and physiotherapy is crucial to facilitate optimal recovery if they become diseased.  Working with these patients honed my clinical skills and seeing how much physiotherapy helped those with dizziness, vertigo and imbalance was what spurred me to study for a PhD in the area. I was particularly interested in how technology could be harnessed to help us understand and implement optimal treatment programs for this patient group.

3. Tell us about your involvement in Vertigenius? What are the company’s main products and aims?

I am the inventor and founder of Vertigenius and main role now is the Scientific Officer

Our main product is the Vertigenius platform, which consists of three key components:

• Wearable Head Sensor: A small, lightweight device worn behind the ear that uses inertial motion unit technology to measure and track head movements.
• Smartphone App: Connects to the sensor via Bluetooth and provides patients with digitally delivered exercises, real-time guidance, and symptom tracking.
• Clinician Portal: Allows healthcare providers to design, prescribe, and monitor custom exercise programs remotely1.

Vertigenius aims to revolutionize vertigo treatment by: Improving Access:

• We’re addressing the shortage of vestibular experts by enabling remote monitoring and treatment.
• Enhancing Patient Experience: Our solution provides real-time guidance, making complex exercises more manageable for patients experiencing vertigo.
• Increasing Treatment Efficiency: By allowing therapists to treat more patients quickly and remotely, we’re working to reduce waiting times and improve outcomes.
• Expanding Globally: Currently used by over 2,000 patients in Ireland and the UK we’re planning to expand into the US market.

Our mission is to provide early access to high-quality care for vertigo patients worldwide, ultimately improving the lives of millions affected by this condition.

4. Do you think more physiotherapists could become entrepreneurs and develop business ideas?

I think physiotherapists are excellent problem solvers and problems solvers make great innovators. Many of us are running businesses and innovating. There is a completely different skill set needed for entrepreneurship than the clinical skills we learn in our professional training but there are great supports that can help physiotherapists develop business and entrepreneurial skills.

5. Give them three tips on doing the above

Research the idea, see what is out there that is similar, and talk to others about it.

Test the feasibility of your idea, try and to get some initial funding to help you get it off the ground.

Develop a great team of people with the skills needed to develop your idea.

..and a tip I got from another entrepreneur- get used to uncertainty!

6. Tell us about the improved Vertigenius head sensor that you have just launched and how can readers find out more?

The Vertigenius head sensor is worn by patients (behind their ear like a hearing aid) when they are doing their exercises. When an individual has vertigo and dizziness moving their head makes them feel worse and can lead to avoidance of head movement, which in turn hinders recovery and can lead to other complications such as neck pain. The head sensor provides real time feedback to patients during their exercises by tracking their head movement and making sure they move their heads according to the prescription their physiotherapist has selected. The head movement and symptom data are relayed to the physiotherapist remotely so that the effects of treatment can be visualised and the prescription optimally adjusted.

In a clinical study, patients who used the sensor reported reduced symptoms of dizziness after treatment and their head movement speeds were significantly better.

Find out more by booking a call

7. How do you achieve a work-life balance and relax away from the work setting?

My time off is spent with family, friends, doing exercise and travelling. I don’t have any problem switching off when I need to and see it as a very important skill to avoid burnout. Working long hours are a necessity in a start-up so you have to really love what you are doing.

Contact us today to find out more information on Vertigenius