Neurologist develops Nerve Whiz tool for iPhone, iPod and iPad

Nerve Whiz (free, non-universal), an app developed by University of Michigan neurologist Zachary London, M.D., could lead to a better understanding of the anatomy of the peripheral nervous system.

Dr. London's app goes beyond simple nerve charts. In fact, it can assist in examinations. For example, medical professionals can enter a patient's presenting problems (muscle weakness, sensory loss, etc.) and Nerve Whiz will return a differential diagnosis with supporting pictures and diagrams.

Dr. London told Newswise how the app assists a professional's diagnostic process: "Before you can figure out what is causing neurologic symptoms, you have to determine what part of the nervous system isn't functioning normally. Neurologists call this 'localizing the lesion...Nerve Whiz helps you localize by taking the information from your physical examination of a patient and synthesizing a list of possible anatomic regions which could be disrupted."

He goes on to say that, if the app finds multiple possible answers, it suggests additional examinations that could help the physician "hone in" on the answer.

It sounds like a handy tool, made even more convenient by the small and portable iPhone. Nerve Whiz is currently popular among physicians, med students, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and anatomists, Newswise reports. In fact, it's got a four-star rating in the App Store (as of this writing) and has been downloaded more than 30,000 times, according to the article.

Good on Dr. London! My own anecdotal evidence suggests that iDevices are popular indeed among medical professionals, as I've seen at least one during every medical appointment I've had over the past year.