Researchers at Emory University have been working on a system for live diagnosis of concussions whether on sport field sidelines or battlefields. Currently, a subjective test is performed on someone suspected of having a brain injury. This involves the person performing a series of neuro-psychological routines while being evaluated by a trained individual. If injury is suspected, a CT scan is normally performed and the patient is observed and evaluated further.
Emory’s DETECT system uses an immersive head-worn display and noise-cancelling headphones to virtually isolate the person from his sensory environment. A video game-like controller is used to interact with different routines presented to the user, with the system measuring responses to the challenges it presents. The entire test takes between ten and fifteen minutes while the person being assessed remains seated, and doesn’t require the subject to be taken to a quiet environment for an extended test session.
Here’s an Emory video presenting the DETECT system:
Emory technology brief: DETECT: A Rapid, Portable Technology to Screen for Concussions and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury…