New Technology Can Detect Concussions in Minutes
As football season kicks off, concussions are a major concern of coaches and players across the country. A new technology developed here in Georgia by Emory and Georgia tech researchers could change the way concussions are diagnosed. A device known as I-Detect administers a 15 minute test on the sidelines to determine if a player has sustained a concussion. The device is currently still in the testing phase but is expected to hit the market as early as next year.
The I-Detect device is touted as a major improvement over the current method of using checklists to detect concussions. Checklist type tests will vary depending upon the coach, whereas the I-Detect system objectively scores answers using its computer model. The tool is expected to bring a degree of reliability to the field of concussion diagnosis, which is extremely important to coaches and in the military. One of the major problems with subjective systems is that we risk allowing players who in fact have suffered a concussion to get back onto the field. Players will often feel pressured to continue playing and might not accurately report their symptoms. These players risk serious injury if they continue to play with a concussion.
The I-Detect tests potentially injured players for memory loss, response time, and reaction. Players wear computer screen goggles and are immersed in an environment that will test these relevant factors. Players can thus not subjectively influence the test and it is anticipated the test will become the gold standard for concussion detection.
Concussions are a Serious Problem Among Athletes
Each year, tens of thousands of sports players are killed due to traumatic brain injuries, more commonly known as concussions. Many more players are hospitalized and experience long term effects from concussions annually. The recent NFL concussion litigation sheds further light upon the dangers facing sports players who have experienced a head injury. Research made public in the lawsuit shows that sports players who get back on the field after suffering even a minor concussion could be killed or become permanently disabled if they are hit again in the head. This is known as second impact syndrome and the results of this phenomenon can be deadly. With the brain already swollen from the initial concussion, a second hit can inflict catastrophic damage.
Youth sports players are equally as at risk of experiencing second impact syndrome and it is imperative that parents and coaches pull children out of the game if they may have experienced a concussion. Being able to accurately detect a head injury is of the utmost importance. Until I-Detect and other devices like it hit the market, all coaches should err on the side of caution and bench any players that could have sustained head injuries.
Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law: Over 39 Years of Legal Experience
If you or your child has been injured because of the negligence of another person or party, the Personal Injury Attorneys at Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, are here to help. Our firm has over 39 years of experience assisting in all manner of personal injury cases, including concussion and traumatic brain injury cases. We assist injured clients across Georgia and in the Southeast. The sooner you act, the greater your chances of obtaining a full recovery for your injuries. As such, do not delay in seeking legal assistance as you have a limited time in which to file a personal injury claim following your accident. Call Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law, 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.
Source:
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/new-sideline-test-recognizes-concussions-15-minute/nm8qg/