Electronic Health Reporter

Concussions are a growing concern globally, with many pushing for greater awareness and ongoing research being done with regards to managing the condition.

There are many ways to cure post-concussion syndrome, but in recent years, researchers have made advancements to incorporate technology in managing concussions.

The technology impacts both the prevention, detection, and treatment of concussions. Medical researchers now rely on impact sensors and concussion care apps to enhance healing.  Here are a few ways that technology is impacting concussion management:

Impact Sensors

Impact sensors are designed to record forces transmitted to the head-on collision. The sensors can be attached to concussion safety devices like helmets, mouthguards, or on the skin to enhance efficiency. With research still ongoing, impact sensors can now assist in detecting minor concussions injuries.

Besides seeing force transmitted to the head, impact sensors can also detect early-stage concussion and collect data on the severity of the trauma. The devices are finding a place in helping stop post-concussion syndrome. Additionally, products like patches can be worn behind the ear and be used to detect concussions. Most importantly, the products can be integrated with mobile technology to communicate.

Home Concussion Care

The impact of the pandemic has accelerated the shift towards telemedicine for managing various conditions, including concussions. While treating concussions might call for a physical hospital appointment, leveraging telemedicine can be effective, especially for remote cases.

The market has several solutions that can handle concussion testing and tracking treatment progress. Providers are offering concussion care that’s easily accessible to patients by noting simple reaction time, complex reaction time, and processing speed.

Concussion Management Apps

There is now efficiency in concussion treatment with healthcare research designing related apps to assist with the care. The apps, available for different smartphone devices, operate by linking a patient to a healthcare practitioner alongside a pool of resources for managing the condition daily. The apps are making the concussion management ecosystem easy to navigate.

After identifying the right service provider, patients can share their identification information, locate care providers, alongside reporting symptoms. The apps can be integrated with wireless tools that monitor a patient’s memory and dual tasking.

Biomarkers

This is an emerging technology that can be deployed on-site in managing concussions. Generally, biomarkers can be used in the field to screen for blood and saliva for concussion symptoms. Furthermore, biomarkers can track the recovery progress of the victim.

Biomarkers stand out because they are very sensitive and might require further checks from a professional medic. It is worth noting that the results obtained from biomarkers can help athletes return to the field or in making playing decisions during the recovery phase.

Bioness Integrated Therapy System

This technology is vital in the treatment process. Medical practitioners can rely on the tool to detect impairments and provide room to offer practical recommendations for a speedy recovery. Overall, patients can leverage BITS to get an objective measure by highlighting areas of impairment and motivating them to improve their performance.

Endnote

Managing concussion injury is diverse because it is not easy to detect the part of the brain affected. However, normal management can be blended with the right technologies to help prevent, diagnose, and treat concussions. Worth noting is that technology use for concussion management is a burgeoning path, and it presents an opportunity for further research.