Concussion tracking and observation
What is concussion?
What is concussion tracking?
What does the data mean?
The technology
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Concussion is a traumatic brain injury, induced by biomechanical forces to the head, or anywhere on the body which transmits an impulsive force to the head. It causes short-lived neurological impairment and the symptoms may evolve over the hours or days following the injury. Evidence from animal and functional imaging studies points towards a series of interrelated biochemical and physiological changes that impair neuronal function. The symptoms should resolve without medical intervention. Rest, followed by gradual return to activity, is the main treatment.
Global Wellness Tracking use objective based ocular tracking as a component of assessing the potential of concussion. This uses a validated baseline test of the individual in a normal state which is then compared to a validated test post-incident so that a comparison can be made with a measure of change.
Ocular tracking is used in conjunction with traditional methods such as SCAT5 to subjectively assess sport related incidents and then followed up by regular individualised tracking of the patients symptoms through recovery.
Example: Baseline
Example: Immediate post-knock
Example: 1 week post-knock
Example: 2 weeks post-knock
The importance of a reliable baseline test is significant as it reduces subjectivity in post-knock assessment and provides a target range to monitor a full or partial recovery of the patient. As you can see from the example above, the results 1 week after the incident, aligned to subjective tracking of SCAT5 questions highlighting ongoing symptoms indicating a high risk for that person to return to play or specific activities in a workplace.
Global Wellness Tracking provide validated baseline assessments using the EyeGuide ocular tracking system under GPTQA controlled conditions by trained and accredited test staff to ensure reliability. Post-knock assessments are then provided within the GPTQA network by GPTQA accredited, allied health trained professionals with certification for further professional observation and the expertise for prescribe intervention.
It is important that any person who suffers any symptoms of concussion is diagnosed as quickly as possible by a trained professional.
EyeGuide provides a numeric result based on the difference between a stimulus of zero and the individuals result in a baseline test. This result becomes the baseline of the individual where change is then monitored. Where an individual has shown a difference of two standard deviation points from their personal baseline the result would be considered a risk and further assessment and intervention suggested.
Observation based assessments such as SCAT5 are then provided by trained professionals and dependant upon the severity of the results and professional interpretation further assessments may be prescribed including balance, functional movement, cognition or scanning.
EyeGuide is an ocular tracking system that uses cameras to track the movement of the eye while the client follows a pre-determined visual stimulus. The technology is non-intrusive and takes just a few seconds.
Global Wellness Tracking apply the technology in GPTQA controlled conditions to ensure the client is at ease, comfortable and without distraction to ensure a valid assessment.
