Mar 13, 2016Cardinal Approach to Concussions
Researchers at the Stanford Concussion and Brain Performance Center are implementing cutting-edge diagnostic and rehabilitation tools for concussions. As a result, student-athletes at Stanford undergo diagnostic testing and treatment that is otherwise only used in the military.
An article from The Stanford Daily explains that a team of neuroscientists have refined EYE-SYNC, a patented, portable eye-tracking technology that recognizes signs of concussion in 30 seconds. When student-athletes are suspected of having a concussion, they immediately take an eye-tracking test.
Following the eye-tracking test, student-athletes take two more series of tests—a balancing exercise to check the functioning of their vestibular system, and one to test memory and cognitive function. If diagnosed with a concussion, student-athletes use a cardio-based exercise machine to reestablish circadian rhythms right away.
In addition to the eye-tracking technology for diagnosing concussions, neurocognitve baseline tests are also used. On average, about 90 percent of concussed student-athletes who are treated at the Center recover within a week.
Along with studying the treatment of traumatic brain injury, the Center is in the process of conducting a long-term study on concussions. Funded by the Department of Defense, the study aims to redefine concussions and foster a classification system for brain trauma diagnostics and therapeutics.
