Diagnostic Post-Concussion Eye-Tracking Design

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a violent blow to the head or neck region that causes the brain to accelerate quickly into the inner walls of the skull. The injuries sustained from such a blow can alter brain function and result in a variety of symptoms including difficulty thinking clearly, fuzzy or blurry vision, extreme irritability, and/or balance and coordination issues. Current neurological exams used to diagnose concussions involve an assessment of the patient's eye response to acute stimuli, in addition to concentration and memory exercises to test the functional ability of the brain. The methodology used to diagnose a concussion can be improved upon for better accuracy and a more clear diagnosis. The proposed change to the concussion diagnostic process involves the use of an eye-tracking apparatus to measure the severity of the injury through saccadic movements in the eyes.