Brain dysfunction testing

Abstract

Systems and methods provided utilize gaze-tracking to measure quantitatively and accurately the ability of an athlete or other subject suspected of a concussion to maintain gaze within a figure-eight pattern during a given period of time. The fixation icon is presented at increasing velocities, with multiple staged velocities constituting the preferred embodiment. Utilizing a figure-eight pattern is preferred. Total tracking error time is tabulated during each velocity stage of the test protocol, and total tracking error time occurring during a given velocity stage is compared to a subject's baseline, e.g., a pre-season Individual Bioperformance Level (IBL) for that velocity stage. Systems and methods disclosed may be used to help prevent debilitating neurological damage in our athlete population, as well as having important military applications related to PTSD, and to other mission-critical performance endeavors.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims benefit of priority to:[0002]U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 959,749, filed Aug. 30, 2013, and entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TESTING BRAIN DYSFUNCTION”;[0003]U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 901,257, filed Nov. 7, 2013, and entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TESTING BRAIN DYSFUNCTION”;[0004]U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 965,770 filed Feb. 7, 2014, and entitled “BRAIN DYSFUNCTION TESTING”; and[0005]U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 966,339, filed Feb. 22, 2014, and entitled “BRAIN DYSFUNCTION TESTING”.[0006]All of the above applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0007]Brain dysfunction can be acute or chronic. Acute brain dysfunction is generally caused by alcohol or drug intoxication, extreme fatigue, medical conditions such as cerebrovascular accidents, and sports and work-related concussions, as w...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a system and method for accurately measuring gaze-tracking deficits in individuals suspected of brain damage. The system uses a figure-of-eight icon movement trajectory that tests all six eye muscles regulating gaze tracking. The test results are compared to a baseline performance level or other Athletes or subjects to determine whether there is a deficit. The system is easy to use and can be performed in different environments with no need for audio testing. Multiple baseline screenings can be conducted to make the testing more accurate. Other patterns, such as trefoils and multi-lobe generalizations of a figure-of-eight, can also be used. The technology can be used in sports, military, and clinical settings to help with brain injury diagnostics and treatment.

Problems solved by technology

Said head movement, however, cannot be so drastic that the gaze-tracker cannot track the eye(s), as this would result in inability to perform testing.

Thus, a limitation on head movement is that the gaze-tracker must be able to “see” the eye(s).

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