Portable Brain Concussion Detector Using Electrode Signal Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current healthcare lacks effective, portable tools to accurately assess and diagnose concussions, particularly in acute care settings, due to the limitations of existing brain imaging technologies and EEG equipment, which are costly, cumbersome, and not suitable for immediate, actionable information in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A portable device, the Brain Concussion Detector using Bx™ technology, featuring a headset with electrodes and a handheld base unit that processes brain electrical signals to determine the presence and severity of concussions, providing immediate, on-site diagnosis and treatment guidance through a user-friendly interface and wireless data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CT and MRI/fMRI imaging studies are used to assess brain function, then structural and anatomical information can be obtained, but they reveal little information about brain function and are not portable or field-deployable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical imaging systems (CT scanners, MRI machines) with an electrical measurement system that records brain electrical activity through electrodes. This substitution enables portable, field-deployable brain function assessment while maintaining measurement precision, as electrical signals can be captured without bulky imaging equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential functional information from brain activity by focusing specifically on electrical signals rather than attempting to capture complete structural images. By taking out only the critical electrical activity data needed for concussion detection, the system achieves accurate brain function assessment with portable equipment.
2Measurement precision
If conventional EEG equipment is used to detect brain electrical activity, then brain function can be monitored, but the equipment is costly, cumbersome, and requires expert interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the critical electrical signal features needed for concussion detection from complex EEG data. By focusing on specific measurable parameters rather than analyzing complete EEG patterns, the system maintains detection accuracy while eliminating the need for expert interpretation and reducing equipment complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified model of brain function assessment that copies only the essential measurements needed for concussion detection. This simplified model can be implemented with less complex equipment and automated algorithms, removing the requirement for expert operators while maintaining measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive brain imaging and EEG analysis are performed to ensure accurate concussion diagnosis, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases which is critical in acute care settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the most time-critical and diagnostically valuable features from brain electrical activity. By analyzing only the essential parameters that indicate concussion rather than performing comprehensive EEG analysis, the system achieves accurate diagnosis in minimal time, suitable for acute care settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing only the necessary measurements and analyses required for concussion detection, rather than conducting complete brain function assessments. This selective approach maintains diagnostic accuracy while dramatically reducing time consumption.
4Ease of operation
If automated signal processing algorithms are implemented to reduce expert interpretation needs, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates simplified copies of complex signal processing functions that can be implemented with straightforward algorithms. By copying only the essential analysis steps needed for concussion detection rather than implementing full EEG interpretation systems, the device achieves ease of operation without excessive complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid, accurate detection and monitoring of concussions with high sensitivity and specificity, facilitating timely intervention and treatment, even in field-deployable settings, by utilizing advanced signal processing algorithms and reducing the need for expert interpretation.
Implementation Method 1
All of the brain's activity, whether reflexive, automatic, unconscious, or conscious, is electrical in nature. Through a series of electrochemical reactions, mediated by molecules called neurotransmitters, electrical potentials (voltages) are generated and transmitted throughout the brain, traveling continuously between and among the myriad of neurons.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method and apparatus for providing an on-site diagnosis of a subject to determine the presence and/or severity of a concussion is provided. The method includes placing an electrode set coupled to a handheld base unit on the subject's head, acquiring brain electrical signals from the subject through the electrode set, processing the acquired brain electrical signals using a signal processing algorithm stored in a memory of the base unit, determining the presence and/or severity of a concussion from the processed signals, indicating the presence and/or severity of a concussion on the handheld base unit, and determining a course of treatment for the subject based on the indication.