Portable Cognitive Assessment System for Concussion Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic tools for mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) are impractical for rapid and accurate assessment, especially in athletic settings, due to their length, requirement for trained personnel, and inability to provide immersive and portable solutions, leading to under- or misdiagnosis and potential long-term consequences.
Innovation Solution
A portable cognitive assessment system using a computing device with audio-visual immersion and response selection devices that administers and processes neuropsychological tests, allowing for real-time evaluation of cognitive functions, including information processing speed, working memory, and recall, within 15 minutes, either in immersive or non-immersive modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional neuropsychological tests are used for mTBI diagnosis, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to requirement for trained personnel and lengthy administration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual system of traditional neuropsychological testing with an automated computer-based system. The computing device automatically administers, scores, and interprets cognitive tests, eliminating the need for trained personnel to manually conduct lengthy assessments while maintaining diagnostic accuracy through standardized algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-administered cognitive testing where individuals can complete assessments without direct supervision of trained professionals. The automated interface guides users through cognitive tasks and automatically processes responses, making the diagnostic tool accessible in settings like athletic sidelines without requiring specialized staff.
2Measurement precision
If traditional neuropsychological tests are used for mTBI diagnosis, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time worsens due to lengthy administration required for accurate assessment
Solution Approach 1:
The automated computer-based system rapidly administers and processes multiple cognitive tests simultaneously, reducing administration time from hours to minutes. The system efficiently manages test sequences, scoring, and result generation without the time-consuming manual procedures of traditional testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a battery of abbreviated cognitive tests that sample multiple domains (attention, memory, processing speed) rather than administering one comprehensive lengthy test. This partial action approach provides sufficient diagnostic information in a fraction of the time required by traditional methods.
3Ease of operation
If immersive environment is used for cognitive testing, then ease of operation is improved for portable use, but device complexity worsens due to audio-visual immersion requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a standard computing device that can function both as a simple portable assessment tool and as an immersive testing environment. The same device provides audio-visual immersion when needed while also capable of basic text-based testing, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment for different testing modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing device serves as an intermediary that creates an immersive environment through software-controlled audio and visual outputs. Rather than requiring complex physical immersion equipment, the system uses the computing device's built-in capabilities to generate the immersive testing environment, simplifying the overall system.
Data Source
AI summary
Cognitive assessment systems and methods that provide an integrated solution for evaluating the presence or absence of cognitive impairment. The present invention is used to test cognitive functions of an individual including information processing speed, working memory, work list learning and recall, along with variations of these tasks. Immersive and non-immersive systems and methods are disclosed. Testing and results feedback using the present invention may be completed in real time, typically in less than 15 minutes.