Portable Computing Neurological Assessment Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating neurological and cognitive function, such as the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Scale and Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite, are either non-quantitative or require administration by a trained examiner, limiting their usefulness outside clinical settings.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a portable computing device with modules for manual dexterity, cognitive processing speed, and movement assessment tests, which can be self-administered by patients, aggregating data to provide a quantitative assessment of neurological and cognitive function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional neurological assessment methods (EDSS, MSFC) are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to requiring trained examiners and clinical settings
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables patients to self-administer neurological and cognitive assessments using a portable computing device without requiring trained examiners. The automated interface guides patients through manual dexterity tests, cognitive processing speed tests, and movement assessment tests, collecting data directly from patient interactions with the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual assessment by trained examiners with an automated electronic system. The portable computing device uses software modules to administer tests, process responses, and generate quantitative assessments, substituting human examiner operations with automated computational processes.
2Measurement precision
If traditional neurological assessment methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity worsens due to requiring trained examiners and clinical settings
Solution Approach 1:
Patients independently complete assessments using the portable device, eliminating the time required for examiner preparation, administration, and documentation. Multiple patients can be assessed simultaneously or sequentially without requiring examiner availability, significantly increasing overall assessment throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary data collection and processing automatically during patient interaction, generating quantitative assessments in real-time without requiring subsequent manual analysis or interpretation by examiners, thereby accelerating the overall assessment process.
3Measurement precision
If traditional neurological assessment methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity worsens due to requiring specialized equipment and clinical infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The portable computing device serves multiple functions: administering manual dexterity tests, cognitive processing speed tests, movement assessment tests, and generating integrated quantitative assessments. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would traditionally require multiple specialized devices and systems into a single portable platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a portable computing device that can be replicated and distributed to multiple locations, creating copies of the assessment capability without requiring infrastructure changes at each site. The software modules can be installed on standard portable devices, eliminating the need for specialized clinical equipment.
4Ease of operation
If automated testing is implemented, then ease of operation and productivity are improved, but measurement precision may worsen without trained examiners
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated feedback mechanisms that guide patients through tests, provide real-time performance monitoring, and adjust testing parameters based on patient responses. This ensures consistent administration and interpretation of tests, maintaining measurement precision while enabling self-administration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms subjective neurological assessments into objective quantitative parameters through automated data collection and analysis. By converting examiner-based subjective evaluations into measurable digital data from patient interactions, the system maintains precision while enabling automated operation.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a system and method to implement a performance test to help evaluate a patient's neurological and cognitive function. The performance test can be executed by the patient autonomously using a portable computing device, such as a tablet computer or smart phone. The portable computing device can be programmed to execute a set of modules configured to assess motor and cognitive performance, such as a manual function test module, a cognitive processing speed test module, and a movement assessment test module. The set of modules can also include a collection module to aggregate test data from the manual function test module, the cognitive processing speed test module, and the movement assessment test module.