Portable Pupillometer Concussion Probability via PLR Metrics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying concussion in youth lack objective and efficient tools to stratify risk factors and predict prolonged recovery, particularly in the acute phase after injury.
Innovation Solution
A portable pupillometer that combines pupillary light reflex metrics with demographic and clinical characteristics using a random forest algorithm to determine the probability of concussion, enabling early identification and stratification of risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional clinical concussion batteries are used for assessment, then comprehensive evaluation can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and lacks objective measurement tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual clinical assessment procedures with an automated optical measurement system. The pupillometer uses optical sensors to objectively measure pupillary light reflex characteristics, eliminating the need for manual neurological examinations and subjective scoring, thereby reducing assessment time while improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the assessment from qualitative clinical observations to quantitative optical parameters. By measuring objective pupillary characteristics (such as pupil diameter, constriction velocity, and light reflex response) using optical sensors, the system converts complex neurological assessment into measurable physical parameters that can be rapidly captured and analyzed.
2Reliability
If multiple risk factors are combined for concussion prediction, then prediction accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple risk factor assessment dimensions into a single integrated device. The pupillometer combines optical measurement capabilities with processing units that analyze pupillary characteristics alongside demographic and clinical data, creating a unified system that delivers comprehensive concussion prediction without requiring multiple separate assessment tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional device that performs both objective optical measurement and integrates with clinical assessment protocols. The pupillometer serves as a universal tool that can be used alongside existing clinical batteries like SCAT-5, providing additional objective data without requiring complete replacement of established assessment methodologies.
3Measurement precision
If pupillary light reflex measurement is used for concussion identification, then objective differentiation is achieved, but the device must be portable and easy to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and manual assessment procedures with a compact optical measurement system. The portable pupillometer uses lightweight optical sensors and digital imaging capabilities to capture pupillary characteristics, eliminating the need for bulky neurological examination equipment while maintaining measurement precision for accurate concussion differentiation.
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
The pupillometer provides a reliable and objective means to differentiate between concussed and non-concussed individuals, aiding in the early identification of those at risk for prolonged recovery, with significant differences in PLR metrics observed in concussed adolescents compared to healthy controls.
Implementation Method 1
The optical assembly is configured to stimulate the one or more pupils. The optical assembly includes a light source and a detector. The light source is configured to deliver a stimulus to the one or more pupils and the detector is configured to capture images of the one or more pupils during delivery of the stimulus.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable pupillometer for evaluating one or more pupils of a subject includes an optical assembly to stimulate the one or more pupils. The optical assembly has a light source to deliver a stimulus to the one or more pupils and a detector to capture images of the one or more pupils during delivery of the stimulus. A control device is coupled to the optical assembly, which has a controller to perform a plurality of operations in accordance with instructions stored in a digital memory. The plurality of operations includes: obtaining pupillary light reflex data comprising a plurality of Pupillary Light Reflex metrics during stimulation of the one or more pupils; analyzing the pupillary light reflex data based on one or more characteristics of the subject; determining a probability of a concussion injury suffered by the subject; and outputting the probability to a user of the pupillometer.