Concussion to be diagnosed by app that records pupil changes
- 19.09.2017
- EmmaArnold
- Personal-injury, Personal-injury
A new smartphone app measures the change in pupil size to identify concussion and other brain injuries.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed the app, called PupilScreen, which looks into the pupil using the phone's video camera.
The changes in the eye's response to the flash on the camera are then recorded as the change in pupil size has long been used to assess severe brain injury (known as pupillary light reflex).
During the study, brain injuries were identified almost perfectly accurately using the new app and researchers hope it will be made commercially available within two years.
Amy Wilmott, personal injury solicitor at Potter Rees Dolan, said:
This ground-breaking discovery has potential to positively improve the lives of people who suffer concussive head injuries, whose symptoms are often difficult to diagnose and, at times, are missed.
Concussion can cause an array of debilitating symptoms including; severe headaches, dizziness and cognitive difficulties and so the ability to identify this condition at an early stage would ensure that the affected person has early access to treatment for the best possible outcomes. In civil litigation, this would also seek to reduce costs in investigating this complex issue.
There is currently no certain way to diagnose concussion so this app will be able to determine whether someone has sustained a concussive brain injury.
With around one in three adults over 65 suffer at least one fall a year in the UK, the app will be particularly useful to identify concussion in the elderly who have suffered a fall.
We’re experienced in helping our clients who have suffered from post-concussional syndrome gain the compensation they deserve. Our solicitors, who are committed to providing the best possible legal advice and client care, will deal with your case in a sensitive and effective manner.
Read more about post-concussion syndrome and personal injury claims for brain injury here.
Amy Wilmott is a personal injury solicitor with Potter Rees Dolan. Should you have any queries about the issues raised in this article and wish to speak with Amy or any other member of the personal injury team please contact us on 0161 237 5888 or email Amy.