By Pendergast Law on March 8, 2012
A simple computerized device developed by the U.S. Army could help field medics, emergency medical technicians, doctors, and even sports coaches check for signs of traumatic brain injuries like concussions in order to speed treatment, according to a recent article posted on the Army website.
The device, known as Eye-Tracking Rapid Attention Computation or EYE-TRAC, consists of a piece with a screen, worn over the eyes, and a hand-held device that gives information readouts. The person who may have a traumatic brain injury wears the headpiece and tries to follow a moving target on the screen. The device tracks the person’s eye movements and sends information to the hand-held device, based on calculations of how well the person can track the moving target on the screen and what eye movements are made during the attempt.
Eye movements are often impaired when a concussion or other brain injury occurs, but human vision can’t always detect them merely by watching the patient. The EYE-TRAC device is more sensitive, allowing it to pick up on impairments that might signal a traumatic brain injury.
Brain injuries have the best chance of complete recovery when they are treated early and when the person is protected from re-injury until the healing period is complete.
At Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S., our experienced personal injury attorneys know that brain injuries can occur in a wide range of accidents, including auto accidents. When they do, the injured person and his or her family need all the support they can get during the long healing process. Our Washington brain injury attorneys are dedicated to fighting on your behalf every step of the way when you have suffered from a traumatic brain injury caused by an accident, so you can focus on getting well. For a free consultation, call our office today at 888-539-9211.