Display enhanced testing for concussions and mild traumatic brain injury

• US 20070027406A1
• Filed: 08/10/2006
• Published: 02/01/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 02/13/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Emory University, Georgia Tech Research Corporation (University System of Georgia)
• Original Assignee: Emory University, Georgia Tech Research Corporation (University System of Georgia)
• Inventors: Wright, David, LaPlaca, Michelle
• Granted Patent: US 8,568,311 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/558
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/16 Devices for psychotechnics using teaching or educational appliances G09B1/00 - G09B7/00; Testing reaction times ; Devices for evaluating the psychological state
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4076 Diagnosing or monitoring particular conditions of the nervous system A61B5/4821, A61B5/4824 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4088 Diagnosing of monitoring cognitive diseases, e.g. Alzheimer, prion diseases or dementia
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6814 Head
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 7/00 Electrically-operated teaching apparatus or devices working with questions and answers mechanically operated G09B3/00; computing arrangements G06F

Abstract

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.

Claims

3-1. The system recited in claim 1 wherein the response selection device is wirelessly coupled to the portable computing device.

9. An immersive cognitive assessment system for testing cognitive impairment, comprising:

a portable computing device;

headgear, comprising audio and video output devices, that is worn by an individual to be tested;

a response selection device coupled to the headgear that allows the individual to make response selections responding to predefined neuropsychological tests presented to the individual; and

software that runs on the portable computing device that (1) presents the predefined neuropsychological tests to the individual by way of the headgear in an immersive environment free from external distractions, and (2) processes the response selections to evaluate cognitive functions of the individual to generate test results that are indicative of the presence or absence of cognitive impairment.

10. The system recited in claim 9 wherein the predefined neuropsychological tests comprise cognitive function tests that evaluate information processing speed, working memory, and work list learning and recall.

11. The system recited in claim 9 wherein the response selection device is part of the portable computing device.

12. The system recited in claim 9 wherein the portable computing device is wirelessly coupled to the headgear.

15. A method for assessing cognitive capabilities of an individual, comprising:

presenting predefined neuropsychological tests to the individual;

causing the individual to make response selections based upon what is presented in the tests;

processing the response selections of the individual to evaluate cognitive functions of the individual to generate test results that are indicative of the presence or absence of cognitive impairment.

16. The method recited in claim 15 wherein the predefined neuropsychological tests comprise cognitive function tests that evaluate information processing speed, working memory, and work list learning and recall.

17. The method recited in claim 15 wherein presenting the predefined neuropsychological tests comprises:

causing the individual to wear headgear, comprising audio and video output devices, that immerses the individual in an audio-vidually immersive environment, and through which the tests are presented.

18. The method recited in claim 15 wherein the response selections are processed Immediately.

19. The method recited in claim 18 wherein the response selections are processed Immediately.