A New Eye Test May Diagnose Brain Injuries
A recent study showed how a new handheld eye test might be able to recognize a brain injury that would otherwise be missed. Even though there have been many new diagnostic tools developed for head injuries, neurological damage continues to impact countless families every year. Furthermore, some of the latest diagnostic tools, such as novel MRI techniques, are incredibly expensive. Sometimes, the cost might be too prohibitive for new diagnostic tools to be considered adequate.
Fortunately, in the case of this new eye test, this is not the case. If this new diagnostic tool makes it into emergency departments across the country, it has the potential to identify numerous TBIs in a rapid amount of time. This tool might even save lives.
How the New Eye Test Works
This new eye test uses a technique called quantitative pupillometry (QP). When someone suffers a traumatic brain injury, there is a change in the way the neurons function. Sometimes, this change is temporary. In other cases, these injuries can lead to permanent complications. Some of the most commonly affected neurons are those that supply the eyes.
The pupils change size in response to light exposure. Because each eye is generally exposed to the same amount of light, the pupils should adjust together. If someone suffers a blow to the head, the pupils might not react appropriately. This change can be detected using quantitative pupillometry. Its effectiveness was even demonstrated in a research study.
The Results of the Research Study
The researchers decided to first test quantitative pupillometry in athletes who participate in contact sports. They chose this population because they believed there would be a high likelihood that these individuals would sustain an impact to the head or neck. They fitted the helmets of these athletes with a head impact telemetry system. This system would be used to detect impacts suffered during a practice or game.
The researchers followed these athletes throughout their competitive season. Any blow to the head was registered on the telemetry system. During practices and games, the athletes were taken aside and given a quick exam using the handheld eye test.
The researchers found that, following a blow to the head that registered on the telemetry system, there were significant changes in pupillary response detected using QP. The researchers saw a change in the speed with which the pupils reacted to changes in light. They also found differences in the maximum and minimum pupillary diameters.
Significance of this New Test
Because the handheld eye test was able to detect significant changes in pupillary responses following a blow to the head, it has the potential to change the way head injuries are diagnosed. Unlike new imaging techniques and lab tests, this QP tool is not expensive. Furthermore, it is also fast, requiring only a short pupillary exam. This makes it useful for emergency situations.
Researchers concluded that this handheld eye test picked up changes in brain function that would otherwise be missed. If this tool can detect brain injuries, it has the potential to preserve neuronal function. This means that this new eye exam tool might lead to earlier treatments, preventing complications from developing down the road.
Watch YouTube Video: NPI-200 Pupillometer Pupil Exam. The following video showcases the new eye test that can help determine brain injury.
Rocklin Brain Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Rocklin Brain Injury Lawyer. This new eye test, which examines the pupils, may be able to diagnose a brain injury that would otherwise be missed. If someone you care about has suffered a brain injury in an accident, call (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.
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