Neurolytixs’ clinical scientists have come up with a new concussion diagnosis technology in amateur sports that can determine if a person has had a concussion within 20 minutes of testing.
The tool utilizes artificial intelligence to detect concussions with an accuracy of 96%. It works based on a simple and quick two-step process. First, a “chemical fingerprint” is collected from individuals at the start of the season. This is a finger-prick blood sample that allows for an accurate assessment for each patient. In case of a possible concussion, the second stage is initiated: a new finger-prick blood sample is taken and analyzed in a lab within 72 hours of the incident. The sample is compared with the patient’s original baseline sample and a population reference range. The 20-minute test accurately determines whether the patient has experienced a concussion or not. The simplicity of the test allows parents, coaches, as well as teachers everywhere to use it.
“This technology will have a significant impact on the more than 10% of young athletes that experience a concussion every year,” says Dr. Douglas Fraser, co-founder, and developer of the Neurolytixs technology. “With another 50% of concussions going undiagnosed in youth sports, this will be a game-changer for children and youth who participate in organized sports in Canada.”
Parents are concerned about concussions in youth sports and are looking for ways to keep their children safe. The current concussion diagnosis methods are subjective and rely on physical, cognitive, and behavioral evaluation, which is easily misinterpreted. Neurolytixs’ diagnostic tool will provide significantly better conditions for young athletes, playing a key role in maintaining their long-term health and general well-being.
“As a parent, I know all too well that concussions are a serious concern,” says Wendy Daniel, whose three children all experienced concussions in high school. “I look forward to a day when this technology is in every locker room, school gymnasium, and on every sports field.”
“New technology for sound concussion diagnosis is key to protect brain health,” says Dr. Garth Smith, Vice President, Business Development and Partnerships at the Ontario Brain Institute. “More innovation can and must be pursued to support the most at-risk groups for brain injury: kids, athletes and our military personnel.”
Planning to earn regulatory approval in the US and Europe and to start distribution of the product by 2022, Neurolytixs is moving into large-scale clinical trials. The tool has been in development for six years and is considered a pinnacle of traumatic brain injury research.
“The general consensus amongst doctors is if it’s 70% accurate, it’s a good test. Our peer-reviewed science yields an accuracy of up to 96%. In the medical community, that is very rare,” says Dr. Fraser. “This is big for parents and young athletes, but it’s also important to other groups as well. Imagine the benefit to our other populations– similar technology can be life-saving for those who experience serious injury events including falls, car crashes, and blasts.”
