Aiding Traumatic Brain Injury

A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) refers to a sudden injury to the head resulting in damage to the brain. The severity of a TBI can range from mild to moderate or severe, depending on the extent of the injury to various areas of the brain, which can lead to different symptoms.

In this project, every student in the ID program was paired with a group of Occupational Therapy students to collaborate and devise an idea aimed at benefiting, aiding, or addressing any challenging situations faced by our patients in Occupational Therapy.

Patient 1: Adolescence

A 17-year-old high school senior named Joe, who serves as the captain of the football team, recently endured a concussion (mild Traumatic Brain Injury) during one of the games, rendering him unable to play for the remainder of the season. Despite this setback, Joe is determined to continue supporting his team. Recognizing his leadership skills and dedication, the coach has offered Joe a coaching role instead. Joe is thrilled at the chance to remain involved with his team from the sidelines. However, he is currently experiencing the effects of his concussion.

Injury Location: Temporal and Occipital Lobes

Visual Sensitivity: Sensitivity to light and loud noises.

Auditory Sensitivity: Reactivity to cheering and whistles.

Vestibular Challenges: Difficulty tracking field movements due to dizziness.

Goal: To fulfill the role of a sideline coach for his high school football team through peer group participation.

Proposed Device Purpose: Assist Joe in managing TBI symptoms, facilitating adaptation to visual and auditory stimuli for effective performance as a sideline coach.

Precaution: Avoid overexertion and recognize symptoms necessitating rest.

Contraindication: Refrain from participating in physical activities with the football team to prevent the risk of second impact syndrome.

Patient 2: Adult

Ally, a 35-year-old IT Technician, faces challenges after a car accident caused a cerebral contusion. Bright screens now trigger splitting headaches, leading to frustration with her inability to work on her computer for extended periods. She also experiences increased pressure when lying down, along with constant irritability and a lack of motivation. Furthermore, Ally worries about attending concerts or events involving flashing lights or loud noises due to her condition.

Injury Location: Frontal & Temporal Lobes

Visual System: Sensitivity to computer and concert lights.

Auditory System: Headaches and pressure result in heightened sensitivity to music, singing, and loud fans.

Vestibular System: Prolonged standing at concerts may pose a contraindication. Increased pressure experienced when lying down.

Precautions / Contraindications:

Minimize exposure to bright/flashing lights

Minimize exposure to loud sounds

Staying upright as often as possible

No heavy physical activity

Brainstorming

Marketing Research

SPECS MRK ll

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are widely recognized for disrupting or impeding proper brain function that result from various injuries, such as severe blows or bullet penetrations to the head. With headaches, vision and hearing issues, and motor skill difficulties, Treatment options for TBI include surgery, medication, and physical therapy, so what steps can be taken to implement and integrate these new approaches? That is where the SPECS MRK ll come in that can help in the recover and treatment of TBI.