A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can affect the brain and body in many ways. It can alter a person’s perception, memory, and emotional functioning, and it can cause long-term changes in personality. There are a number of symptoms associated with a TBI, including dizziness, confusion, headaches, sleep disturbances, fatigue, irritability, and anxiety. These symptoms can lead to depression and emotional problems, so it is important to address them quickly. Fortunately, a number of options are there for the app for concussions to help detect concussions, improve the patient’s ability to manage them, and promote healing.
One app, based on a CDC program called Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports, helps coaches, parents, and other healthcare providers identify and respond to the signs of a concussion. The app was developed by concussion experts, and it is endorsed by several organizations, such as the Matthew Gfeller Sport-Related Traumatic Brain Injury Research Center, Children’s National Medical Center, and the Sports Concussion Institute.
Another app, developed by a team of healthcare system leaders, focuses on the management of concussions. It features tools to assess the extent of a concussion, record concussion-related information, and document progress during recovery.
A third app, developed by an organization that works with sports teams and athletes, offers a variety of resources for those with a concussion. It teaches different ways the brain can be injured in sports, and it encourages adults to tell their loved ones when they think they have experienced a concussion.
In addition to providing resources, the app for concussions that can be customized to include TBI-specific content. This feature allows healthcare providers to easily identify gaps in care, as well as implement new tools to fill those gaps.
The Concussion App was developed by Sports Safety Labs LLC. The app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. After downloading the app, coaches and athletes will receive injury notifications in real-time. Additionally, the app allows for seamless communication with healthcare professionals and family members. Those with an iPhone can download the app for free. Those with an iPod or iPad can purchase the app for $3.99.
Another app, based on a CDC-sponsored concussion program, is the Concussion Recognition & Response (CRR) app. This app was designed by concussion experts to help coaches, parents, and other healthcare professionals recognize and respond to the signs of a concussion. Once the signs are identified, the app is a convenient way to share the information with healthcare professionals.
