Non-invasive assay to discriminate between mild-Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

In response to the need, in forward areas, of assessing the likelihood of a mTBI having occurred, the objective of this project is the development of the CBIAS computerized assessment system that will be able to make this determination on the basis of the functioning of the II, III, IV, VI, and VIII cranial nerves. They provide the opportunity to obtain a sensitive and quantitative evaluation of two critical physiological control systems, eye movement and postural balance, that are, because of their high degree of sophistication, very sensitive to cerebral injury. As part of the successful Phase I feasibility study 1. Candidate assessment technologies were down-selected with regard to effectiveness, complexity, and ease of implementation 2. System specifications were developed in consultation with mTBI/PTSD experts and 3. Detailed plans for the clinical studies to be performed under Phase II at several US military sites were developed. The principal aims under Phase II are 1. build of preliminary field prototypes, 2. clinical studies involving 250 mTBI, mTBI/PTSD diagnosed and uninjured military personnel, 3. initiation of FDA approval & design of theatre-deployable systems. Intended for deployment up to and including echelon II, the system will be highly mobile, compact, and rugged.