Integrated EEG+fNIRS Measurement System for In-field Collection of mTBI Data

There is a pressing need to collect physiologic data associated with mild traumatic brain injury and post traumatic stress disorder near the forward edge of the battle area. Of the potential methods, only the electroencephalogram (EEG) and functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) have the potential to be made portable and inexpensive. In this program we will integrate elements of a commercial fNIRS sensor into the body of the most advanced EEG sensor currently available. The EEG sensor has the unique capability that it does not require the use of conducting fluids to make adequate electrical contact to the scalp, thereby enabling reliable data collection without subject preparation under non clinical conditions. In Phase I we will develop preliminary concept designs for: a) the integrated EEG+fNIRS sensor, b) a high density head mounting structure, and c) the user interface. The mounting structure will be an extension of a new anatomically self-referencing design that can be put on in minutes. The final outcome of Phase I will be a preliminary definition of the first product.