A study recently released in Neurology shows teleconcussion systems accurately detect concussions and may prevent serious harm to athletes.
Here are five things to know:
1. A remote neurologist assessed 11 athletes using a telemedicine robot with real-time, two-way audiovisual capabilities.
2. The remote neurologist and face-to-face providers were in agreement 100 percent of the time.
3. More than half of public schools don't have athletic trainers available or capable of spotting concussions.
4. Teleconcussion equipment would increase safety standards in rural areas lacking medical staffs with the necessary expertise to diagnose concussions.
5. Lead author Bert Vargas, MD, of O'Donnell Brain Institute at Dallas-based UT Southwestern Medical Center said, "I see teleconcussion being applicable anywhere in the world…Right now there's a significant disparity in access to concussion expertise."
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