Integration of eye-tracking systems with sport concussion assessment tool 5th edition for mild TBI and concussion diagnostics in neurotrauma: Building a framework for the artificial intelligence era

Abstract

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs), including mild TBI (mTBI) and concussions, affect an estimated 69 million individuals annually with significant cognitive, physical, and psychosocial consequences. The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5th Edition (SCAT5) is pivotal for diagnosing these conditions but possesses inherent subjectivity. Conversely, eye-tracking systems provide objective data, capturing subtle disruptions in ocular and cognitive functions often missed by traditional measures. Yet, the concurrent use of these promising tools for neurotrauma diagnostics is relatively unexplored. This paper proposes integrating eye-tracking with SCAT5 to enhance mTBI and concussion diagnostics. We introduce a model that synergistically combines the strengths of both techniques into an ‘ocular score’, adding objectivity to SCAT5. This union promises improved clinical decision-making, impacting return-to-play, fitness-to-drive, and return-to-work judgments, providing a novel landscape in the neurotrauma scenario. However, our theoretical framework requires empirical validation. We advocate for future large-scale collaborative research databases, and exploration of eye-tracking-based diagnostic markers. Our methodology highlights the potential of this integrated approach to redefine neurotrauma management and diagnostics, addressing a critical global health concern with proven utility in high-risk settings like sports and the military.