Open-source, real-time, low-cost, wearable head impact monitoring system

Abstract

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a significant health concern that can occur due to rapid head movements during activities such as contact sports, motor vehicle accidents, industrial mishaps, falls, and combat situations. These events can lead to cellular and chemical changes in the brain, disrupting neural pathways and causing symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, cognitive difficulties, and emotional changes. Raising awareness about mTBI and implementing preventive measures to reduce its incidence and mitigate its impact on affected individuals is crucial. Head kinematics measurement is one of the quickest methods for making on-field initial diagnosis decisions. This paper describes the development of an open-source, low-cost, real-time device that can be attached to a helmet. It monitors the head kinematics data (linear acceleration and rotational speed). It sends it over a Wi-Fi connection to a web browser of a monitor device (PC or Mobile phone) connected to the same network so the user who observes the data can call a doctor to check mTBI symptoms. The device utilizes an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and high-g (g = 9.8 m/s²) linear accelerometers interfaced with an Internet of Things (IoT) based microcontroller (WeMos D1 mini) programmed using the Arduino IDE. This setup facilitates data visualisation through an interactive HTML webpage, enabling the user (e.g., coach, medical personnel) to assess the data and potentially recommend seeking medical attention if concerning readings are observed. The application of this device can be in different areas such as road accidents, contact sports, and mine workers.