Hey guys! So I saw this video on Facebook and it was such a coincidence that I had just finished reading about traumatic brain injuries (TBI) for one of my classes. I started researching more about the product and was excited to see all the research and tests behind the product. You can read more about it here. I see so many people riding without helmets these days and it makes me so anxious. This airbag will definitely be a game-changer, especially for people with head and brain injuries.
A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is when there is a sudden trauma, or injury, to the brain. A TBI can affect, and cause limitations, to different aspects of our lives. Because no brain injury is exactly like the next, it is hard to tell what aspect of ourselves will be affected. It all depends on the part of our brain that gets injured. Another head injury that is known as a mild TBI is a concussion. A concussion can be a result from a direct or indirect blow to the head or face. A blow to the head or face can cause the brain to move inside the skull, causing bruising to the brain. People involved in sports are more likely to get a concussion. It’s good to see more coaches getting educated about them and also getting the appropriate equipment to reduce the likeliness of getting a concussion.
Occupational therapists help address multiple aspects of a person’s life who has a TBI. OTs can help with memory problems, organization, cope with frustrations, practice social behaviors, etc. Of course treatment is individualized since not every patient is the same and not every injury is the same.
Reading about the Hövding made me wonder if they are working on ways to include other sports. I know they developed an algorithm based on normal cycling, but how cool would it be if they figured something out for people on skateboards? My younger brother skateboards and some of the falls he has had were definitely close calls! Can’t wait to see more about this product in action!
What other “game-changer” products have you seen lately? What product would you like to develop?
For more information regarding TBI check out the following sites:
http://www.aota.org/about-occupational-therapy/patients-clients/disabilityandrehabilitation/tbi.aspx
OpportuneOT 