Wireless head impact monitoring system utilizing eye movement as a surrogate for brain movement

Abstract

A wireless system designed to sense brain trauma in athletes through eye movements during impacts is presented alongside a low-cost, flexible antenna design that can be integrated into existing helmet structures with little effort or cost. The impact-sensing system is described in detail, and special attention is given to the design and characterization of a flexible, printed dipole antenna. Test results for the full system are shown that validate both the sensing strategy and antenna design at ranges that exceed what would be reasonable for a typical sporting event.