WASHINGTON – To better meet the needs of veterans and others who have suffered mild to moderate concussion associated with traumatic brain injury, the Department of Veterans Affairs has developed Concussion Coach.
The mobile application provides portable tools to recognize symptoms and to identify and make use of coping strategies.
It's available for mobile Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, and IPod Touch) from the App Store and will be available to Google Play for Android devices later in 2014.
The app educates users about concussions, related symptoms, treatments and helps them recognize and assess symptoms. It identifies resources for managing symptoms and planning tools to build resilience.
It also provides access to crisis resources, including personal support contacts and ways in which the user can obtain professional health care.
Dr. Micaela Cornis-Pop, speech pathologist and lead subject matter expert for the application, said, “We are looking forward to the Concussion Coach becoming a trusted resource among self-help tools for veterans and others to manage the troubling symptoms of concussion.”
The application came about due to knowledge gained by VA medical staff who were treating TBI.
While combat injuries to service members and injuries to professional athletes gain media attention, TBI is most often caused by falls, vehicle accidents and violence. It is a major cause of death and disability worldwide, especially in children and young adults.
The application is not intended to replace professional diagnosis, medical treatment or rehabilitation therapies for those who need them.
“We believe that Concussion Coach will support treatment with a health care professional by providing portable, convenient tools for the user to recognize symptoms and cope with concussion-related problems,” added Dr. Cornis-Pop.
For details, visit www.polytrauma.va.gov.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: VA develops free 'Concussion Coach' mobile app