Another groundbreaking tool helping deliver better care for concussions is NeuroFlex, created by McGill University professor emerita Mimi Galiana. Galiana co-founded Montreal-based Saccade Analytics in 2016 with her daughter, Isabel Galiana, BSc 98, who serves as CEO of the company.
In March 2021, World Rugby announced that Saccade Analytics’ eye-tracking technology will be trialled to assist with the detection of concussions in the sport. Other clients also include the Montreal Canadiens, whose superstar netminder Carey Price suffered a concussion in an April 2021 game against the Edmonton Oilers, following a bump by Oilers forward Alex Chiasson.
A former professional volleyball player who also played for the Concordia Stingers, Galiana says NeuroFlex enables clinicians and therapists to objectively assess and manage concussions and vestibular disorders by leveraging eye-tracking in virtual reality. NeuroFlex is currently used commercially across Canada and Australia for both diagnostic support and rehabilitation, but Saccade Analytics remains committed to its research and development roots.
“We are currently doing a clinical trial with the Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital that compares our results to functional MRI on concussed individuals,” Galiana says. “Functional MRIs are kind of the gold standard for concussion diagnosis, and our goal is to see just how close we can get to be able to say that we can diagnose a concussion.”
As Concordians continue to advance treatment and research in the field of concussions and TBI, athletes can also protect themselves and help prevent concussions with proper training.
“The key is anticipation,” says Demers, who was part of the medical team at the Vancouver Olympic Games and at two Canada Games. “You have to make sure that your brain is always sharp. Because if your brain is slow before a game, then your reaction time will be slow.
“You also have to get a good night’s rest. Eat well. You have to have healthy life hygiene so that you’re always 100 per cent. And invest in your core: good posture, good stabilizers in your neck. You need to be fit and you need to be strong. And just because you’re wearing a helmet, it doesn’t mean you’re safe.”
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