In a recent [blog post](https://cmglaw.com/Blog/2017/04/Virtual-Reality-In-The-Hospital), we discussed the ways in which virtual reality (VR) and other electronic devices are being used to help treat patients with various medical problems. Not mentioned in that blog was that several studies have investigated the use of a Nintendo Wii balance board for treating brain-injured patients.

In a new study, VR is now being used to diagnose head injuries. Researchers at the University of Birmingham and the University of East Anglia in England conducted trials to evaluate the use of a VR headset to detect subtle neurological changes that can help assess concussions.

Certainly there is a current emphasis on head injuries in football in the U.S that is comparable to the emphasis in Europe on head injuries in soccer. Collision at the goal and “heading” a soccer ball have been known to cause head injuries. In the study, players wore the headset while standing on a balance board and following directions. The inability to comply with some directions helped detect subtle neurological problems.

This particular study was hampered because of the need to connect the VR device to a computer terminal. It is thought that future research may use a mobile VR headset, such as Google Cardboard or Samsung Gear VR.

The use of immersive VR for concussion diagnosis remains an area that has only had limited research to date. But it is likely that, as preliminary results are reported, more researchers will focus on it. The interaction between medicine and electronics is developing rapidly, and it is likely that many new studies will focus on both the diagnostic and treatment potentials of electronic devices.