Introduction:
WAVi (wavimed.com) is a company that specializes in the development and implementation of evoked potentials technology for the assessment of brain function. Evoked potentials are a type of electrical brain activity that can be measured in response to a specific stimulus, such as a sound or light. They provide a way for doctors to assess the function of different parts of the brain and identify abnormalities that may be associated with various neurological conditions, including concussion, prolonged concussion, and Alzheimer's disease.
Applications in Concussion and Prolonged Concussion:
Concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that results from a blow to the head or body. It can cause a wide range of symptoms, including headache, dizziness, fatigue, and cognitive and behavioral changes. In some cases, these symptoms can persist for an extended period of time, leading to a condition known as prolonged concussion. Evoked potentials can play an important role in the diagnosis and management of concussion and prolonged concussion.
WAVi's technology can be used to perform auditory evoked potentials (AEPs), which measure the electrical activity in response to a sound. AEPs can be used to evaluate the function of the auditory pathways and the brainstem, which are important for hearing and balance. In patients with concussion and prolonged concussion, changes in AEPs have been shown to reflect damage to these pathways, which can result in hearing loss and balance problems (1). By using AEPs, doctors can identify and monitor these changes and make informed decisions about treatment.
Applications in Alzheimer's Disease:
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by memory loss, disorientation, and a decline in other cognitive and behavioral functions. Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is critical for effective management and treatment. Evoked potentials can play an important role in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
WAVi's technology can be used to perform visual evoked potentials (VEPs), which measure the electrical activity in response to a visual stimulus. VEPs can be used to evaluate the function of the visual pathways and the occipital lobe, which are important for vision. In patients with Alzheimer's disease, changes in VEPs have been shown to reflect damage to these pathways, which can result in visual disturbances (2). By using VEPs, doctors can identify and monitor these changes and make informed decisions about treatment.
Conclusion:
WAVi's technology provides a valuable tool for the assessment of brain function in patients with concussion, prolonged concussion, and Alzheimer's disease. By using evoked potentials to evaluate the function of different parts of the brain, doctors can gain important information about the underlying mechanisms of these conditions and make informed decisions about treatment. WAVi's technology has the potential to improve the diagnosis and management of these conditions, and provide patients with a better quality of life.
References:
Kujawa SG, Liberman MC. Adding insult to injury: cochlear nerve degeneration after "temporary" loud noise. J Neurosci. 2006 Oct 4;26(40):10370-7.
Jeong JH, Kim JY, Lee YJ, et al. Visual evoked potential changes in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Clin Neurophysiol. 2006 Nov;117(11):2349-57.