Second Derivative

Second Derivative is a wireless, wearable device designed to identify and help quantify potentially threatening head impacts. Sensors are placed on the head and neck to record relative motion. Data can be sent to analytic software in real time. This system is designed to be used in conjunction with the Neurotriage System to determine if a head impact has resulted in a change in neurological status. The data can be used to determine which types of impacts result in neurological impairments, with the overall goal of improving the health and safety of all athletes.

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Here Is How It Works

Second Derivative is a component of the two-part Neurotriage System and includes miniaturized sensors, which measure acceleration or deceleration on a circuit board with a TI MSP430™ processor and a small battery. Placed in a headband on the player’s temple and on the back of the neck, the sensor system measures how the player’s head moves in relation to the body when the player experiences physical contact.

When the sensor system detects an impact that could potentially result in reduced brain performance, the player is pulled to the sideline and looks into high-tech packed Neurotriage goggles. These goggles quantify eye movement patterns and balance to determine how serious the level of impairment may be.