An IDF soldier who was unconscious for a month after suffering severe head injuries in South Lebanon, surprised doctors by communicating with them and asking for water. This miraculous development was made possible through the use of a new technology called the EyeCon System, developed by Dr. Goded Shahaf and Dr. Danan Baron Shahaf at the Rambam Heath Care Campus. The system uses electrodes to monitor brain waves and eye muscle contractions, allowing unconscious patients to communicate by blinking.
The technology has been successful in helping patients who have been unresponsive due to injury or illness to regain consciousness and communicate with their caregivers. A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine also supported the effectiveness of this technology in identifying conscious patients who may have previously been misdiagnosed as unresponsive.
The EyeCon System allows patients to practice communication independently, with the support of their families. By blinking to indicate yes or no, patients can progress to using a communication board to express more complex messages. This technology has given hope to families of patients who were previously considered beyond recovery, as it enables them to participate in the rehabilitation process and potentially lead to significant improvements in the patient’s condition.
Overall, the EyeCon System has shown promising results in helping patients with reduced levels of consciousness to regain their ability to communicate and potentially improve their overall quality of life.
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