Learning Objectives: Learn about the 21st Century tools that are currently available to diagnose brain injury status and treat cognitive deficits.

Short Description: The last 20 years of brain research have dramatically increased our understanding of the physiology of neural systems, and in particular, the plasticity of those systems towards recovery of lost function after injury. This presentation briefly reviews brainwave based TBI assessment tools (Evoked Potentials and Quantitative EEG) and discusses recent research into cognitive rehabilitation strategies including cognitive training, cognitive-behavioral training, and neurotraining.

Expected Outcomes: Participants will learn about: 1) the current state of portable brain injury assessment technologies, 2) the differences between averaged Evoked Potential methods and continuous Quantitative EEG methods using Normative Databases, and 3) the latest research into computer-based assessment and brain-training systems and an introduction to assistive external and deep-brain stimulation technologies.

Abstract: Quantitative EEG (QEEG), which is the use of computers and signal-processing algorithms to measure brainwaves, has been used exclusively since the mid-eighties. The first clinical applications came as evoked potentials (EPs) for examining neurophysiology and event-related potentials (ERPs) for measuring neuropsychologic correlates of behavior. These potentials can be used to measure and evaluate cognitive processes like auditory and visual attention and derive a conclusion about the status of that brain system. An example of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) assessment device is described that uses EP/ERP methods to evaluate the likelihood and severity of the TBI. ERP methods suffer from a need for many measurement averages and take too much time. A Normative Database system is described that needs only two-minutes of continuous EEG to also measure the likelihood and severity of mild to moderate TBI.

Cognitive rehabilitation in the 21st century needs to be computer-based, wireless, and web-enabled with capabilities for telelearning as well as telehealth. This presentation discusses the three cognitive training modalities that could be implemented into a telehealth framework and makes recommendations for future studies and technology implementations. An overview of assistive brain stimulation technologies and their applications to mental health will also be provided.

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