Stroke symptom recognition devices and methods

Abstract

Devices and methods for detecting one or more symptoms of stroke, such as motor function deficits and cognitive function deficits. By way of example, not limitation, the present invention provides devices and methods for detecting various forms of hemiparesis, ataxia, aphasia, and/or dysarthria, which may be measured alone or in any combination.

1 . A device for detecting a symptom of stroke of a user, comprising: 
 a user interface for obtaining a user response;    an indicator;    a processor connected to the user interface and the indicator; and    a memory storage device connected to the processor, the memory storage device containing an algorithm executable by the processor, the algorithm defining a preset condition pertaining to the stroke symptom, and the algorithm activating the indicator if the measured response meets the preset condition.    
     
     
         2 . A device as in  claim 1 , wherein the preset condition corresponds to a condition of hemiparesis.  
     
     
         3 . A device as in  claim 1 , wherein the preset condition corresponds to a condition of ataxia.  
     
     
         4 . A device as in  claim 1 , wherein the preset condition corresponds to a condition of aphasia.  
     
     
         5 . A device as in  claim 1 , wherein the preset condition corresponds to a condition of dysarthria.  
     
     
         6 . A device as in  claim 1 , wherein the user interface comprises a right side interface configured to interface with a right side of the user and a left side interface configured to interface with a left side of the user, wherein the left side interface is configured to act independently of the right side interface.  
     
     
         7 . A device as in  claim 6 , wherein the preset condition corresponds to a condition of hemiparesis.  
     
     
         8 . A device as in  claim 6 , wherein the preset condition corresponds to a condition of ataxia.  
     
     
         9 . A method of detecting a symptom of stroke of a user, comprising: 
 providing a detection device including a user interface and an indicator;    receiving a user response via the interface;    measuring the user response; and    activating the indicator if the user response meets a preset condition indicative of the stroke symptom.    
     
     
         10 . A method as in  claim 9  wherein the stroke symptom comprises hemiparesis.  
     
     
         11 . A method as in  claim 10 , wherein the step of receiving a user response comprises receiving a user response from the user's upper extremity.  
     
     
         12 . A method as in  claim 11 , wherein the step of receiving a user response comprises receiving a user response from the user's arm.  
     
     
         13 . A method as in  claim 11 , wherein the step of receiving a user response comprises receiving a user response from the user's hand.  
     
     
         14 . A method as in  claim 9 , wherein the stroke symptom comprises ataxia.  
     
     
         15 . A method as in  claim 9 , wherein the stroke symptom comprises aphasia  
     
     
         16 . A method as in claim,  9  wherein the stroke symptom comprises dysarthria.  
     
     
         17 . A method of detecting a symptom of stroke of a user, comprising: 
 providing a detection device including a right side user interface, a left side user interface, and an indicator;    receiving a right side user response via the right side interface;    receiving a left side user response via the left side interface;    comparing the right side user response to the left side user response; and activating the indicator if the comparison meets a preset condition indicative of the stroke symptom.    
     
     
         18 . A method as in  claim 17 , wherein the preset condition corresponds to a condition of hemiparesis.  
     
     
         19 . A method as in  claim 17 , wherein the preset condition corresponds to a condition of ataxia.