We like to use smartphone apps for just about everything these days, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is urgingTrusted Source people to steer clear of those that claim to evaluate, diagnose, or treat head injuries including concussions.
The apps are often marketed to coaches and parents, claiming they are ideal for use during sporting events. But the FDA warns that none of them are approved and they violate the law. As such, they could result in a misdiagnosis and allow a serious injury to go untreated.
The apps enable a user to perform tests via smartphone or tablet to assess changes in memory, vision, concentration, balance, and speech.
“I want to be clear, there are currently no devices to aid in assessing concussion that should be used by consumers on their own,” Dr. Jeffrey Shuren, director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said in a statementTrusted Source.
Source: Healthline
