Shockbox app detects traumatic brain injuries in student-athletes, sends mobile alerts

(WXYZ) - Each year US emergency departments treat over 170,000 traumatic brain injuries in children and teens. And according to the Centers for Disease Control, early detection can save your student-athlete's life.

A new app called Shockbox boasts the ability to detect when a hit is too hard and alerts parents, coaches and trainers when medical attention is needed.

How does it work?

A small wireless senor , about five inches long, fits snugly inside any helmet and detects G-force impact. It then uses Bluetooth technology to transmit color coded alerts to your mobile device.

Orange signifies an impact of over 50 Gs. Red, over 90.

Shockbox says a single app can pair with over 120 sensors so a coach or trainer can monitor the health of an entire hockey or football team at once.

The app is free and works with iPhone , iPad, Android or Blackberry but the sensor will cost you about $150. It's intended for use with any high-impact sport; from football to snowboarding.

Determining whether or not your athlete has a concussion may seem obvious to some, but the CDC says most occur without loss of consciousness.

This past October, Michigan Senate Bill 1122 was signed into law, requiring the Michigan Department of Community Health to develop educational materials and training for athletes, parents and coaches on concussion-related injuries and treatments.

It also requires coaches to immediately remove an athlete from play if a concussion is suspected and only allow them return with a health professional's written approval.