Cocoon

 Largely inspired and driven by my own experiences with Dystonia, one particularly bad episode that had caused a lot of bruising and muscle trauma made me realise that I didn't want to live life like this anymore. 

I reflected on how there was nothing in the market that could help me and what I would benefit from, rather than a slew of medication. Personally, something that would provide cushioning around my body to prevent secondary injury would make my recovery less miserable, painful and drawn out. 

Knowing that my symptoms aren't entirely unique among other movement disorder sufferers, I researched in greater detail the prevalence and pattern of movement disorders in the greater population and worldwide in which to justify and develop a product like Cocoon. 

I found that not only is there a significant projection in the number of movement disorders to increase but it was putting a large strain on our public health services. Both patients and neurologists are struggling as the availability of appointments, expertise or answers aren't there and experts are overextended in their field. What was clear from my initial research that further strengthened my proposal was that 1/5th of hospital admissions can be avoided with the right care in place and as the NHS are biggest procurers of goods and services, they would see the benefit in investing in such a product so patient focus could be redirected.

Currently, in the UK 1 in 6 people are living  with a neurological disorder which is around 16.5 million people, across all ages and genders.  

It is the generally accepted case that an aging population will lead to an increase in neurological and neurodegenerative disorders due to an increase in longevity and the elderly already cost the NHS £2.3 billion across all services due to falls and death related to them. Their age will also be a primary risk factor in the development of neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, so the expectation is, these will increase alongside a host of other conditions. 

• 1 in 6 people in the UK live with a neurological condition.
• 800,000 hospitality admissions every year result from neurological problems
• 1 in 5 deaths is due to a neurological condition
• 1/5th of emergency admissions could be avoided if the right care was in place and this kind of medical intervention would help redirect resources where needed

Dystonia is a complex neurological Movement Disorder which involves involuntary movement and has a high risk for fall and other injuries from which it can take days and weeks to recover. This condition is largely unsupported and there is always the risk of a serious life changing outcome. A single episode can lead to hospitalisation and weeks of recover, impacting work, education and social activities. Research shows that currently there are no specific products in the health sector that offer support or could provide the protection from the injury.

One of the main issues of Dystonia is that the abnormal movements are often violent and repetitive or conversely limited and fixed leading to loss of body control and instability. The onset is also spontaneous and largely unpredictable as the triggers, if any, are not understood. 

During an episode, which may not necessarily follow a fall but might, the abnormal movements will continue until exhausted. This can cause strains and sprains and bruises usually through repeated contact with hard objects but also by striking oneself causing self harm. This cannot be stopped and attempting to do so will make the movements more intense. 

There is little data collected on the lived experience of a neurological disorder sufferer or how individuals are best supported or can support themselves. However, there is data that shows an overlap between conditions and symptoms such as:

• Instability
• Muscle weakness
• Involuntary movements
• Confusion
• Poor Co-ordination
• Stiffness
• Spasms
• Fainting
• Seizures

Personally, I know this can be as damaging to confidence as physical health. There is also the problem that neurological diseases often advance in stages and symptoms change, when events are unpredictable it can have an inhibitory effect on decisions and preplanning and prevention are essential. 

From my own experience it is inevitable that episodes will occur in a public place among strangers ow here there is no privacy or screening. This adds to the discomfort and distress. To the inexperienced eye, the condition may be misunderstood and dismissed as behavioural. and during a particularly severe episode, it may be hard to communicate the need for help. 

Reflecting on these issues points to the need to develop a practical alternative that would shorten recovery time and restore confidence. 

Airbag technology, as featured in Moto GP and equestrian sports, is now capable of measuring a user's state of inertia and can distinguish through a unique algorithm, whether general movement has been detected or if there is now a loss of control and the start of a Dystonic episode. This will trigger deployment of the protective airbag around the user and keep them cushioned until help arrives. In addition,  its system will alert emergency authorities, next of kin and relevant carers.