Experimental Device Detects Subtle Brain Injury Immediately After Concussion
Researchers at NYU School of Medicine have developed a handheld device that can detect subtle brain damage immediately after concussion. The sophisticated yet simple-to-operate device may prove especially useful on the battlefield and the football field, enabling brain damage to be detected almost immediately after mild head injuries. Such damage is often overlooked or misdiagnosed, even with an advanced imaging technique like computed tomography (CT). The device is called BrainScope and is based on the studies of the Brain Research Laboratories (BRL) at NYU School of Medicine. BrainScope consists of an adhesive strip, containing six electrodes, which are connected to a mini-computer that resembles an oversized iPod. After a suspected head injury, an electrode strip is affixed to the patient’s forehead. Within minutes, BrainScope’s color display indicates whether any of the patient’s brain functions deviate from normal. The device is intended to be used as a triage instrument in a variety of settings, including battlefields, sporting events, emergency rooms and clinics.
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