Updated on: 11/7/2019
A handheld device was invented to detect brain injuries such as hematomas. When concussions happen or serious brain injuries, reacting quickly can make all of the difference. This tool is intended to do just that.
The device works by detecting when blood vessels become damaged and blood seeps out into surrounding tissues, which is what can cause serious injuries and damage.
Traumatic brain injury patients can use this device to detect brain injury before CT scan or MRI imaging. This would be specifically used in situations where it is not accessible to get the patient to a hospital, such as on a playing field or scene of an accident.
Brain injuries have become very common in the U.S., many of which are a result of a concussion from sports that were never properly taken care of. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that at least 5.3 million Americans, approximately 2% of the U.S. population, currently have a long-term or lifelong need for help to perform activities of daily living as a result of TBI.
Also, TBI contributes to a substantial number of deaths and cases of permanent disability annually. The new law in the state of Washington will take important first steps in providing some funding of services. More importantly, it will organize (for the first time) a Strategic Partnership Advisory Council to identify gaps in services and how to fix it so that effective treatment and services are provided to those struggling with TBI and its aftermath.