Litigation

Handheld device to test for concussions being developed

By Michael Kaplen

According to a story on ESPN News, a handheld device is being developed that would enable to test for concussions at the scene of an accident. 

The device is being designed by researchers at the Greensboro Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering in North Carolina.

The device that would use a blood, saliva, or urine sample from a person with a suspected head injury. A chip will sense the presence of compounds in the body that the brain releases when it's injured -- a test that could be done quickly on the scene of an accident. An individual with brain injury can appear to be normal at the scene of an accident, so it is important to develop a brain injury screening test. 

It is envisioned that this type of testing can be used on the ski slope, athletic field, battle field or other places where the danger of repeat concussions requires immediate assessment to prevent further brain damage from taking place if the participant is reinjured.

Researchers anticipate having a prototype by the end of 2011. A device may be widely available, following testing and clinical trials, within five years.

The researchers hope their device might be as widely available as automated external defibrillators (AEDs), which were once found only in hospitals but now have a place in many ski patrollers' first aid kids.

Full post as published by Brain Injury News and Information on January 10, 2011 (boomark / email).