Technology is constantly evolving. But, what if a new form of technology could help save patient lives and improve the outcome of traumatic brain injuries? This scan could ultimately find bleeding in the brain faster – which means that patients would receive treatment quicker and the long-term effects of their TBI could dramatically decrease.
According to a news post in the Medical News Today, a new software is being developed by the University of Aberdeen, and it is funded by the Defense Science and Technology Laboratory’s Centre in the UK. This technology may be able to help battlefield medics create 3D models of soldiers’ brains on location, which can then be sent to an expert for diagnosis. Right now, the technology is in its very early stages of development, but it has already been trialed on real hospital patients throughout the UK to test its viability.
Not Just for Military
While the software is being developed for the military, developers have a bigger picture that they are aiming for. In addition to military use, the software may be used out in the field by paramedics. These first responders could use the head ultrasound to diagnose a brain hemorrhage as the result of trauma or a stroke – which is useful for patients who are remote and will take longer to reach a hospital.
Closed brain injuries, such as internal bleeding from a strike to the head, can cause death or have long-term complications. A person suffering from closed brain injuries could have speed impediments, paralysis, or even behavioral changes. When closed brain injuries are diagnosed and treated quickly, the long-term damage can possibly be prevented.
Even minor head injuries can result in long-term issues. This includes memory problems, anxiety and/or depression, attention deficit, and other mental health issues. Using this new technology, minor head trauma can be accurately diagnosed in the field, and patients can receive treatment the moment when they arrive at the hospital – instead of hours later.
CT or MRI scans are traditionally used to diagnose head trauma, but in the field, a paramedic or battlefield medic does not have access to these large devices. But, an ultrasound device is fairly small and can easily be taken from location-to-location – which means if the software development is successful, mobile diagnosis could become part of the future.
Not a Replacement for Physicians
The technology is more of an aide for physicians receiving patients from the battlefield or from accident sites. Paramedics will need limited training to learn how to interpret the results, and they can notify physicians before they arrive about the brain trauma – so that the trauma is treated the moment when the patient arrives at the hospital. Invisible injuries are dangerous – on and off the battlefield. These injuries often go overlooked, and having a simple way to scan a patient’s brain is critical for more positive outcomes.
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Have you suffered from a TBI due to someone’s negligence? Did your brain injury go undiagnosed and because of that, you suffered long-term injury? Regardless of the cause, you may be entitled to compensation. You will need to explore your options with a Connecticut malpractice attorney first to see if your case qualifies. Contact Berkowitz and Hanna LLC today to schedule a no-obligation case evaluation. Call 866-479-7909 or contact us online to get started.