Scientists developing system to detect internal bleeding in brain without bulky equipment

Scientists in the UK are developing a system to detect internal bleeding in the brain without the bulky equipment used in hospitals.

Undiagnosed bleeding from head injuries could cause death or brain damage, and presented a risk for patients far from a hospital, such as soldiers injured in a war zone. Diagnosing it, was however, difficult without large MRI and CT scanners.

University of Aberdeen scientists have now developed software for creating a 3D model of the brain using a portable ultrasound scanner already available in hospitals.

The images could then be sent electronically to an expert for swift diagnosis.

The project, which is still at an early stage of development, is funded by the UK's ministry of defence and would help army medics diagnose injured troops in remote locations.

According to the researchers it could also help paramedics attend to civilians during emergencies far from a hospital.

The Daily Mail reported quoting Neal Smith, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory's (DSTL) capability advisor for medical sciences said, "UK Armed Forces operate in many remote locations and where personnel are injured we need to ensure that all conditions can be rapidly and correctly diagnosed to provide the best possible treatment and care,''

The ultrasound image is captured by a movement sensor attached to an ultrasound probe which scans the brain from certain points on the skull where the bone is thinnest.

According to the university, the probe captured up to 40 images per second and the resulting 3D image could be built up from around 2,000 individual photos.

Smith said, "Devices which are lightweight, easy to deploy and easy to use, such as the portable ultrasound scanning support system being developed by the University of Aberdeen, have the potential to enhance our capabilities on operations and enhance patient care," bt.com reported.

Dr Leila Eadie, a researcher at the Centre for Rural Health at the University of Aberdeen, said, "There is a clear need for this technology, as outlined by DSTL. Traumatic brain injury is a big problem for the military, especially because it can be difficult to spot in the field and if left untreated, it can have long-term effects,'' bt.com reported.