Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury

Speak Out! NewsBit . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Helmet Saves Time in Stroke Diagnosis

New Helmet Saves Time in Stroke Diagnosis

Scientists from Chalmers University of Technology, Sahlgrenska Academy, and Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Sweden have presented clinical evidence that a helmet able to generate and analyze microwaves can quickly distinguish the type of stroke. A stroke resulting from a ruptured blood vessel can be differentiated from a stroke caused by a blood vessel blocked by a loose clot. Since clots can be dissolved by therapeutic drugs, treatment of this class of strokes (85% of all strokes) can begin as soon as the diagnosis is made. The helmet has no effect on the other class of strokes. Time is important. Stroke-caused deaths and disabilities are fewer with earlier treatment. The clinical studies on the helmet were done in a hospital, but the helmet is designed for use in the ambulance. (Full story)