It is a common occurrence in today’s emergency departments to order a head CT scan. The medicolegal consequence and guilt of missing a brain hemorrhage or other major head injury can be difficult to overcome for a provider. It is also a common image ordered after a concussion. What if we could perform a test after a head injury that could spare a patient from being exposed to the radiation from a CT scan? What if there was a test that could be performed in athletes to help predict the severity of a head injury or concussion which could help establish a baseline to build off of? Well, the team at Brainscope did just that (BrainScope).

The Brainscope team has created an FDA cleared device that is used to accurately and rapidly assess traumatic brain injury cases in under 20 minutes. Using this tool (in the form of a headset the patient wears) in select cases helps a provider spare the patient of a head CT scan if they meet certain criteria. To my understanding, the device uses a mix of AI and EEG data during its analysis.

This device is especially useful for concussions which is just one of the potential uses. The BrainScope Concussion Index helps aid in obtaining a baseline from a concussion which can also be used to follow the recovery process. In my opinion, this device would be very useful in today’s practice medically by helping improve care including reducing exposure to CT imaging radiation. Looking to the future, utilizing more technology like BrainScope will provide additional tools to help improve patient outcomes and provide quality care.

Please note that Brainscope was not involved in the creation of this article, and BrainScope is the property of Brainscope Company Inc.

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