New Device Detects Brain Bleeds without CT scan

This week, I’ll be discussing a new medical device on the market called the AHEAD 300, developed by BrainScope Inc.  Using an algorithm paired with EEG (electroencephalogram data), this device is able to detect whether or not patients have a brain bleed (McMains and Nelson, 2017).  An EEG is used to measure the electrical activity of the brain. 

Despite being 97% accurate, this device still raises a major concern.  Of the 2.5 million people who show up to the ER with head injuries each year, 75,000 will have a false negative on the test—meaning that the device says they don’t have a brain bleed when, in fact, they do (McMain and Nelson, 2017).  The current standard for detecting a brain bleed is CT scan which can be expensive for patients.  However, The AHEAD 300 should not be seen as a replacement for a CT scan. 

The best use I see for this type of device is as a first line of defense.  Perhaps in small, rural hospitals without a CT machine or during times when a CT scanner is in high demand the AHEAD 300 would be used to quickly screen patients who are suspected of having a head injury.  Then when the CT scanner opens up, or they are transferred to a different hospital, a CT scan would confirm the diagnosis.  A possible use this article recommends is on the sports or battlefield.  Patients could be evaluated quickly and then if they have a brain bleed they could be transported to the hospital rapidly (McMains and Nelson 2017).

McMains, V. and Nelson, L. (April 5^th, 2017). Quickly assessing brain bleeding in head injuries using new device. Retrieved from: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/quickly_assessing_brain_bleeding_in_head_injuries_using_new_device