Stroke detection for anyone and anywhere

The news

Researchers at the University of Genoa have now unveiled a prototype that can detect strokes using electromagnetic waves, rather than relying on ultrasound like previous models. Read more on IEEE Spectrum.

Why it matters

The earlier a stroke patient is treated, the greater his or her chances of recovery. Diagnosis and treatment within the first hour is therefore paramount. Given this narrow window of action, researchers are developing wearable smart helmets that can detect, diagnose, and monitor stroke patients while they are being transported to the hospital.

Although the prototype is not yet fully developed, the technology holds great potential. EM-based systems can be built to be more compact, portable, and less expensive than current ultrasound devices. This could make them suitable for use in ambulances or at home with high-risk patients. In addition, ultrasound typically requires trained personnel to interpret the images correctly. This appears to be less of a problem with EM-based units. 

The bigger picture

Innovation has always been about industrializing breakthroughs, however minor they may be, to make them available to the masses. Gradual and incremental technological improvements will hopefully ensure EM-based devices can be used by many in the future. The past shows us how this could play out.

Consider the first portable defibrillator, developed by Frank Pantridge. His first unit from 1965 weighed 70 kg. By 1968, however, he had already developed an instrument weighing only 3 kg. Today's automated external defibrillators require minimal training to use, saving thousands of lives each year. We hope to write similarly about mobile stroke detection devices in the near future.