Handheld device quickly detects traumatic brain injury

In traumatic brain injuries, minutes matter. Quick detection and treatment can prevent permanent brain damage and save lives. Researchers at the U.S. National Institutes of Health have developed a new hand-held device that detects hematomas using near-infrared imaging. The new device could be used to rapidly screen head injury patients before using expensive or busy CT or MRI machines. Because the device is small and portable, it could even be used at the scene of an accident, outpatient clinic or any place that traditional imaging techniques are not available.