Compact brain scanner

A University College London researcher is working on the development of a brain scanner that could revolutionise stroke care.

Ambulance crews would be able to make an immediate assessment of stroke patients using the portable scanner, which would be linked to an on-board computer using Bluetooth wireless technology. The advance would allow life-saving treatment to be given before the patient reaches hospital.

The availability of new clot-busting drugs means that some stroke patients who are treated within three hours of their attack can make a full recovery. However, since strokes may be caused by either a bleed or a blood clot within the brain, doctors need to be absolutely sure of the cause prior to treatment because in some instances administering a clot-busting drug could make the damage worse.

Currently,  the best way to be certain is for the patient to have an MRI or CT scan - which takes valuable time at a point where every second counts in keeping brain damage to a minimum.