A group of scientists hailing from Amsterdam has unveiled a unique brain-wave cap, resembling a swimmer's cap, designed to detect strokes while patients are en route in ambulances. This groundbreaking technology promises early detection and expeditious access to the necessary treatment for stroke patients.
(Photo : Amsterdam UMC)
A special brain-wave cap can diagnose stroke in the ambulance, allowing the patient to receive appropriate treatment faster.
In Ambulance Stroke Diagnosis
Termed "StrokePointer" by the team at Amsterdam UMC, this cap facilitates an EEG (electroencephalogram) - a test akin to measuring brain waves.
Interesting Engineering reported that the EEG reveals the presence of an ischemic stroke, a condition arising when brain tissue experiences an oxygen shortage due to a blockage in blood supply to that specific area of the brain.
The urgency lies in the fact that brain cells start deteriorating within minutes of a stroke onset, underscoring the critical importance of swift treatment in preserving the patient's life.
The cutting-edge cap not only identifies the presence of a blocked cerebral blood vessel but also discerns whether it's of a substantial or minor nature. This distinction carries immense significance as it dictates the subsequent steps undertaken by the ambulance attendant or doctor.
Efficacy of Brain-Wave Cap
The official press release clarifies that when faced with a small ischemic stroke, the patient is administered a blood-thinning treatment, whereas a large stroke calls for immediate surgical intervention to remove the blood clot.
As per EurekAlert!, this distinction in care proves invaluable as it ensures that the ambulance is directed to the most suitable hospital without delay.
The efficacy of this smart brain-wave cap was put to the test through a comprehensive study conducted between 2018 and 2022. The researchers conducted trials across a dozen Dutch ambulances, collecting data from nearly 400 patients.
Based on their findings, they are resolutely confident in asserting that the cap can accurately identify patients with a significant ischemic stroke, marking a transformative leap in emergency stroke care.
Time is of the essence in stroke cases, where every moment can significantly impact the patient's outcome. According to Coutinho, rapid and precise diagnosis in the ambulance can be a game-changer, allowing patients to be swiftly directed to the most suitable hospital and potentially saving valuable time.
Occuring Strokes Per Year
Globally, over 7.6 million new ischemic strokes occur each year, as revealed by the 2022 Global Stroke Fact Sheet, with more than 62% of all stroke incidents being of the ischemic type.
Currently, over 50% of patients suffering from extensive ischemic strokes are initially taken to hospitals unequipped for endovascular treatment, necessitating additional transfers.
Also Read: Smartphone App Helps Researchers to Detect Early Signs of Stroke
In tandem, TrainecT is developing an artificial intelligence system to gather a more comprehensive set of measurements, paving the way for an improved algorithm to recognize extensive ischemic strokes during ambulance transportation.
TrainecT's dedicated effort is showcased on their website, where they tout the meticulous training of their algorithm using the world's largest pre-hospital EEG database to diagnose large vessel occlusion (LVO) strokes among patients with suspected acute strokes.
This groundbreaking research has received a 4-million-euro grant from the Dutch Heart Foundation, with the primary aim of expediting ischemic stroke treatment.
Related Article: Researchers Use Machine Learning Model for Accurate Prediction of Strokes
