Researchers at Simon Fraser University and Surrey Memorial Hospital have revealed new gear that could revolutionize how we diagnose and deal with concussions.
An inexpensive, pocket-sized device – the first of its kind in the world – can scan your brain and send a diagnosis, within minutes, to a computer or smart phone.
“These are basically technologies that I often compare to a home blood pressure cuff, except it is for your brain.” says SFU neuroscientist Ryan D’Arcy.
Like blood pressure, researchers know enough about brain activity to develop a standard of what a “normal” brain looks like.
This device can read a brain’s activity and compare it to the norm using EEG, or brainwave technology.
It comes in an easily understandable score, and from your smartphone, you can send it to anyone you want.
Researchers hope that in the not so distant future, these portable brain scans will be placed in every hockey rink, at every soccer field and in every care home.
The goal would be to diagnose concussions, dementia and seizures with more accuracy.
And when it gets to market the developers say it design will be a lot more sleek, possibly in the form of a wearable hat or a cap.
Watch: SFU researchers demo the new gadget
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