A more accurate method to detect and diagnose Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic Brain Injuries

People who sustain blunt force trauma to their heads often suffer TBIs, which can range from mild or moderate injuries to severe and debilitating conditions. According to the California Department of Mental Health, around 1.4 million people suffer TBIs in the U.S. annually. This results in about 1.1 million emergency room visits, 235,000 hospitalizations and 50,000 deaths each year. Of the 29,354 patients hospitalized for TBIs in California in 2007, 7 percent died and 25 percent were transferred to receive more specialized medical care.

Advanced Imaging Scanner Study

An advanced imaging scanner that had been used to research epilepsy, strokes and severe brain disorder may now offer new help to doctors in diagnosing and treating TBIs. The scanner employs non-invasive magnetoencephalography (MEG) technology to record and create detailed images of brain activity. A recent study conducted by the Veterans Affairs in conjunction with military and university researchers found that this scanner accurately identified mild to moderate cases of TBI in 55 military and civilian patients.

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