Somewhat bigger than an iPod, the battery-operated, completely mobile BrainScope NT-1000 – first in a series of brain-state assessment devices from BrainScope – provides immediate, actionable information to drive timely medical intervention in many cases of brain dysfunction, such as stroke or concussion.

It can be used by physicians and nurses, EMTs, military medics and other first responders as well as others with appropriate training to provide front-line assessment of brain function.

Non-invasive and painless, the BrainScope collects spontaneous and evoked brain electrical activity data through sensors attached to a disposable headset containing electrodes placed on the forehead. It analyzes the data and delivers a clear assessment of brain function within a few minutes, with accuracy levels ranging from 95% to over 99%, depending on the specific application.

The BrainScope NT-1000 is currently in clinical trials in emergency departments at three leading hospitals: NYU, Case-Western Reserve in Cleveland and Washington University in St. Louis, with six additional hospital trial sites expected to be added by March 2008.

The BrainScope is not intended to provide a definitive diagnosis, but to help identify the need for further examination and/or treatment of a patient. In the field, it can help determine whether an injured person should be transported for emergency treatment; in the emergency department, it can assist in making triage decisions. And it can help a doctor decide on appropriate next steps for a patient.

Imaging, genetic markers and other current techniques, along with full neurological work-ups, will continue to play their key roles in the diagnosis and treatment of brain injuries and illnesses.

Products in the BrainScope Pipeline

Future BrainScopes will not only detect abnormal brain function, but also distinguish mild from severe concussions and types of stroke, and identify Alzheimer’s/dementia, depression, seizure and other functional impairments.

The Company is also now working on applications that will help diagnose ADD, autism and related conditions, encephalopathy, and drug overdose, among other conditions.

This product is not available for sale and is pending FDA clearance.