Rapid Objective Evaluation of Mild Head Injury in the ED Using EEG-Based Biomarkers

Computerized Tomography (CT) scan remains the standard of care for evaluating traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the Emergency Department (ED). Studies have reported that over 85% of head-injured patients receive CT scans in the ED, yet 91% of these scans are found to be negative. Not only does this practice expose these patients unnecessarily to radiation, but it also increases the use of this resource and lengthens throughput times in the ED. In addition, patients found to be CT negative are most often discharged without evaluation or referral for concussion. There is a great need for the integration of reliable, objective predictors of intracranial injury in the mild head injured population.

Dr. Marleine Clay examines the current challenges facing EDs today in assessing the mild head injured population and the impact BrainScope’s EEG-based biomarkers can have on improving care pathways and patient satisfaction. Prior to implementing BrainScope at INOVA Fairfax, Dr. Clay conducted a study to determine utilization, staff assessment, and patient experience of the BrainScope technology in daily use. Dr. Clay will review the results of the INOVA trial, which were overwhelmingly positive.