Portable Neuro-Assessment Device for Rapid Brain Signal Triage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neurological assessment tools lack the capability for real-time, functional brain state evaluation at the point-of-care, particularly in emergency settings, due to their size, cost, and requirement for specialized personnel, making them ineffective for timely intervention in acute brain trauma cases.
Innovation Solution
A portable device using up to eight disposable neurological electrodes and a handheld base unit with a digital signal processor for acquiring and processing brain electrical signals, performing automatic artifact removal, discriminant-based classification, and providing a statistical probability index of normal or abnormal brain activity, enabling rapid neurological triage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CT scan or MRI is used for brain imaging, then anatomical structure can be visualized, but functional brain information is not provided and the devices are not field-deployable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical imaging systems (CT scanners, MRI machines) with an electrical field-based detection system using EEG electrodes. This substitution enables functional brain assessment through electrical signal detection rather than anatomical imaging, making the system portable and field-deployable while providing real-time functional information about brain states such as concussion, seizure, and coma.
2Measurement precision
If functional MRI is used to assess brain metabolism, then metabolic function information is obtained, but electrochemical process information is limited and the device is not portable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the power-intensive fMRI system with a low-power EEG-based detection system. By measuring electrical potentials directly from the scalp using electrodes, the system obtains real-time information about electrochemical brain processes without requiring the high energy consumption of MRI scanners, enabling portable deployment.
3Measurement precision
If standard EEG equipment is used for brain signal acquisition, then brain electrical signals can be measured, but the equipment is complex, requires skilled technicians, and is not portable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential brain signal measurement function from complex traditional EEG equipment. By using a simplified electrode cap with few electrodes and processing signals through a portable device with automated algorithms, the system removes unnecessary complexity while maintaining measurement capability, enabling use by non-specialists in field settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device incorporates automated signal processing algorithms that automatically detect and classify brain states without requiring skilled technicians for manual analysis. The system performs self-diagnosis by comparing measured signals against reference databases, eliminating the need for expert interpretation and simplifying operation.
4Measurement precision
If comprehensive neurological assessment is performed using multiple tests, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases and patient condition may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device performs multiple neurological assessment functions simultaneously through a single integrated system. It can detect various brain states (concussion, seizure, coma, TBI) using the same EEG measurement platform, providing comprehensive diagnostic information in one rapid assessment rather than requiring multiple separate tests.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically processes and interprets brain signals using embedded algorithms that compare measurements against reference databases. This automated self-diagnosis eliminates the need for time-consuming manual analysis by specialists, providing rapid results while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates immediate and accurate neurological triage, allowing for timely intervention and resource optimization in emergency settings, such as emergency rooms and remote locations, by providing a rapid and reliable assessment of brain electrical signals.
Implementation Method 1
a first plurality of neurological electrodes to be placed on a patient's scalp and forehead for acquiring brain electrical signals
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A method and apparatus for providing an objective assessment of the neurological state of a patient using a field-portable neuro-assessment device is described. The method includes placing an electrode set on the patient's head, acquiring spontaneous brain electrical signals and evoked potential signals from the patient through the electrode set, processing the signals using a handheld base unit, and displaying a result indicating the probability of the patient's neurological signal being normal or abnormal. The neuro-assessment device allows for a rapid, on-site neurological evaluation by an emergency medical technician, triage nurse, or any other medical personnel to identify patients with neurological disorders who may require immediate medical attention.