Early detection of life-threatening intracranial haemorrhage using a portable near-infrared spectroscopy device

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in the Monitoring of Adult Traumatic Brain Injury: A Review

“…The presence of hematomas has such a profound effect on NIRS-derived rSO 2 readings that this perturbation itself has been exploited to demonstrate the presence of intracranial haematomas. 17,18 In addition, individuals who sustain a significant intracranial injury frequently have significant concurrent extracranial injuries. The systemic stress placed on an individual with such complex injuries has a profound effect on the quality of perfusion and oxygen consumption in the extracranial tissues (skin, scalp) and, therefore, the sophistication of differential algorithms employed by NIRS devices in such situations become all the more important.…”

“…Unfortunately, as with many other monitoring modalities within the field of brain injury medicine, there is very limited evidence to support the ability of NIRS to predict outcome after injury. Although frequently referred to in limited clinical investigations, [17][18][19][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37] no substantial prospective investigation provides useful information regarding how NIRS parameters can be used to predict the eventual impact of a particular injury. This in particular provides an opportunity for very meaningful investigations to be undertaken in the future.…”

Neuroimaging of Hemorrhage and Vascular Defects

“…Several additional neuroimaging techniques, including diffusion tensor imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and near infrared spectroscopy, have shown immense potential [19]. Near infrared spectroscopy can potentially identify subdural and epidural hematomas in the field or at the bedside in patients with head trauma [49,50]. Diffusion tensor imaging, by utilizing its property of visualizing white matter tracts, can be very helpful to understand the potential of motor recovery through the assessment of the integrity of the corticospinal tract in the acute, subacute, and chronic stages of intraparenchymal hemorrhage [51].…”

Prehospital Triage and Emergency Room Care in TBI

“…The NIR device demonstrated sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 90.7% in detecting intracranial hematomas larger than 3.5 ml in volume and less than 2.5 cm from the surface [73]. Previous studies reported higher sensitivities [74,75]. The device can be used to supplement clinical information, but it is prudent to be aware that the NIR device is limited to detecting other traumatic processes such as diffuse axonal injury or cerebral edema.…”