Ultrasound is not usually used for brain imaging, but it's showing promise for saving, and greatly improving the quality of, soldiers' lives.

Researchers at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland found a way to use ultrasound to create a 3-D model of the brain at the point-of-care that can be sent to an expert for diagnosis.

“Battlefield medics will not have CT or MRI scanners which are bulky and expensive, but they are likely to have ultrasound equipment already, so it is a case of extending the use of the kit they already have,” Dr. Leila Eadie, a researcher at the university, said in a statement.
The researchers attached movement sensors to an ultrasound probe. The probe captures up to 40 images per second — 2,000 photos are needed to generate the 3-D image of the soldier’s brain.

Software was designed to show the user what has already been scanned and what needs to be scanned. It’s meant to help medics with only basic training in ultrasound generate as detailed a scan of the brain as possible. The completed 3-D image is sent remotely to an expert so they can diagnose the soldier and send the prognosis back to the medic.

Internal bleeding and other “closed” brain injuries caused by explosions or knocks can lead to death or severe long-term damage. Even less-serious head injuries that aren’t treated soon enough can lead to depression, memory issues, attention deficit, and other mental health issues.

However, if the injuries are diagnosed early enough, long-term issues can be prevented by either drilling holes in the skull to relieve pressure or taking medication. On battlefields, “invisible” injuries are often not noticed, so having an easy way to scan the brain is crucial.

The ultrasound technology may also be useful for civilians, particularly those who live far from a hospital. The paramedic can use it to diagnose brain hemorrhages caused by stroke or other conditions.

Even though ultrasound may be useful for diagnosing injuries on the battlefield, other modalities are still needed for further evaluation. Researchers from Thomas Jefferson University, UCLA, University of British Columbia and Amen Clinics published a study in May 2015 that found SPECT imaging could distinguish traumatic brain injury from post-traumatic stress disorder.

In addition, a study published in the journal Radiology in March found that an MR technique called diffusion tensor imaging may be able to predict future outcomes for veterans who experience mild traumatic brain injuries during combat.

The ultrasound technology is still in its early stages of development, but the researchers have trialed it at hospitals to test its viability. The research and development is funded by the UK's Defence Science and Technology Laboratory’s Centre for Defence Enterprise, which is part of the Ministry of Defence.

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