The microwave helmet “Strokefinder” is able to quickly and accurately diagnose stroke in patients.

Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology, Sahlgrenska Academy and Sahlgrenska University Hospital conducted a study using this microwave helmet on 45 patients. Strokefinder is placed on the patient’s head where it examines brain issue through the use of microwaves. The system then interprets the signals to determine how the stroke was caused.

The researchers discovered that this innovative technique can differentiate between bleeding strokes and clot-induced strokes with a high level of accuracy.

At the same time as the antennas of the helmet transmit signals to the brain, the receiving antennas listen for reflected signals. Microwave scattering and reflections are affected by the brain’s various structures. The received signal’s pattern is interpreted with algorithms, and based on such data, the system is able to differentiate between a bleeding or clot-induced stroke.

Mikael Persson, professor of biomedical engineering at Chalmers University of Technology, is optimistic about how helpful this new helmet will be when diagnosing and initiating treatment of stroke patients while still on the ambulance on route to the hospital.

“The results of this study show that we will be able to increase the number of stroke patients who receive optimal treatment when the instrument makes a diagnosis already in the ambulance. The possibility to rule out bleeding already in the ambulance is a major achievement that will be of great benefit in acute stroke care. Equally exciting is the potential application in trauma care,” said Persson in a statement.

A new product has been developed, based on the findings of this research. Continued research will be conducted in a number of countries across the globe.