Summary
Researchers are testing a new "swimming cap" device that uses light and ultrasound to monitor newborns' brains. This cap aims to help detect issues earlier, potentially improving care for conditions like cerebral palsy and epilepsy. It may become available in UK hospitals within ten years.
Key Facts
- The "swimming cap" device uses light and ultrasound to track brain activity in newborns.
- It is the first technology of its kind to be tested for this purpose.
- The cap can help diagnose brain-related conditions, like epilepsy and cerebral palsy, earlier.
- It provides a more detailed brain scan than traditional imaging methods like MRI.
- The cap is portable, allowing it to be used regularly and comfortably on infants.
- Current brain injury monitoring methods struggle to predict long-term effects accurately.
- The new technology could speed up interventions and therapy for brain-injured babies.
- The cap can be used for frequent scans without taking babies to a separate room for imaging.
