University of Aberdeen researchers are developing software to create 3-D models of soldiers brains while on location, which is then sent to an expert for immediate diagnosis.
The software is designed to guide a medic with basic ultrasound training to produce as detailed a scan of the brain.
The ultrasound image of the brain is acquired with a movement sensor attached to a probe, used to scan the brain from points on the skull where the bone is thinnest. The probe captures 40 images per second, and the resulting 3-D image can be created from 2,000 individual photos.
Early diagnosis of brain injury could prevent long term damage. The technology could also be used for non-military remote care, to help paramedics diagnose brain hemorrhage as a result of stroke or other causes.