The Problem with Current Stroke Detection Methods
Once a patient is experiencing stroke symptoms, typically a CT (more commonly used) or MRI scan is performed at a hospital in order to confirm if a stroke is occuring. These procedures can take half an hour to an hour to perform. This also does not factor in the time waiting to get a scan and having the results be interpreted, which adds additional hours to an already time-sensitive issue. Both procedures can also be costly. Furthermore, there are instances where CT scans may not be able pick up on stroke features if it was performed earlier on from the onset of stroke symptoms.
Another device that can be used is an electroencephalogram (EEG). While EEG has strong potential, standard EEG devices are difficult and timely to set up on a patient.
There is a need for a device that can quickly detect strokes at any time and any where, at an affordable price.