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One of the key steps in treating strokes is to identify the type of stroke. Despite knowing that this step is vital, it still takes doctors some time to correctly diagnose the problem and treat it accordingly. Now, according to Swedish scientists, the period of time between the onset of a stroke and detection can be cut down significantly. The scientists have created a microwave helmet dubbed the Strokefinder that can inform doctors whether or not there is a bleed or a clot in the brain.

"We realized that when you change the brain it changes the wave patterns from mobile phones going through the brain, and we looked into the possibility that these wave patterns could detect brain trauma," biomedical engineer and Strokefinder designer Mikael Persson told Shots according to NPR.

In early trials, the researchers from Chalmers University of Technology, Sahlgrenska Academy and Sahlgrenska University Hospital tested the microwave helmet on 45 patients and so far, the results were promising. The microwave helmet exists in the form of a wearable cap. When placed onto the head, the helmet uses microwave signals that bounce off of the brain. The signals then tell the researchers what is happening inside of the brain.

The team reported that early tests found that the helmet was quite accurate in detecting a hemorrhagic stroke, which is caused by a bleed from an ischemic stroke, caused by a clot. Since the first prototype that was made from a refashioned bicycle helmet, the researchers had created a customized helmet that can fit a wider range of skull sizes and shapes. The team stated that their goal is to create the cap in the form of a pillow so that patients can rest their heads on something soft.

"The possibility to rule out bleeding already in the ambulance is a major achievement that will be of great benefit in acute stroke care," Persson said reported by BBC News.

With more testing, the researchers hope that the Strokefinder can be a useful tool in the future.