New Device Combines Diagnostic Abilities of MRI, PET Scans to Detect Brain Injury Quicker

The use of separate MRI and PET scans to detect brain injury could soon be a thing of the past. The National Institutes of Health Clinical Center has begun using a device that combines both MRI and PET scans . The MRI scan can be used to look for abnormalities in the body, while the PET scan gives information about metabolic activity in the abnormality. Doctors can get all the information that they need in just about half the time. This makes diagnosis of a brain injury much quicker, helping doctors begin treatment sooner.

The device is called the Biograph mMR, and researchers expect the device to be used to detect brain disorders, including brain injury and cancer. There are other advantages to the use of the Biograph mMR, compared to traditional MRI and PET scans. For instance, PET scans often use computed tomography technology, which uses radiation. However, the Biograph mMR does not use radiation, thereby sparing patients the side effects of radiation.

Traumatic brain injuries are the most serious injuries that a maritime worker can suffer. The most common cause of maritime brain injuries is fall accidents. These can occur when decks are wet and slippery, or when workers fall from elevated levels or ladders. Employers can help maritime workers prevent brain injuries by providing hard hats, and personal fall protection systems.

A maritime worker with a brain injury can suffer from impaired memory, diminished cognitive functioning, and in the case of a severe brain injury, the loss of ability to perform routine activities. There is no complete cure for traumatic brain injury, and these injuries tend to be debilitating in impact.

The maritime law attorneys at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P., Accident & Injury Lawyers represent persons injured in maritime accidents across Texas and nationwide.