Professors at the University of Illinois are currently investigating the use of tiny sensors that, when placed in the helmets of combat troops, can detect the early warning signs of traumatic brain injury.
The sensors record many changes in the brain such as blood oxygen levels and heart rate. This means that in addition to TBIs, the sensors could pick up more subtle, psychological conditions that could put troops in danger.
This could be good news as individuals who experience TBI may be confused and disoriented, posing a danger to themselves and their comrades. The signals from the sensors could be monitored in real-time, and allow the military to quickly remove at-risk soldiers from the battlefield.
Another benefit of real-time data is the possibility of providing time-sensitive treatments such artificial blood therapy.