Portable Brain Scanners: Revolutionizing Neurological Diagnostics in the Wake of COVID-19
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 27, 2025 4 hours ago
Thailand Medical Devices: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has reshaped medical priorities worldwide, exposing vulnerabilities in healthcare systems and highlighting the need for innovative diagnostic tools. Among the most alarming discoveries is the virus’s impact on the brain, with emerging evidence suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 variants exhibit enhanced neurotrophic tropism—the ability to invade and affect the nervous system. Coupled with concerns about other pathogens like H5N1, which may also pose neurological risks, there is a growing demand for accessible, rapid, and precise brain imaging technologies. Portable brain scanners, a nascent but rapidly evolving field, are poised to become the next wave in medical devices, offering solutions for timely diagnosis and management of neurological complications. This
Thailand Medical Devices report explores the neurological toll of COVID-19, the role of emerging pathogens, and how biotech and medical device companies are responding with cutting-edge portable brain scanning technologies.
Portable Brain Scanners: Revolutionizing Neurological Diagnostics in the Wake of COVID-19
The Neurological Fallout of COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2 has proven to be more than a respiratory virus. Studies have documented its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), leading to a spectrum of neurological symptoms collectively termed “NeuroCOVID.” Past studies have quantified “brain fog,” reporting a 3- to 9-point IQ drop depending on infection severity, with more severe cases linked to earlier viral strains.
Subsequent variants, such as Delta and Omicron, have shown varying degrees of neurotropism, with some crossing the BBB faster and inducing neuroinflammation—a key driver of cognitive impairment.
The mechanisms are multifaceted. SARS-CoV-2 can invade the brain via the olfactory bulb or nerve terminals, triggering neuroinflammatory responses through cytokine storms and microglial activation. This has led to acute symptoms like anosmia and headaches, as well as long-term issues such as cognitive decline, depression, and increased risk of neurodegenerative disorders. Studies using UK Biobank data found significant grey matter loss and reduced brain size in COVID-19 patients, even in milder cases. Long COVID, defined by the World Health Organization as symptoms persisting for at least two months post-infection, affects up to 20% of patients, with neurological complications like delirium and seizures reported in 59% of severe cases.
Newer SARS-CoV-2 variants, such as Omicron sub-variants, continue to evolve, with some evidence suggesting sustained neurotrophic capabilities. The FDA has noted that diagnostic tests must adapt to these mutations, underscoring the virus’s ongoing challenge. The persistence of neurological sequelae necessitates advanced diagnostic tools to monitor and manage these effects, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Emerging Pathogens and Neurological Risks
Beyond SARS-CoV-
2, other pathogens like H5N1 (avian influenza) are raising concerns. While primarily a respiratory virus, H5N1 has shown neurotropic potential in animal models, with reports of central nervous system involvement. The FDA has been monitoring H5N1 developments, emphasizing the need for diagnostic preparedness. The debut of newere strains of Mpox and the resurgence of pathogens like tuberculosis and malaria, coupled with the potential for zoonotic spillovers, amplifies the risk of neurological complications from infectious diseases. These threats highlight the urgency for versatile diagnostic tools capable of addressing a range of neurological impacts.
The Case for Portable Brain Scanners
Traditional brain imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), are gold standards for neurological diagnostics but are limited by their size, cost, and accessibility. In the context of COVID-19 and emerging pathogens, these limitations are stark. Rural hospitals, field clinics, and even urban facilities strained by pandemics lack the infrastructure for rapid brain imaging. Portable brain scanners address this gap by offering lightweight, cost-effective, and user-friendly alternatives that can be deployed at the point of care.
These devices are critical for several reasons. First, they enable early detection of neurological changes, such as inflammation or grey matter loss, which is vital for timely intervention. Second, their portability allows use in diverse settings—emergency rooms, ambulances, or even patients’ homes—facilitating rapid triage during outbreaks. Third, they support longitudinal monitoring of long COVID patients, helping clinicians track cognitive decline or recovery. Finally, portable scanners can be adapted for use in low-resource settings, democratizing access to advanced diagnostics.
Innovations in Portable Brain Scanning
Several biotech and medical device companies are pioneering portable brain scanners, leveraging technologies like electromagnetic imaging, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), and electroencephalography (EEG). Below are notable examples:
-EMVision’s Bedside Electromagnetic Brain Scanner
EMVision, an Australian company, has developed a portable electromagnetic brain scanner weighing just 11 kg, designed for bedside use and capable of transmitting images from ambulances to stroke specialists. This device uses microwave imaging to differentiate between brain hemorrhage and ischemic stroke—a critical distinction for treatment. Its compact design and ability to operate without the magnetic fields required by MRI make it ideal for emergency settings. EMVision’s scanner is undergoing clinical trials, with potential applications for COVID-19-related neurological assessments.
https://emvision.com.au/
-Kernel’s Flow Helmet
Kernel, a U.S.-based neurotechnology company, has introduced the Kernel Flow, a wearable helmet that uses time-domain functional near-infrared spectroscopy (TD-fNIRS) to measure brain activity. The device is non-invasive, lightweight, and capable of detecting changes in cerebral blood flow, which can indicate neuroinflammation or hypoxia associated with COVID-19. Kernel’s technology is being explored for monitoring long COVID patients and could be adapted for other neurotropic infections.
https://www.kernel.com/
-NeuroPace’s EEG-Based Solutions
NeuroPace, known for its responsive neurostimulation systems, is advancing portable EEG devices that monitor brain electrical activity in real time. These devices are particularly useful for detecting seizures or abnormal brain patterns in COVID-19 patients with neurological complications. Their small size and wireless capabilities make them suitable for home monitoring, reducing the burden on healthcare facilities.
https://www.neuropace.com/patients/
-Ceribell’s Point-of-Care EEG
Ceribell’s portable EEG system is designed for rapid deployment in emergency rooms to diagnose non-convulsive seizures, which have been reported in severe COVID-19 cases. The system uses a disposable headband and cloud-based software to deliver results within minutes, enabling clinicians to make swift treatment decisions. Ceribell’s technology is already in use in U.S. hospitals and is expanding globally.
https://ceribell.com/product/point-of-care-eeg/
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite their promise, portable brain scanners face challenges. Ensuring diagnostic accuracy comparable to MRI or CT is critical, as false negatives could delay treatment. Regulatory hurdles, such as FDA approval or CE marking, require extensive validation studies. Cost remains a barrier, particularly for low-income regions, though economies of scale could drive prices down. Additionally, integrating these devices with telemedicine platforms and artificial intelligence (AI) for real-time analysis is essential for maximizing their impact.
Looking ahead, the convergence of nanotechnology, AI, and wireless technology could enhance portable scanners’ capabilities. For instance, stimuli-responsive nanomaterials could improve sensor sensitivity, enabling detection of subtle neurological changes. AI-supported diagnostics could identify patterns of neuroinflammation or neurodegeneration, guiding personalized treatment. Collaborations between biotech firms, governments, and global health organizations will be crucial to scale these technologies and address global neurological health disparities.
Conclusion
The neurological toll of COVID-19, driven by SARS-CoV-2’s enhanced neurotrophic tropism and compounded by threats like H5N1, underscores the urgent need for innovative diagnostic tools. Portable brain scanners represent a transformative solution, offering rapid, accessible, and precise imaging for neurological complications. Companies like EMVision, Kernel, NeuroPace, and Ceribell are leading the charge, developing devices that promise to reshape how we diagnose and manage brain-related disorders. As these technologies evolve, they hold the potential to not only address the fallout of current pandemics but also prepare us for future neurological challenges, ensuring that no patient is left behind in the quest for timely and effective care.
For the latest on Thailand Medical Devices, please keep on logging to
Thailand Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-infection-causes-long-lasting-memory-loss-by-damaging-brain-region-crucial-for-separating-similar-events
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/sars-cov-2-impacts-brain-s-white-matter-structure-and-emotional-health-in-non-hospitalized-individuals
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/italian-study-finds-that-covid-19-brain-fog-is-due-to-sars-cov-2-infecting-neuronal-cells-and-triggering-tau-protein-phosphorylation-and-aggregation
Share
Tweet
Share
