Using portable MRI to assess brain injuries in children after head trauma
Point-of-Care Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Children with Head Trauma (BRAINCHILD)
This study is looking at a new, safer way to use portable MRI machines to quickly check for brain injuries in kids, instead of using traditional CT scans that involve radiation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hospital of Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10950358 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of point-of-care low-field magnetic resonance imaging (POC LF-MRI) as a safer alternative to traditional CT scans for diagnosing traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in children. By utilizing portable MRI technology, the study aims to provide immediate bedside imaging for critically injured pediatric patients, minimizing their exposure to harmful radiation. The project will assess the accuracy and feasibility of this innovative imaging method in emergency and critical care settings, potentially transforming how head trauma is evaluated in children.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0 to 17 who have experienced head trauma and require immediate medical evaluation.
Not a fit: Patients who do not present with head trauma or those who are older than 17 years may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce radiation exposure for children while improving the accuracy of brain injury diagnoses.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of POC LF-MRI is a novel approach, similar technologies have shown promise in other medical fields, indicating potential for success in this application.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- Children's Hospital of Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chaudhari, Pradip — Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Chaudhari, Pradip
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.