Using portable MRI to assess brain injuries in children after head trauma
Official title: Point-of-Care Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Children with Head Trauma (BRAINCHILD)
Funded at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles · NIH-10950358 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $213,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD116011-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10950358 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0 to 17 who have experienced head trauma and require immediate medical evaluation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not present with head trauma or those who are older than 17 years may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
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
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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.