ICMR Introduces ‘CEREBO’ to Diagnose Brain Injury

Brain Injury Latest News

• ICMR has launched CEREBO, an indigenous portable device for rapid, radiation-free diagnosis of traumatic brain injuries, aiming to improve emergency and rural healthcare access.

Introduction

• India records one of the world’s highest incidences of head injuries, with more than 100,000 deaths annually and over a million serious injuries. 
• Timely diagnosis of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) is critical, as nearly half of the fatalities occur within the first two hours. 
• However, advanced diagnostic tools like CT (Computed Tomography) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) remain inaccessible in many rural and emergency settings. 
• Addressing this gap, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has introduced CEREBO, an indigenous, portable, and non-invasive diagnostic tool that can revolutionise TBI care in India.

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About the CEREBO Device

• CEREBO is a handheld diagnostic device developed using near-infrared spectroscopy combined with machine learning algorithms. It is:
  • Radiation-free and safe for infants and pregnant women.
  • User-friendly, operable by paramedical staff or unskilled personnel after just 30 minutes of training.
  • Efficient, capable of detecting intracranial bleeding and oedema in under a minute.
  • Cost-effective, eliminating the need for expensive imaging infrastructure.
• The device provides colour-coded results that enable quick triage and decision-making in critical situations.

Development and Collaboration

• CEREBO is a product of collaboration between ICMR, the Medical Device and Diagnostics Mission Secretariat (MDMS), AIIMS Bhopal, NIMHANS Bengaluru, and Bioscan Research. It has undergone:
  • Clinical validation and regulatory approvals.
  • Multi-centre performance trials supported by ICMR’s mPRiDE scheme.
  • Feasibility studies at trauma and neurosurgical centres to test diagnostic accuracy and integration in emergency care pathways.
• This groundwork ensures that CEREBO is ready for widespread deployment in hospitals, ambulances, rural clinics, and disaster response units.

Significance for Healthcare

• CEREBO addresses multiple challenges in brain injury diagnosis:
  • Accessibility Gap – Rural and semi-urban regions often lack CT/MRI facilities, delaying critical care.
  • Affordability – CT and MRI scans are expensive and require trained personnel; CEREBO reduces costs significantly.
  • Speed and Precision – Immediate diagnosis improves survival rates and reduces disability.
  • Emergency Deployment – Designed for ambulances and trauma centres, the tool strengthens India’s disaster and military healthcare response.
• By offering an indigenous alternative, India also reduces dependence on imported diagnostic equipment.

Public Health Impact

• According to the Indian Head Injury Foundation, nearly 50% of TBI-related deaths happen within two hours of injury. 
• Often, secondary brain damage caused by bleeding and swelling progresses during this window. Early detection through CEREBO can:
  • Reduce mortality rates.
  • Improve recovery outcomes.
  • Lower the long-term disability burden on patients and families.
• The device also aligns with India’s goal of affordable healthcare access and complements emergency medical services in high-risk areas like highways, rural belts, and conflict-prone regions.

Future Outlook

• ICMR is seeking support from State governments to integrate CEREBO into tertiary care systems. The aim is to:
  • Accelerate access to CT/MRI scans where needed.
  • Optimise patient triage in overcrowded trauma wards.
  • Reduce overall imaging costs.
  • Scale up adoption in military, emergency, and global healthcare systems.
• If widely adopted, CEREBO could serve as a global model for low-cost TBI diagnosis, particularly in developing countries facing similar healthcare challenges.

Source : TH