New Laser-Based Headset for Brain Blood Flow Monitoring Research at Kaweah Health

VISALIA, CA - Scientists from Caltech and the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California have developed a new laser-based device, the speckle contrast optical spectroscopy (SCOS) headset, to measure blood flow in the brain. Researchers are conducting its first pilot test in a study at Kaweah Health Medical Center, led by neurologist Dr. Richard Pantera.

This noninvasive tool could change how doctors monitor brain health and help diagnose conditions such as strokes or brain injuries. The SCOS headset uses laser light to detect red blood cell movement, allowing real-time blood flow monitoring without invasive procedures.

SCOS is portable, affordable, and easy to use in hospitals, making it accessible for clinical use. Traditional methods such as MRIs or PET scans are expensive and require large equipment, limiting their availability. In contrast, the SCOS headset is compact and does not need special fibers or electrodes, making it more comfortable for patients and simpler to operate.

Using laser light, the SCOS detects how blood cells scatter the light. By analyzing these patterns, doctors can determine blood flow speed, which is essential for understanding brain health. The headset could improve stroke risk assessments, aid recovery monitoring, and help detect early signs of Alzheimer’s disease or brain injuries.

SCOS could be especially helpful in areas with limited medical resources, offering a low-cost way to monitor brain health. Its portability makes it ideal for remote or underserved regions where quick diagnosis and treatment of strokes could save lives.

The SCOS device is still being tested, but if successful, it could become a standard tool in hospitals. Researchers hope this technology will revolutionize how healthcare professionals monitor brain health and improve patient outcomes.

For more information, call the Kaweah Health Office of Research at 559-624-2630 or email researchoffice@kaweahhealth.org.

About Kaweah Health
Kaweah Health is a publicly-owned community healthcare organization that provides comprehensive health services to the greater Visalia region and Tulare County. With more than 5,000 employees and 700 medical staff, Kaweah Health is committed to meeting the community’s health needs through state-of-the-art medicine, high-quality preventive services, and specialized health centers and clinics. For more information, visit KaweahHealth.org or follow Kaweah Health on Facebook, Instagram, or X.

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