Brain wave tracking may spot hidden damage after head injury

This study tested whether special electrodes placed on the brain can detect spreading depolarizations—waves of electrical activity that can signal new damage—in patients with severe head trauma or brain bleeding. Twenty participants in intensive care were monitored to see if the recordings were clear enough to use. The goal was to see if this technique is safe and feasible in a non-expert hospital, as a first step toward using it to guide treatment.