Aimed at reducing mortality and disabilities caused by traumatic brain injuries (TBI), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has introduced CEREBO, a portable, non-invasive brain injury diagnostic device. The tool is particularly valuable in rural areas where access to CT (computerised tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans remains limited or delayed.
The ICMR is now urging State governments to adopt this indigenous, low-cost technology to strengthen emergency and trauma care.
Safe, Simple, and Accessible
CEREBO, built on advanced near-infrared spectroscopy technology and powered by machine learning, is safe for use even on infants and pregnant women. It requires only 30 minutes of training, allowing paramedical staff and even unskilled personnel to operate it effectively.
Faster and More Reliable Diagnosis
“TBI is a significant public health challenge, particularly in emergency settings. Traditional methods, such as the Glasgow Coma Scale, are prone to errors and subjective interpretations, while imaging techniques demand specialised infrastructure and are cost-intensive,” explained Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General of ICMR.
He added that CEREBO can detect intracranial bleeding and edema in less than a minute. It provides colour-coded, radiation-free, and cost-effective results, making it highly suitable for rapid triage.
Designed for Emergency Deployment
According to Dr. Bahl, the device has been designed for deployment in ambulances, trauma centres, rural clinics, and disaster response units. “It enhances early TBI detection and significantly improves patient outcomes,” he said.
Strong Collaborative Development
CEREBO was developed through a collaboration involving ICMR, the Medical Device and Diagnostics Mission Secretariat (MDMS), AIIMS Bhopal, NIMHANS Bengaluru, and Bioscan Research. The device has already undergone clinical validation, regulatory approvals, and feasibility studies. These steps pave the way for its global adoption in emergency and military healthcare systems.
Evidence-Based Validation
The Hindu reported that the ICMR highlighted multi-centre clinical performance evaluations and utility trials. These trials, supported by the ICMR-MDMS’s mPRiDE scheme, were conducted across leading trauma and neurosurgical centres. These studies generated robust evidence on diagnostic accuracy, faster decision-making, and smooth integration into emergency care pathways.
Next Steps for Adoption
ICMR now aims to expand the device’s use in tertiary care facilities to speed up CT scans, optimise triage, and lower imaging costs.
India’s Urgent Need
The Indian Head Injury Foundation reports that India records the world’s highest incidence of head injuries. Every year, head injuries claim over 100,000 lives, and more than one million people suffer serious trauma. In this context, CEREBO provides a timely, innovative solution to strengthen the country’s emergency response and save lives.