Pentagon Funds Development of NeuroHawk Headgear to Quickly Detect Brain Trauma in Combat Zones

The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded a $2 million contract to Sense Neuro Diagnostics, an Ohio-based company, to develop a life-saving brain trauma detection tool called “NeuroHawk.” Designed specifically for front-line use, this advanced headgear is equipped to scan for traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in real-time. It is anticipated to revolutionize the speed and accuracy of TBI diagnosis in combat zones, where rapid treatment is essential to prevent lasting harm. This compact, portable scanner provides a powerful new way for medics and frontline responders to quickly assess injuries and offer immediate, life-saving care for injured soldiers.

How NeuroHawk Works

The NeuroHawk system operates by detecting brain hemorrhages and injuries within seconds, using a non-invasive scanning technology. Unlike traditional TBI assessments, which often rely on subjective observation and delay diagnosis, NeuroHawk provides quick, objective data to assist in treatment decisions. When worn on the head, the device scans targeted regions of the brain, identifying even subtle bleeding and damage that may not be visible on the surface.

Sense Neuro Diagnostics explains that this rapid feedback can help military medics make real-time decisions, potentially reducing the risk of secondary injuries, which are common when brain trauma goes undiagnosed or untreated. NeuroHawk’s speed and accuracy could substantially improve survival rates and outcomes for soldiers in combat environments, where injuries from blasts, falls, and other traumatic events are frequent. Over the last two decades, more than 420,000 military personnel have suffered from TBI, highlighting the critical need for such technology.

Clinical Trials and FDA Approval Process

The upcoming clinical trials, scheduled for June 2025, will focus on testing NeuroHawk’s key functions and usability in high-stress settings that closely mimic combat conditions. By simulating battlefield scenarios, the trials will evaluate the headgear’s reliability and efficiency when diagnosing TBIs under pressure. In addition to supporting combat medical teams, this technology is expected to play a crucial role in civilian healthcare.

If the trials go as planned, Sense Neuro Diagnostics aims to file for U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance in early 2025. FDA approval would open the door for NeuroHawk to reach a commercial launch, enabling its use not only on battlefields but also in hospitals and emergency services, where it could assist stroke patients and others with brain injuries. 

Earlier Support and Future Prospects

The Pentagon has shown a longstanding commitment to NeuroHawk’s development, awarding the company a $2.43 million grant in 2021 via the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs. This initial funding fueled the early stages of the device’s research, development, and testing. Geoff Klass, CEO of Sense Neuro Diagnostics, expressed his gratitude for the continued support, emphasizing the potential for NeuroHawk to set a new standard of care for TBI management both in military and civilian applications.

“This funding from the military not only underscores the need for advanced TBI detection but also demonstrates faith in our technology’s potential to change lives worldwide,” Klass stated. “With this support, we are now in a strong position to push forward in bringing NeuroHawk to the front lines and, eventually, to the broader public.” 

The device’s development comes as the U.S. military looks to modernize its field medical technologies, especially for handling TBIs, which can be difficult to detect promptly with existing equipment. Sense Neuro Diagnostics’ technology addresses these challenges by creating a device that is compact, transportable, and capable of delivering data within moments of an injury, allowing medics to make timely decisions that can improve outcomes significantly. 

NeuroHawk could become a cornerstone technology in the medical field, reshaping the standard approach to diagnosing and treating TBIs on the battlefield and beyond. The headgear’s adaptability for both military and civilian uses also means it could eventually find its way into ambulances, sports arenas, and emergency departments, marking a major leap forward in TBI care globally.