IHRF Partners with NASA to Test Non-Invasive Pressure Monitoring Technology
January 1, 2004—The Intracranial Hypertension Research Foundation (IHRF) has recently assisted NASA with the clinical testing of non-invasive pressure monitoring technology. Approximately 50% of all astronauts develop Space Adaptation Syndrome (SAS) or space sickness, which is thought to be a form of intracranial hypertension, caused by a retention of fluids within the brain. While SAS is self-limiting and usually only lasts for a few day, it significantly diminishes crew effectiveness and safety at the beginning of a trip, a crucial time for the entire mission. At present, there is no way to determine which astronauts will develop Space Adaptation Syndrome.
Since current methods to measure intracranial pressure are invasive, difficult to perform outside a hospital setting and carry risks of complication, NASA is eager to find a non-invasive way to measure intracranial pressure.The space agency has joined with Space Life Sciences (a division of Ames Research Group); Langley Research Center; and scientists from the University of California, San Diego to develop a non-invasive device that uses ultrasound to continuously and non-invasively monitor intracranial pressure. IHRF arranged and provided clinical testing of the technology at the University of Utah.
The technology is still being refined and remains in its earliest stages of testing (Phase One) to confirm whether it works. Future testing may include an actual trial onboard a shuttle flight.