Neurotrauma: A Futuristic Perspective

The most heterogeneous and complex condition among disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) happens to be traumatic brain injury (TBI). It is poised to become the third most common cause of death and disability worldwide. The failure rate of clinical trials pertaining to TBI is 100%, and till date it lacks specific therapy. The current approach of analyzing small, representative, curated data fails to provide a definite solution. Napoleon Bonaparte once said, “War is 90 percent information.” In present-day context, gathering and collating the collected TBI data remains the key to solve mystery of TBI. And no doubt, TBI needs to be attacked on a war footing. The fourth industrial revolution is showing us ways of tackling this most complex disease, of the most complex organ.

Recent buzzwords such as big data analytics (BDA), fuzzy logic (FL), artificial intelligence (AI), brain-computer interface, radiomics, pharmacogenomics and precision medicine, and biologic and immune modulation therapy are increasingly being incorporated into neurosciences. This paper attempts to analyze the current status and future role that these futuristic technologies will play in our conquest against TBI.

An honest attempt has been made to understand the current status of the ongoing technological revolution and predict its impact on management of TBI. It is certain that very soon newer approaches will transform the current practice of triage, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of TBI into a highly integrated, evidence-based patient care. In addition, it will also cut down the cost of health care significantly.

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