Plaster to tell if stroke treatment is working

SENSORS that are stuck to the neck and resemble a simple plaster are being tested as a way to monitor the recovery of stroke patients. The device can detect muscle movement and vocal cord vibrations and so can monitor how well patients are responding to treatment, for speech or difficulties swallowing, for example.

The devices have a 12-hour rechargeable battery and send their information wirelessly to a smartphone. The developer, from Northwestern University in Illinois, U.S., says the technology, which could be available in two years, will give doctors an accurate idea if a treatment is working.