Developing an artificial intelligence-powered, non-surgical intracranial pressure measurement tool

Start Date

10 March 2025

End Date

1 October 2026

Project Participants

University of Technology Sydney

Status: Completed

Tags: artificial intelligence (AI), clinical decision support, innovation, medical imaging, neurology, ophthalmology, screening, specialist care, triage

Opportunity 

The pressure exerted by fluids within the skull on the brain tissue (intracranial pressure, ICP) is an underlying complication in various conditions such as brain injury, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, unexplained headaches and a disorder experienced by astronauts known as spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome. It’s estimated that millions are impacted globally. Elevated ICP is currently detected using invasive techniques, such as lumbar puncture (spinal tap), which can cause considerable discomfort, carry procedural risks and require skilled personnel and specialised equipment. 

The project explored the opportunity to translate vascular research, using retinal images and videos as a window into pressure-related physiological changes, into a practical platform that could assist clinicians with earlier and less invasive screening and triage for patients who may require further investigation. 

Objectives 

This pioneering project aimed to improve the detection of elevated ICP by developing a non-invasive eye imaging approach powered by artificial intelligence (AI). The aim was to develop and clinically evaluate retinal biomarkers associated with ICP and deliver an AI-powered framework for a non-invasive, reliable eye-imaging tool to assess elevated ICP. The project also sought to build the foundations needed to move the technology from research towards broader clinical validation and potential implementation as a clinical decision support tool.

The project delivered an operational analytical pipeline and an alpha software platform, which is now deployed online as BENAH.ai. Preliminary evaluation demonstrated clinically meaningful signal detection for assessing elevated ICP. Clinical recruitment and final model optimisation will continue to expand the dataset and strengthen validation. 

The project also established a regulatory pathway and commercialisation strategy, progressed patent protection and initiated follow-on funding and investment activities. 

The project’s innovation and translational potential has received national recognition, earning a Highly Commended in the Digital & Data Health Innovation Award at the 2025–26 Research Australia Health and Medical Research Awards.  

The project has translated long-running retinal vascular research into an operational AI-enabled clinical technology platform. Subject to successful validation in larger and more diverse populations and regulatory approval, BENAH.ai could provide clinicians with an additional tool for identifying patients who may require further investigation for elevated ICP. This could support earlier screening and triage, improve access to intracranial pressure assessment and reduce unnecessary invasive procedures where clinically appropriate. 

The project has strengthened Australian capability in AI-enabled medical technology by bringing together clinical research, AI and software development, regulatory expertise and commercialisation activity.  This provides a strong foundation for continued clinical translation, regulatory progression and potential future market entry. 

Integrity, Excellence,
Teamwork and Authenticity

Hand holding a smartphone against a colourful, defocused background