A Blood Test for Concussions

Traditionally, people who are suspected of having a concussion are first evaluated by a series of neurological tests known as the Glasgow Coma Scale. If the results of the Glasgow test warrant it, a computed tomography (CT) scan is conducted to try to detect intracranial lesions requiring treatment. Problem is, most CT scans are negative for lesions, meaning that a lot of CT scans are done unnecessarily.

Now, however, there's a blood test for concussions. The test measures the levels of certain proteins that are released into the blood by damaged brain tissue in the first 12 hours after a concussion. The test is highly accurate; it correctly identifies a concussion 97.5% of the time in patients also identified by a CT scan, and correctly identifies a person as not having a concussion 99.6% of the time when a CT scan is also negative. Aside from being less expensive, the blood test could be done in the field (perhaps even on the sidelines of a sporting event), allowing better decisions about who does and doesn't need a CT scan.

The blood test is currently approved only for use on adults, but the company that makes the testing device is working toward getting it approved for children as well. That would make it available for the more than a million boys who play high school football each year, as well as athletes in other contact sports.