Think You’ve got a Concussion? A Bloodstream Test Could Identify It

Concussion Tests: MedlinePlus Medical Test. Concussion tests help find out if you have had a concussion, a type of mild traumatic brain injury. Treating a concussion can prevent long-term brain damage. The main treatment for a concussion is rest. Learn more.

Lab Tests Online (Internet). Washington D. C: American Association for Clinical Chemistry; c2001–2018. FDA Approves First Blood Test to Help Evaluate Concussion; (updated 2018 Mar 21; cited 2018 Nov 29); (about 3 screens). Available from: labtestsonline. org/news/fda-approves-first-blood-test-help-evaluate-concussions.


Video advice: Blood Test Could Make Identifying Concussion A Lot Easier

A local company has developed a blood test that could make identifying a concussion a lot easier. WBZ-TV’s Dr. Mallika Marshall reports.


Are there any risks to the tests? – What are concussion tests? Concussion tests can help find out if you or your child has suffered a concussion. A concussion is a type of brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Young children are at a higher risk of concussions because they are more active and because their brains are still developing. Concussions are often described as mild traumatic brain injuries. When you get a concussion, your brain shakes or bounces inside your skull. It causes chemical changes in the brain and affects brain function. After a concussion, you may have headaches, mood changes, and problems with memory and concentration. The effects are usually temporary, and most people make a full recovery after treatment. The main treatment for a concussion is rest, both physical and mental. Left untreated, a concussion can cause long-term brain damage.


Video advice: Blood test helping diagnose concussions

Blood test helping diagnose concussions


Video advice: Can You Diagnose A Concussion With A Blood Test?

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[FAQ]

Can a blood test detect concussion?

In a recent study of more than 700 emergency room patients, published in the journal BMJ Paediatrics Open, a blood test was used to test the levels of two proteins found in our brains and released into blood after an injury. These proteins are known to be associated with mild to moderate traumatic brain injury.

Why is it important to have a blood test for a concussion?

"And beyond those who go to the hospital for a suspected TBI, many more never do. A test like this could encourage more people to get tested after a head trauma, which is important, because not receiving a diagnosis can be dangerous and may prevent people from taking the necessary steps to recover safely."

What test can detect a concussion?

A cranial computerized tomography (CT) scan is the standard test in adults to assess the brain right after injury. A CT scan uses a series of X-rays to obtain cross-sectional images of your skull and brain.

Can a blood test detect a brain bleed?

Currently, no blood tests are approved as a way to diagnose brain injury in the United States. In the case of mild head injuries or more serious ones that take time to develop, it's difficult to tell early on how severely a patient has been hurt and whether she will suffer long-term consequences.

What can a doctor detect from a blood test?

Specifically, blood tests can help doctors: Evaluate how well organs—such as the kidneys, liver, thyroid, and heart—are working. Diagnose diseases and conditions such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, anemia (uh-NEE-me-eh), and coronary heart disease. Find out whether you have risk factors for heart disease.

Erwin van den Burg

Stress and anxiety researcher at CHUV2014–present
Ph.D. from Radboud University NijmegenGraduated 2002
Lives in Lausanne, Switzerland2013–present

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