LONDON – With the discovery of the source of a brain protein linked with serious concussion symptoms, doctors may soon be able to pinpoint those most at risk of concussion using a simple blood test, according to a study recently released by the University of Glasgow Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Concussion is the major medical issue currently facing sport. Defined as a mild traumatic brain injury, the signs and symptoms of concussion are often subtle, making diagnosis difficult.<\/p>\n
In addition, though most athletes will recover within a week or so, a proportion will have lingering symptoms which can last many months, including memory problems.<\/p>\n
The University of Pennsylvania team had previously identified that high blood levels of a brain protein known as alpha II-spectrin N-terminal fragment, or SNTF, in patients with concussion could identify those with greater problems in recovery.<\/p>\n
This latest research carried out by researchers from the University of Glasgow and the University of Pennsylvania found that SNTF is created in damaged nerve fibers deep in the brain.<\/p>\n
The team’s new data supports the idea that a blood test for SNTF could be developed to detect diffuse axonal injury in injured athletes, allowing doctors to diagnose concussion and to predict those that might have prolonged symptoms.<\/p>\n
“This represents a major step forward towards developing a biologically plausible blood test that could be used to detect concussion and direct injury management,” said Dr Willie Stewart, who participated in the study.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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