Concussion detected via blood test: study

A new blood test may help to detect concussion, a recent Swedish study found.

Researchers have identified a protein called total tau (T-tau) that can be traced in the blood. The biomarker is released when there is a brain injury, and the amount released is apparently significant when determining the severity and duration of the concussion.

"The level of T-tau within the first hour after concussion correlates with the number of days you have symptoms," lead researcher Dr. Pashtun Shahim told HealthDay. "We can use this biomarker to both diagnose concussion and to monitor the course of concussion until the patient is free of symptoms."

Monitoring T-tau's level afterward can also predict when symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, trouble concentrating, memory problems and headaches will fade.

The study, published in the journal Neurology, looked for concussion in 288 players in the Swedish Hockey League. From September 2012 through January 2013, they identified 35 players with concussions, 28 of whom were participating in the study.

Based on blood tests after their injury and after they were cleared to play, the highest levels of T-tau were seen in the first hour after a concussion. These levels declined over the next 12 hours, but were still elevated six days later.

Rest is the only treatment option for concussion, so knowing exactly how long its symptoms will last is a breakthrough in providing athletes with better care, the researchers note.

"This test could be useful on a daily basis, helping patients get back to school, work and play," said neurologist Dr. Robert Duarte from the North Shore-LIJ Cushing Neuroscience Institute in Manhasset, N.Y.

Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury common among middle school, high school, college and professional athletes. Most symptoms disappear days or weeks post-injury, but some patients experience symptoms over a year later.