Diagnosing Traumatic Brain Injury From Blood Tests

Blood Test May Accurately Diagnose a Traumatic Brain Injury

Until recently, traumatic brain injuries have been very difficult to diagnose. Other than CAT scans and high definition MRIs, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) often is diagnosed by how a patient reacts to certain tests or based on subjective responses to questionnaires. This is troubling because in the U.S., at least 30% of all injury-related deaths are caused, in part, by TBIs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In fact, the CDC even reports that as many as 153 people die from TBIs in the U.S. every day. With this in mind, it is no wonder that researchers are always looking for ways to spot TBI as early as possible.

Swiss Researchers May Have Discovered a Way to Diagnose TBI From Blood

Researchers out of the University of Geneva in Switzerland began questioning whether there was a way to identify and isolate changes in blood chemistry after a significant head injury. When a person has a heart attack, the body produces certain changes in proteins that can be detected in a blood test. Doctors can use a simple blood test to determine if a person has suffered an ischemic event. Much like these tests, the Swiss researchers looked at how to quickly identify relevant changes in proteins in the blood in order to identify early signs of TBI.

How Would TBI Blood Tests Work?

While still somewhat theoretical, the researchers at University of Geneva aim to create something called a “TBI Check,” which would be akin to a diabetic test. In theory, football players who suffer a severe impact to the head could receive a quick skin prick, and within minutes a physician or emergency medical provider could have an early sign of whether a TBI may have occurred. This could alert neurologists and others to underlying traumas.

Real World Application for Injury Victims

For those who suffer serious head injuries in falls or car accidents, such a revolutionary device or testing method could be the difference between expensive CAT scans with lengthy emergency room visits and a simple blood test. This could easily weed out non-TBI patients and free up neurology department and radiology department resources in busy trauma centers. Moreover, EMS personnel could arguably use this as a method of triage in the field.

Treating a Traumatic Brain Injury

After a significant head trauma, many people discover they are feeling symptoms that mirror fatigue, such as:

• Nausea
• Feel Light-headed
• Confusion
• Frustration and mood swings
• Headaches
• Vertigo (dizziness)

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms after a head injury, you should contact a healthcare provider immediately. Symptoms of TBI can linger for weeks or even months. Many times, emergency room physicians simply are not looking for concussion and TBI symptoms. Rather, they are looking for immediate and life-threatening conditions that require treatment. For this reason, you should always get follow up care after an ER visit. Discuss your symptoms with your primary care physician as well.

Speak to a Long Island Traumatic Brain Injury Today

If you have been seriously injured in an accident caused by the neglect of another in Long Island and nearby areas including Nassau County, Suffolk County and Queens, call the accident lawyers at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP. We will fight to get the care and compensation you deserve. Free consultation 24/7.