Brain protein could help identify concussion symptoms

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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.

The study has been published in the journal Acta Neuropathologica.