A NEW blood test has emerged from research led by Monash University, offering a precise method for detecting the lingering effects of sport-related concussions, and determining when it's safe for athletes to resume play.
The test measures two brain-specific proteins in the blood, offering insights into neurobiological recovery, a critical aspect often overlooked in concussion management.
In a study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers analysed blood samples from 137 players in the Victorian Amateur Football Association, comparing those who experienced concussions with non-concussed individuals.
They found that levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neurofilament light (NfL) in the blood could track the duration of brain recovery, aiding in decisions regarding return-to-play protocols.
Dr Stuart McDonald, the study's lead, emphasised the meticulous approach, with repeated blood tests conducted over six months.
The most striking finding was the variability in biomarker changes among individuals, with over 20% of concussion cases showing substantial and persistent increases in both GFAP and NfL, which remained elevated compared to non-concussed footballers for over four weeks.
Individuals with these extreme biomarker changes were substantially more likely to have lost consciousness as a result of their head knock.
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