New Test For Detecting Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

One of the most serious injuries someone could face after a blow to the head or whiplash is a traumatic brain injury (TBI), but there is good news for Indiana residents and others: a new test may be able to help physicians better treat patients with TBIs. The results of a study published in the Journal of Neurotrauma might help physicians in emergency rooms diagnose and judge the severity of TBIs.

The Need for a New Form of Testing

When a possible TBI is caused by something like a car accident or a fall, physicians typically order a CT scan to check for brain bleeding, which can occur when a TBI causes damaged brain cells. However, a TBI might take place even without brain bleeding. This new test is needed because some patients can be sent home if a scan shows no bleeding in the brain even though they have a TBI.

Test Shows Promise

Physicians measured three proteins thought to play a role in brain cell activity in 150 patients without TBIs and more than 300 patients with TBIs. They found that the levels of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor could indicate a TBI and its severity when taking a blood test within 24 hours of a head injury. Compared to someone healthy with 60 BDNF nanograms per milliliter, patients suffering from a brain injury had 20 nanograms per milliliter or less. Those with severe brain injuries had as little as four nanograms per milliliter, and these patients still experienced symptoms of a TBI six months later.

This test could help physicians treat those with a TBI better, which is good news for the many Americans who suffer brain injuries.

Contact a Brain Injury Attorney Today

If you or a loved one have suffered from a brain injury, you are urged to contact the Indianapolis Brain Injury Attorneys of Wilson Kehoe Winingham. The lawyers at WKW can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call 317.920.6400 or fill out an online contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

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