Researchers say that a blood test that could predict the severity of a concussion, even more accurately than a spinal tap, is being developed and could soon be available for testing.
Concussions are mild brain injuries that occur when a person suffers a sudden blow or jolt to the head. These types of head injuries are very common in motorcycle accidents, or any kind of accident, in which the person suffers a sudden blow to the skull.
Concussions are considered mild brain injuries, but that does not mean that they should be ignored. Concussions can lead to debilitating, consequences, including temporary memory loss, loss of concentration, forgetfulness, inability to focus, distraction, and other complications that can affect a person’s ability to study or perform work-related activities.
The researchers focused on a marker called neurofilament light chain, and found that the presence of these markers was higher in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid of persons who had suffered concussions. The study focused on more than 100 Swedish hockey players. They found that players who had suffered more concussions were much more likely to have an increased concentration of the marker. Players who had suffered more severe concussions were also more likely to show a higher concentration of this marker in the blood, compared to a control group of persons who had not suffered concussions.
What is even more interesting is that the researchers found that an increased concentration of the marker remained in the body for up to a year after the person suffered the brain injury. The results of the study were published in the journal Neurology recently.
Overall, these findings mark a significant development in the fight to come up with newer and accurate ways to diagnose brain injury.
Brain injuries are not always easy to diagnose, and what’s more troubling is that the damage to the brain is not always visible to the naked eye. There may be no external signs of the injury in some cases, and there may not even be swelling. In some cases, the person may not even lose consciousness, but that does not mean he does not require treatment.
A concussion or any kind of traumatic brain injury can occur in any motorcycle or bicycle accident. This is why it is so important for anyone engaged in these activities to wear a protective helmet. A helmet can protect significantly against brain injury in an accident, but may not guarantee complete protection against an injury. A fall from your motorcycle or bicycle may cause brain injuries severe enough to affect mental and cognitive functioning, even if you were wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. To reduce your chances of suffering a concussion while in a motorcycle accident, wear a high quality, certified helmet that meets safety standards.
The Atlanta motorcycle accident attorneys at the Katz Personal Injury Lawyers represent persons who have been injured as a result of motorcycle accidents in the metro Atlanta region and across Georgia. If you or a loved one have suffered a motorcycle accident, speak to a lawyer at our firm, and determine your legal options for compensation for your losses. You may be eligible for compensation that includes medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.