UCSF doctors develop new concussion testing method

Neurosurgeons at UCSF have developed a new way to evaluate concussions and traumatic brain injuries.

Normally, doctors would use the Glasgow Coma Scale, which would categorize TBIs into three categories: mild, moderate and severe.

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“We really did need to have a better way of characterizing this," said Dr. Geoff Manley, the chief neurosurgeon at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. "Not only for research but for taking care of patients in the here and now.”

The new method involves several pillars. Dr. Manley says they will now combine brain scans with blood tests and a patient's history to determine the extent of their TBI.

"Normally if you were mild, and you had some dizziness, we would send you home," he said. "But if you have high blood bio markers and a history of these incidents, I would want to follow up with you."

Dr. Manley says the blood tests are designed to see if a protein only found in the brain is present in the bloodstream. If that happens, he knows something isn't right with their patient, and a brain test is necessary.

"For example, this patient’s blood-based biomarker levels were at 300 despite the CT scan being quote 'normal,'" he said. "This person had a brain injury."

He says patients who are diagnosed as mild can sometimes have long-term symptoms like memory loss or lack of focus. And sometimes patients with severe cases can make a full recovery. He says having a better method for evaluating these injuries will help him and others treat patients.

"It is the most complex organ in the body," he said. “It’ll help us to better take care of patients, not only immediately but over the ensuing hours, days, weeks, months and years.”

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