Concussion Blood Test Makes Debut in Emergency Room for Accident Victims

Imagine you’ve been in a car accident.

The crash leaves you dazed and confused. You don’t see any cuts or apparent broken bones, but it’s difficult to know exactly how badly you’re injured because adrenaline is doing its job.

Shortly after the accident, your back and neck begin to ache, and you begin to feel various other symptoms that lead you to get checked out by a doctor. One of the concerns is whether or not you sustained a concussion.

Traditionally, car accident victims, injured workers, and athletes might undergo a CT scan to detect signs of skull fracture or brain bleed that also indicate a concussion, i.e., traumatic brain injury (TBI). And while functional, CT scans have their drawbacks: patient exposure to radiation, effectiveness, cost, time, and access.

However, CT scans may no longer be needed thanks to a simple blood test that can more accurately spot signs of a concussion in as little as 15 minutes!

Developed by Abbott Laboratories 10 years ago, the i-STAT TBI Plasma test was recently ok’d by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to rule out the need for patients to undergo a CT scan when being evaluated for mild brain injuries. (More on how the test works below.)

At the time of this blog, the new blood test is being used exclusively at Tampa General Hospital, however, the plan is to make it readily available to hospitals and clinics throughout the U.S.

According to Indiana personal injury attorney Matt Boulton, “it has the potential to be a game-changer for car accident victims who sustain a concussion or other brain-related injury.”

How Does a Blood Test Find a Concussion?

For example’s sake, let’s look at testing from the vantage point of a car accident victim who was rear-ended and sustained various minor injuries, including dizziness and confusion.

In many cases, the first person to examine a car accident victim will be emergency response personnel from an ambulance or fire team. These professionals are mostly concerned with injuries that represent an immediate threat, e.g., bleeding, broken bones, etc.

As a result, a series of doctors and tests may be required to identify and diagnose any subjective injuries, such as a concussion or TBI.

Depending on the person’s physical state and/or appearance, the doctor will conduct a personal exam and/or or suggest a scan. As is the case currently, the results of either are not always 100% effective in ruling out or spotting a concussion.

Unlike traditional testing, the i-STAT TBI Plasma test takes the accuracy of concussion diagnosis to an entirely different level.

After a car accident, the victim is asked to provide a small blood sample for testing. Once retrieved, health professionals extract the plasma from the sample and place it in a test cartridge.

Next, doctors will look for an elevated level of brain cell proteins that indicate cause for concern, such as the presence of a concussion or other TBI.

Specifically, there are two types of brain cell proteins that can leak out of the protective barrier that covers the central nervous system and enter the bloodstream. Leakage of these proteins allows doctors to identify disruption to the blood-brain barrier, which can indicate a concussion or TBI.

Can Concussion Blood Tests Help Car Accident Victims & Others?

Ultimately, once the new blood test for concussions is rolled out nationwide, it will offer a number of benefits for car accident victims, including:

• Safer testing
• Higher accuracy of diagnosis
• Less cost
• Faster results
• Easier access

Additionally, the new testing also looks promising for car accident victims who might have their cases undervalued or dismissed by insurance companies claiming insufficient proof of a concussion or TBI.

However, until the new testing is readily available to Hoosiers, we recommend you ask Matt to review your potential case to help you determine your legal rights and the potential value of your concussion claim.

Questions for an Indiana Concussion Attorney?

If you were injured in a car accident that was not your fault and suffered a concussion or head injury, it’s important to understand your legal rights under Indiana law.

For 25+ years, Indiana personal injury attorney Matt Boulton has been helping Indiana’s car accident victims recover compensation for their injuries, including cases involving concussions and other TBIs.

Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to substantial compensation for damages such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Medical bills
• Lost wages, and more.

Additionally, Boulton Law Group offers injured Hoosiers and their families a Zero Fee Guarantee. This means you will never pay for a legal review, and you owe the firm absolutely nothing unless you hire us and we win your case.

Matt personally reviews all accident stories sent to him by Indiana’s car accident victims. If you’re interested in his thoughts on your potential car accident case, send your story by using our confidential, free contact form.

And as always, please stay safe out there!