Army develops blood test for brain trauma

The test can be used to test for concussion on young athletes, infants with \"shaken baby syndrome\" and combat troops.

A simple blood test could help diagnose mild traumatic brain damage, concussions, and other similar injuries. The Army says it has found a way to use the blood test to detect proteins that spill into the blood stream from damaged brain cells. USA Today reports that the test accurately diagnosed mild traumatic brain injury in 34 cases. Doctors can miss the injuries, which don’t show up on medical imaging scans and patients often downplay the symptoms of headaches and dizziness. This new blood test means that victims can get appropriate treatment early on – reducing the chances of permanent damage. The Army is awaiting FDA approval for the test.

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