Army finds simple blood test to identify mild brain trauma

[wolf223]

http://www.usatoday.com/yourlife/health/medical/2010-10-15-1Abrain15_ST_N.htm

FREDERICK, Md. — The Army says it has discovered a simple blood test that can diagnose mild traumatic brain damage or concussion, a hard-to-detect injury that can affect young athletes, infants with "shaken baby syndrome" and combat troops.

HOOAH!

TBI and PTSD are often miss-diagnosed. so this is a good thing and can possibly cut back on malingering too.

 

[terraformer]

The US Army: Making the world safe for the the donkey punch.




J/K
Good to hear.

 

[T3andme]

Thank you for posting this, and all you do for our troops.

 

[Kaos116]

.....and can possibly cut back on malingering too.

You damn Army guys take the fun out of everything!

 

[wolf223]

You damn Army guys take the fun out of everything!

i don't know watcha talkin 'bout. the Navy is funny though.

SFC / E7, 1ea, = me

 

[RichM]

What good news this is! The article didn't say how long those proteins stay in the blood... I wonder if it'll help identify the problem with some of those who have had long-term symptoms without having had them tied to an identifiable injury?

 

[richc]

Will the test work on civilians too???

 

[T3andme]

I believe what the article is referring to is CPK-BB or CPK-1. If I remember correctly, it peaks about 12 hours. It is not a test that would be of any use a week later. This would help identify those who got hit with a concussive wave who are at risk. We used to follow CPK isoenzymes on cardiac prior to Troponin levels.

 

[RichM]

OK, thanks! It sounds like this test would be most useful shortly after the troops returned from a mission where they were under attack...

 

[wolf223]

http://www.army.mil/-news/2010/09/2...n-identifying-treating-brain-mental-injuries/

more info

 

[dustoff22]

A great discovery for sure. Anyone ever take a tour of the Natick Labs? What a den of ideas and concepts that place is. Many years ago my unit was the recipient of some of their gadgets and survival gear. Some of that stuff has made its way into the civilian market I suppose because the Army doesn't patent it's creations?