Concussion blood tests may have a promising medical future

This undated photo provided by Orlando Health shows Linda Papa, MD, MSC, an emergency medicine physician at Orlando Health in Orlando, Fla. New research bolsters evidence that a simple blood test may someday be used to detect concussions and other brain trauma. The study involved patients treated at the trauma center and the results are preliminary, a concussion blood test based on the proteins studied or on biomarkers other researchers are investigating is likely years away from routine use. (Orlando Health via AP)

New research bolsters evidence that a simple blood test may someday be used to detect concussions and other brain trauma. (Associated Press)

New research bolsters evidence that a simple blood test may someday be used to detect concussions.

It suggests that a protein linked with head trauma may be present in blood up to a week after injury, which could help diagnose patients who delay seeking treatment.

The study involved patients at one hospital in Florida and the results are preliminary. A concussion blood test based on the proteins studied or on other biomarkers is likely at least a few years away from routine use.

But an editorial published with the study Monday in JAMA Neurology said the results 'are a substantial step' in developing a test that could be used in broad settings, from the battlefield to sports events and doctors' offices.