Concussion Symptoms Linked to Proteins in Spinal Fluid for First Time, Suggesting Possibility of Diagnostic Test

Levels of certain proteins in the brain and spinal fluid of people who suffer continuing issues as a result of concussions are different from those who haven’t had concussions, according to a new small study published today in JAMA Neurology, raising the possibility that doctors may soon have objective markers to assess the severity of brain damage after head trauma. 

The study is the first to examine biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid of athletes with post-concussion symptoms. 

Researchers studied 31 people, 16 of whom were Swedish professional hockey players with post-concussion syndrome -- a condition in which patients experience symptoms such as headaches, mood changes and difficulty concentrating for extended periods of time after a head injury. Players were compared to 15 neurologically healthy individuals. 

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