The Importance Of Early Diagnosis Of TBI

The importance of early detection and correct diagnosis of brain injury

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) results when a blow to the head – often from a fall, car accident, sports collision, domestic violence, or physical assault – sends the brain bouncing around inside the skull, causing long-lasting damage. TBI is categorized as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the clinical presentation, and it is currently diagnosed via a neurological examination based on the Glasgow Coma Scale. In addition, imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are conducted to assess the presence of gross lesions or bleeding in the brain. All of these assessment techniques are unfortunately ineffective in detecting TBI, particularly mild TBI, due to lack of sensitivity/specificity; 56%-90% of patients with mild TBI often go undiagnosed in the hospital emergency department (ED). Furthermore, these approaches are not always easily available, particularly in field conditions, and are time-consuming, slow, costly, and logistically burdensome.

TBI diagnosis is best documented at the time of injury or within the first 24 hours. Early mild TBI diagnosis will allow the patient to receive immediate care, treatment, and education about the possible consequences and expected course of recovery of mild TBI. Non-diagnosis as well as misdiagnosis can result in anxiety and complicated recovery if patients experience difficulties after leaving the ED. An informed patient will not return to high-risk activities that can compromise the safety of the patient and others (e.g., early return to the field or sports activity can increase the probabilities of additional head injuries, leading to repeated concussions - a cause of chronic traumatic encephalopathy).

Medicortex Finland Oyj has discovered novel glycan moieties in saliva and urine that are interrelated to mild Traumatic Brain Injury. During three clinical research studies, Medicortex discovered that these specific glycans can be used as diagnostic biomarkers for mild TBI. The company is working on developing a rapid and portable test, which can be used to diagnose mild TBI, and predict the best avenues for treatment. Read more at https://www.medicortex.fi/.