NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) — Norman Regional Health System says it’s the first health system in Oklahoma to offer a new blood test to help detect brain injuries and concussions for adults.
How does the test work?
- The test is FDA-approved and was developed by bioMérieux.
- Norman Regional’s Clinical Lab Director, Ken Dohm, told News 4 the test is a simple blood draw.
- The test uses the blood sample to check for special biomarkers that are released into the bloodstream in the first hour after a brain injury.
- Test results can be produced in less than an hour.
How will this help doctors?
Dohm called the test a game-changer in an interview with News 4 on Friday, especially in Oklahoma, a big football and sports state. Doctors at Norman Regional News 4 spoke with Friday say that the fall season is typically prevalent for an increase in head-related injuries due to contact sports.
“It can save significant time because it tells them right up front. Do we need to hang around for C.T. or can I just observe this patient for a little while and then let them go home safely?” said Dohm.
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Common concussion symptoms
- Persistent headache.
- Nausea/vomiting.
- Dizziness.
- Sensitivity to light or sounds.
- Fatigue.
“Anytime you’re having those symptoms, persistent headache, definitely nausea, vomiting, confusion, acting abnormal, we’d want, we’d strongly encourage you to be evaluated in the emergency room,” said Norman Regional Dr. Michael Porter.
Who can take the test, and where can they get it?
- Norman Regional says the new test is available at all three of its emergency departments in Norman and Moore.
- Only adults 18 and up can take the test.
- Norman Regional says there are currently studies going on for a test for younger age groups.
Stigma behind concussions
News 4 spoke with OSU Center for Health Sciences athletic training professor Aric Warren on Friday about concussions. He said that even with resources and tools out there to help, it’s important that Oklahomans continue to work towards breaking the stigma of seeing concussions as “invisible injuries.”
“Don’t hide it,” said Aric Warren. “Report it. Be honest about your symptoms. Be honest about how you’re feeling, and hopefully we can begin to continue to change that culture that happens around our locker room, in our schools, and in our sports medicine facilities on how we take care of and recognize in the management of concussions.”…