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The New York Times reported on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 that the FDA just approved a new blood test which could detect concussions and more quickly identify brain damage. The blood test is called the Banyan Brain Trauma Indicator. In addition to detecting concussions, it also reduces radiation exposure that is often associated with CT scans and computer tomography scans.

“This is going to change the testing paradigm for suspected cases of concussion,” said Tara Rabin, a spokeswoman for the FDA. She noted that the agency had worked closely on the application with the Defense Department, which has wanted a diagnostic tool to evaluate wounded soldiers in combat zones. The Pentagon financed a 2,000-person clinical trial that led to the test’s approval, reported The New York Times.

News media coverage is often about brain injuries and sports. However, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) reported that 54.8 percent of TBIs (traumatic brain injuries) are suffered in traffic accidents and falls.

On October 27, 2014 the Brain Injury Society reported that approximately 286,000 brain injuries were the result of vehicle accidents.  Even in slow-speed fender benders, concussions may occur. The Brain Injury Society identifies the following TBI symptoms:

• Loss of consciousness
• Confusion/disorientation
• Headache, nausea or vomiting
• Drowsiness/fatigue
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Dizziness/loss of balance
• Pupils not equally dilated
• Blurred vision or ringing in the ears
• Light or noise sensitivity
• Problems with memory or concentration
• Changes in mood, including depression, irritability or anxiety

The Mayo Clinic recommends always seeing a doctor if there is a blow to the head or body that may be of concern or causes behavioral changes. Emergency medical care needs to be given if there are signs or symptoms of TBI. When vehicles collide and/or pedestrians are involved in accidents, TBIs commonly occur. There are different states of consciousness, according to Mayo Clinic which include:

• A person in a coma is unconscious, unaware of anything and unable to respond to any stimulus. This results from widespread damage to all parts of the brain. After a few days to a few weeks, a person may emerge from a coma or enter a vegetative state.
• Vegetative state.Widespread damage to the brain can result in a vegetative state. Although the person is unaware of surroundings, he or she may open his or her eyes, make sounds, respond to reflexes, or move. It's possible that a vegetative state can become permanent, but often individuals progress to a minimally conscious state.
• Minimally conscious state.A minimally conscious state is a condition of severely altered consciousness but with some signs of self-awareness or awareness of one's environment. It is sometimes a transitional state from a coma or vegetative condition to greater recovery.
• Brain death.When there is no measurable activity in the brain and the brainstem, this is called brain death. In a person who has been declared brain dead, removal of breathing devices will result in cessation of breathing and eventual heart failure. Brain death is considered irreversible.

“Experts agree that this new FDA-approved blood test can, and probably will, be used in diagnosing concussions caused by vehicle and other accidents. Should you or a loved one be injured in a vehicle accident, seek medical attention immediately, after which you should contact an experienced legal team to assist you in determining your rights,” said Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. “We are available 24/7 to assist you.”

Fort Myers Brain Injury Attorney,  Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.