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Major breakthrough for the NHL after new concussion diagnosis is discovered

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Samer Dagher
August 3, 2024  (3:29 PM)
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Sidney Crosby concussion
Photo credit: TSN

Concussions have long been a problem in the NHL, but a new test might help better protect players and diagnose head injuries accurately.

Recently, the league has faced criticism for its handling of concussions, with players often unaware or unwilling to disclose their symptoms. However, a significant breakthrough might be on the horizon.

According to Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic, this breakthrough could be an FDA-approved blood test that eliminates the "gray areas" in concussion diagnosis.

Currently, there are many issues with the NHL's concussion protocols. For instance, in a recent playoff series against the Florida Panthers, Brad Marchand played 15 more shifts even after sustaining a concussion.

According to the NHL's Concussion Evaluation and Management Protocol, a player shall be removed from the ice and taken to a distraction-free environment for concussion evaluation if, among other things, he has a blank or vacant look or is slow to get up. If the player complains of symptoms such as feeling slowed down or not feeling right, he must undergo evaluation.

These are subjective observations and symptoms. Furthermore, the protocol acknowledges such symptoms are not necessarily unique to concussions.

As for the evaluation, part of the process is for the player to complete the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool � 5th Edition (SCAT5). Components include recalling the date, repeating a five- or 10-word series and reciting the months in reverse order. It is a comprehensive test.

The new blood test could remove the guesswork from diagnosing concussions.

A player suspected of having a concussion has blood drawn via a syringe. Several drops of blood are entered into a cartridge. The cartridge is inserted into a device that resembles a supermarket scanner. The device determines whether UCH-L1 and GFAP levels are elevated or not. If it's the former, the player has likely suffered a concussion.

If the NHL adopts this test, it could lead to immediate detection of concussions, preventing further damage during games. This new approach could revolutionize how the league handles head injuries, providing a more accurate and objective method of diagnosis.

Credits: Blade Of SteelNew method to diagnose concussions could lead to breakthrough in the NHL

The AthleticCould an FDA-approved blood test help NHL close gray areas in its concussion protocol?

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Major breakthrough for the NHL after new concussion diagnosis is discovered

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