Blood Test Breakthrough Could Revolutionise Concussion Diagnosis in Older Adults

Researchers from Monash University and The Alfred have reached a significant milestone in neurology, developing a blood test capable of diagnosing concussion in adults over 60. This demographic represents the world’s most at-risk group for head injuries, yet they have historically faced the greatest challenges in obtaining a clear and timely diagnosis.

The diagnostic gap for older adults is largely due to the overlapping nature of concussion symptoms with the natural effects of ageing. Dizziness, confusion, and slowed thinking—often associated with age—can mask the presence of a brain injury. Because memory issues can further complicate a patient’s ability to recount the details of an incident, clinicians have traditionally relied on subjective observation, which can be unreliable in high-pressure emergency settings.

Improving Diagnostic Precision

The study, published in JAMA Network Open (https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.00000), examined 89 patients aged 60 to 84. By identifying the presence of the GFAP protein, a biomarker linked to brain injury, the research offers a more objective, biological approach to identification. This method provides a measurable signal that can guide medical professionals when symptoms alone are too vague to reach a definitive conclusion.

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Lead author Dr. Gershon Spitz described the test as a potential “game-changer,” noting that it offers an “objective and reliable” way to diagnose concussion. By moving beyond symptom-based assessments, clinicians may be able to reduce uncertainty and make more informed decisions regarding patient care.

Monash University | Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct

Did You Know? Falls are the most common cause of trauma in older adults, frequently resulting in hospitalisation and death. Because these incidents often present with symptoms that mimic stroke, delirium, or dementia, a blood-based marker could prove vital in distinguishing a concussion from other age-related conditions.

Expert Insight: The integration of this biomarker-based test into emergency medicine could represent a shift in how we handle geriatric trauma. By providing rapid, actionable data, this tool may allow paramedics and emergency staff to prioritize patients more effectively, ensuring that those with underlying brain injuries receive intervention before complications arise.

The Future of Emergency Care

Looking ahead, the potential application of this test is broad. Professor Sandy Shultz indicated that the technology may be versatile enough for use outside of hospital environments, such as by paramedics in the field. Early identification in the field could facilitate better triage and reduce dangerous delays in treatment.

Professor Biswadev Mitra, who led the trial at The Alfred Emergency and Trauma Centre, emphasized that the goal is to integrate this tool into existing emergency workflows. As research continues, the implementation of such a test could lead to more consistent outcomes, improved recovery planning, and a reduction in the number of concussions that go unrecognized in older patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it difficult to diagnose concussions in older adults?
Symptoms like confusion, dizziness, and memory issues often overlap with normal ageing or other existing health conditions, making it difficult for doctors to distinguish a concussion from other issues using observation alone.

How does the new blood test work?
The test identifies the presence of the GFAP protein, which acts as a biomarker for brain injury. This provides a measurable, objective signal that helps clinicians confirm a concussion.

Could this test be used outside of a hospital?
Researchers believe the test is versatile enough that it could eventually be used by paramedics in the field, which would allow for faster triage and earlier treatment for vulnerable patients.

How might faster access to objective diagnostic tools change the way we manage recovery for seniors after a fall?