Morehouse School of Medicine Release: Blood Tests Prove Accurate In Identifying Patients With Post-Concussion Syndrome

ATLANTA, Sept. 19, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new study from a team led by Morehouse School of Medicine's Neuroscience Institute and Department of Medicine discovered a groundbreaking way to test patients for concussions. The article "Assessing the accuracy of blood RNA profiles to identify patients with post-concussion syndrome: A pilot study in a military patient population," featured in September's edition of PLOS One, explains how long-term concussions could potentially be diagnosed through blood tests. This form of testing proves to be more accurate and allows for better treatment of potentially serious brain injuries in members of the military, athletes, and others.

"The way they currently diagnose concussions is that they have to do a neuropsychological assessment, which are these psychological tests to determine whether you have memory problems, whether you have sleep problems. It's not very exact science. It's quite subjective," said lead researcher Robert Meller, D. Phil and associate professor at MSM. "Patients can over-exaggerate or under-report symptoms.  It's very difficult to get a clear picture of what's going on with a patient."

Dr. Meller says the new approach will help eliminate the issues with self-reporting and help patients get the treatment they need.

"If you're a sports player, you don't want to admit you've been hurt because you'll lose your position on the team, which could have a great impact on your future," said Dr. Meller " They typically underplay their symptoms."

Dr. Meller says military members often do the same, not wanting to abandon their units. However, those who inaccurately report brain injuries could put themselves at greater risk down the road.

About Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM)
Founded in 1975, MSM is among the nation's leading educators of primary care physicians and was recognized by Annals of Internal Medicine in 2011 as the top institution in the first study of U.S. medical schools for our social mission based on our production of primary care physicians, training of underrepresented minority doctors and placement of doctors practicing in underserved communities. Our faculty and alumni are noted for excellence in teaching, research and public policy, as well as exceptional patient care.

Morehouse School of Medicine is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award doctorate and master degrees. For more information, please visit www.msm.edu.

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SOURCE Morehouse School of Medicine