Major breakthrough could finally force Gary Bettman to admit something

PUBLICATION

Josh Tupper
August 3, 2024 (3:02 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Could a New Blood Test Revolutionize Concussion Diagnosis in the NHL?

Concussions have long plagued the NHL, but a promising new test could significantly improve player safety by accurately diagnosing head injuries. Despite advancements, the NHL struggles with effectively diagnosing and treating concussions, partly because players often hesitate to report symptoms. However, a breakthrough may be on the horizon, potentially transforming how concussions are handled in professional hockey.

According to Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic, the development of an FDA-approved blood test could address the "gray areas" that currently exist in concussion diagnosis and treatment within the NHL. You can find Shinzawa's full article here: https://x.com/TheAthleticNHL/status/1819359006215070193.

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

The NHL's current protocols for concussion diagnosis have shown significant flaws, as seen in a recent example involving Brad Marchand. During the playoffs against the Florida Panthers, Marchand sustained a concussion yet continued to play for 15 more shifts, highlighting the shortcomings of existing procedures.

The Athletic detailed how the NHL's Concussion Evaluation and Management Protocol requires players to be removed from play for evaluation if they exhibit specific symptoms like a "blank or vacant look" or slow recovery from a hit. However, these symptoms are subjective, and the protocol acknowledges that they aren't always unique to concussions. Part of the assessment process includes the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool � 5th Edition (SCAT5), which involves cognitive tests like recalling dates, repeating word series, and reciting months in reverse order. While comprehensive, these assessments rely heavily on subjective judgment.

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 proposed blood test offers a more objective approach to diagnosing concussions. By analyzing blood samples for elevated levels of UCH-L1 and GFAP, biomarkers associated with brain injury, the test provides a definitive indication of whether a player has suffered a concussion.

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 adopted by the NHL, this blood test could revolutionize concussion management, allowing for immediate and accurate diagnosis. Early detection is crucial, as it could prevent further injuries by ensuring players are properly treated and not prematurely returning to play.

The introduction of such a test would mark a significant advancement in player safety and concussion management. By removing the guesswork and subjectivity from the equation, this technology could protect players from the long-term consequences of untreated head injuries. As the NHL considers implementing this innovative approach, the potential for enhancing player health and safety is immense, offering hope for a future where concussions are diagnosed with precision and players receive the care they need.

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