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Can Saliva Be Used to Diagnose Concussions?

October 5, 2021 Posted In

In what could be a ground-breaking study, researchers from the United Kingdom produced a spit test that may be able to quickly and accurately diagnose concussions. Published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the exposé stated that the spit test successfully and reliably detected concussions for more than a thousand male rugby players. This initiative may pave the way for the first non-invasive clinical test for concussions for use in sports and other settings.

If you or a loved one are facing a concussion or traumatic brain injury as a result of someone else’s wrongdoing or negligence, it’s imperative that you contact a knowledgeable California traumatic brain injury attorney as soon as possible. At Danko Meredith, our team represents athletes and others who have suffered traumatic head injuries. We understand that concussions may result in destructive brain damage—such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy” (CTE)— which is why we’re dedicated to helping you recover the compensation you deserve.

Looking at a New Saliva Test That Can Quickly Diagnose Concussions

Today, concussions are often hard to diagnose because there’s no visible injury to the brain, making it challenging to identify through objective measures such as imaging tests like CT scans or traditional MRIs. As a result, many concussions go undiagnosed. As such, this U.K. study may have unearthed a crucial discovery regarding how concussions are identified.

The researchers began the trial after recognizing a concentration of specific molecules in saliva that changes rapidly after a brain injury. The molecules play a role in traumatic brain injuries and can be easily and quickly detected through a person’s saliva.

The three-year analysis looked at 1,028 professional male rugby players. Each player’s saliva was tested after they had experienced head injuries. There were separate samples for those with head injuries, injuries to other parts of the body, and uninjured players. By comparing samples from these different groups, scientists were able to detect tiny molecules called microRNAs that were distinct to those with concussions. The spit test was able to reliably detect concussions with 94% accuracy.

What Are the Elements of a Brain Injury Lawsuit?

After your loved one’s injury, you may wonder about your next steps for pursuing a lawsuit against the at-fault party. By getting in touch with a knowledgeable brain injury lawyer, they may be able to inform you of what to expect. In general, you must establish that you suffered trauma due to another person’s wrongdoing or negligence. To pursue a claim of this nature, your lawyer must determine the following elements:

  • Duty of care: Everyone must act reasonably to avoid inflicting injury on others. If a person fails to meet this duty, they may be held liable for the injury their actions or inactions may have caused.
  • Causation: The defendant’s negligence must have been directly responsible for the injury or damage that occurred.
  • Damages: For a victim to file a claim, the injury must have caused economic or non-economic damages.

If you or a family member face a severe brain injury, it’s essential that you get in touch with a doctor who can help first. A lawyer can then be important in helping you secure the compensation you deserve.

Contact a Skilled California Brain Injury Attorney at Danko Meredith

If a loved one was injured as a result of a blow to the head, they may have suffered a serious concussion or traumatic brain injury. If this damage resulted from someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, it’s crucial that you get in touch with the knowledgeable California brain injury attorneys at Danko Meredith. Our best-in-class team will stick by your family’s side throughout the legal process as we help you strategize against the at-fault party. By utilizing our legal knowledge and expertise, we may be able to help you secure the compensation you deserve.

After meeting with you during a free consultation, we will then investigate your case and the events that led up to the accident so you can retain the compensation you deserve. Danko Meredith has been named one of the Best Law Firms in America by US News & World Report, and our accomplished attorneys are always listed among California’s elite. For a free consultation, give us a call at (650) 453-3600 or complete our contact form today.