Concussion research at University of Saskatchewan gets cash to keep moving

The quest for a quick and decisive test for concussions at the University of Saskatchewan is now getting a much-needed infusion of cash to keep the work moving forward.  

"Funding of this project is just one example of how this new innovation fund can help accelerate the development of outstanding Saskatchewan-based technologies," said Kishor Wasan, dean of the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, said in a media release.

The project will receive more than $40,000, as researchers test a protein biomarker that could lead to a fast, effective and portable test for traumatic brain injuries.

"A meaningful, non-biased, and easy-to-use diagnostic tool is urgently needed," said Changiz Taghibiglou, the researcher who is leading the effort, together with collaborators from Harvard University and the University of Toronto.

Concussions not easy to diagnose 

To get a better idea of just how complicated it can be to diagnose brain injuries, just take a quick look at the National Football League's concussion assessment tool. The test given to players on the sideline includes dozens of questions covering medical history, physical symptoms and cognitive function.

Questions include:

• Have you ever lost consciousness as a result of a head injury?
• Have you ever been hospitalized as a result of a head injury?
• What month is it?
• Word recall test. 
• Concentration test. 

The work being done at the U of S would take the guess work out of a diagnosis, and could be used, not only for athletes along the sidelines, but also by paramedics dealing with potential head injuries at an accident scene.

A proper diagnosis is important because some people show few symptoms at the time of an injury, only to find themselves at risk of dangerous, potentially deadly problems later.

The money to test the protein marker comes from the Centre for Drug Research and Development Saskatchewan Innovation Fund at the University of Saskatchewan.