Researchers at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) have found a blood protein that can identify which children will continue to experience concussion symptoms for more than two weeks after an injury. The study, published in the Journal of Neurotrauma, suggests that this protein could be used as a biomarker for delayed recovery from concussion in children. During the study, blood samples were collected and analyzed to identify the potential biomarker.
Children aged five-18 who visited The Royal Children’s Hospital emergency department within 48 hours of a concussion were included in the study.
The levels of the protein alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (alpha-1-ACT) were found to be lower in children with delayed recovery.
Ella Swaney, a researcher at MCRI, stated that as concussion is becoming a growing public health concern, there is an increasing need for a tool to help identify those at risk for delayed recovery.
Out of the four million children who suffer from a concussion each year, 25-30% will have long-term symptoms and about half will not fully recover.Check out medical care. Symptoms such as headaches, difficulty remembering, and sensitivity to light can persist for months, while mental health conditions can endure for several years. “Delayed recovery from concussion spans emotional, behavioral, physical, and cognitive symptoms, which can affect the well-being of the child, delaying their return to school and sport,” Ms. Swaney said. “Early detection of children at risk of delayed recovery is crucial to ensure effective treatment and targeted follow-up.” MCRI Professor Vicki Anderson said this small study, involving 80 children, was the first of its kind.In a recent human trial, researchers discovered that alpha-1-ACT may help identify individuals who will have a delayed recovery from a concussion. This finding has the potential to improve acute clinical management by providing clinicians with a marker to guide more timely and targeted treatments for children at risk of long-term problems. One example is Mackenzie, a 16-year-old who suffered a concussion during a netball match 15 months ago. She was knocked out after being hit in the face by an opposing player’s arm and then hitting her head on the indoor court.After a scary fall that left her with a nosebleed and a swollen left eye, Mackenzie was rushed to the hospital where doctors determined that she had a concussion.
“I got knocked out while I was in the air, and the impact caused me to spin around completely before I landed on my head,” she explained.
“When I regained consciousness, I couldn’t see out of one eye and was surrounded by my own blood. I felt disoriented, confused, and everything was a blur.”
In the following weeks, Mackenzie dealt with nausea, light sensitivity, memory loss, headaches, muscle soreness, and dizziness.
Mackenzie suffered a concussion while playing netball, which resulted in ongoing symptoms and weeks of missed school. To aid her recovery, she participated in MCRI’s Concussion Essentials Plus program, which included weekly physiotherapy and psychology sessions over several months. This comprehensive approach also provided education on gradually returning to exercise, school, and sports. Mackenzie expressed gratitude for the program, emphasizing its role in helping her regain normalcy and return to her beloved netball court. She admitted to underestimating the lasting effects of concussion at the time of her injury.
After completing the program, Mackenzie was able to resume her regular activities. She acknowledged the program’s effectiveness in helping her return to her pre-injury state while highlighting the significance of acknowledging the long-term impact of concussions.
After suffering a concussion, Mackenzie returned to playing netball five months later.
Despite feeling more hesitant and cautious on the court, she expressed her love for the sport and her determination to continue playing.
Mackenzie’s mother, Karen Payne, vividly remembers seeing her daughter unconscious on the court and expressed relief at the latest research from MCRI.
She emphasized the importance of early intervention for children with long-term concussion symptoms, highlighting the potential for targeted treatment to speed up the recovery process.
“It would make a significant impact,”
2023 saw extensive international research, with significant input from MCRI researchers, delving deep into all aspects of concussion management.
The updated consensus findings aimed to revolutionize the perception of concussion in various sports, recreational activities, and medical facilities by transforming exercise and rehabilitation techniques and improving return-to-school and return-to-sport protocols.
Another concussion management tool, the HeadCheck App, was developed by child concussion experts at MCRI in partnership with The Royal Children’s Hospital and tThe Australian Football League (AFL) is involved in recognizing and managing concussions early. A study involving researchers from the University of Melbourne, Macquarie University’s Australian Proteome Analysis Facility, Austin and Cabrini Hospitals, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, and Hopkins University contributed to the findings.
