More Evidence Blood Test May Detect Concussions

New research bolsters evidence that a simple blood test may someday be used to detect concussions.
It suggests that a protein linked with head trauma may be present in blood up to a week after injury, which could help diagnose patients who delay seeking treatment.
The study involved patients at one hospital in Florida and the results are preliminary — a concussion blood test based on the two proteins studied or on other so-called biomarkers under review is likely at least a few years away from routine use.
But the new findings "are a substantial step" in developing a test that could be used in broad settings, from the battlefield to sports events and doctors' offices. That's according to an editorial published with the study Monday in JAMA Neurology.
Related: Football Player Had 'Worst' Brain Trauma Seen in Someone So Young, Doctors Say
Dr. Ramon Diaz-Arrastia, co-author of the editorial and a researcher at the government's Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, said it's likely that several biomarkers will be found to be useful for diagnosing concussions, "each of which will tell us something slightly different" about the injury.

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Dr. Linda Papa, an Orlando Health emergency medicine specialist and colleagues tested nearly 600 adults treated at Orlando Regional Medical Center. About half had concussions from car crashes, falls, sports and other activities. Most were mild, with symptoms that included loss of consciousness, amnesia or feeling disoriented. The rest of the adults had fractures or other types of non-brain trauma.
Blood samples were taken starting four hours following the injury, then periodically for seven days. The tests measured two proteins nicknamed GFAP and UCH-L1, which are present in brain cells. In a head injury, the proteins can leak into the bloodstream, Papa said. Other research has shown blood levels of the proteins are highest with the most severe injuries.
In this study, levels of both proteins were much higher in concussion patients. The proteins were found in low levels in some non-concussion patients, probably from a head bump or jostling during an accident but not true concussions, Papa said.
Related: For the first time, NFL acknowledges link between football and brain disorders
Levels of the UCH protein rose quickly but declined substantially within two days, while GFAP levels were detectable during the week following injury.

Waiting to seek treatment

Many concussion patients put off going to the doctor because they think the injury isn't serious, but end up seeking treatment a few days later when symptoms persist, Papa said. She said blood tests could help diagnose these patients, and could help determine whether neurological testing or other medical treatment is needed. Typically doctors advise rest from work, school and other taxing activities until after concussion symptoms have disappeared.
Dr. Walter Koroshetz, director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, called the data encouraging and said finding an easily detectable biomarker for concussions is "the holy grail for head injury" research. His agency paid for the study and the U.S. government has spent millions of dollars on concussion research.

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More than 2 million people nationwide get emergency room treatment for concussions and other brain trauma each year. Damage may not be visible on imaging tests so doctors typically rely on symptoms. Diagnosis is important because repeated head blows have been linked with lasting memory problems and potentially a degenerative brain disease found in some retired NFL players.
Southern Illinois University neuroscientist Michael Hylin noted that some concussion symptoms, including dizziness and fatigue, can also be caused by dehydration, which is another threat to athletes involved in rigorous sports. A test that could distinguish between the two conditions would be useful to help guide treatment, he said.
Papa noted that there are blood tests to diagnose problems with other organs, including the heart, liver and kidneys, "and now we're really coming close to having something for the brain."
She is an unpaid scientific consultant for Banyan Biomarkers, Inc. The Florida company announced earlier this year that is working with Royal Philips to develop a hand-held device that would analyze blood samples and display results within minutes showing if the proteins are present.source-healthnews

Zika Virus Guidelines Urge Couples to Wait Before Pregnancy

Couples who have been exposed to the Zika virus may need to wait up to six months before trying to conceive, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday.
A woman diagnosed with Zika should wait at least two months from the time of her first symptoms before trying to become pregnant, according to the new guidelines. For men diagnosed with Zika, or who have symptoms, the guidelines recommend no sex or condom use for at least 6 months. This longer time period for men reflects an effort to minimize risk after the recent discovery that Zika virus can be detected in semen for at least 2 months.

Study finds Zika damages babies at all stages of pregnancy 2:46

The
"Unfortunately, there is a lot we don't know," Dr. Denise J. Jamieson, CDC Zika Virus Response Team. "These recommendations are the best attempt to predict."
Previous Zika guidelines have focused on protecting women who were already pregnant.
Zika is a mosquito-borne virus, spread by female Aedes mosquitos. It has been linked to serious birth defects, especially microcephaly, which results from a damaged brain that stops developing in the womb.
Related: Zika Has Been in Brazil Longer than Anyone Thought
Zika is spreading fast across the Americas and the Caribbean. Puerto Rico is of particular concern for the United States because the approaching rainy season will lead to increase mosquito activity. Zika cases are expected to rise dramatically this summer due, with the CDC estimating that in five Puerto Ricans will become infected. For a list of countries affected by Zika, go to CDC Travel Alerts

Nesel Pack is a backpack designed to bring comfort to children with autism

Students with autism are now able to wear a backpack loaded with sensory features to fit their needs, thanks to a group of six college students at the University of Minnesota.
In September, as part of their yearlong "Entrepreneurship in Action" class, the students were tasked with coming up with an idea for a startup. Team member Will Radke, 21, had grown up in a foster home, where he lived with many children with disabilities. The experience helped shape his interest in creating a product to help them, and soon, the rest of the team was onboard.
From there, the Nesel Pack was born, and is now keeping 75 kids with autism at ease.

Courtesy of Martha Pietruszewski

Zach Bau test modeling the Nesel Pack

Since individuals with autism are more sensitive to light, sound and touch, many wear weighted vests to provide a sense of comfort and security. Nesel Pack's founders kept that in mind, including security straps on the backpack that are meant to feel like a hug and mimic a weighted vest.
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"The straps also come in handy when in crowded areas," Martha Pietruszewski, CEO of Nesel Packs, told TODAY.com. "They're long enough for a caretaker to grab on easily."
The backpack also has hooks, which allow students to attach different sensory tools, such as items to chew on, or tools designed to help reduce fidgeting. The creators also added a slot in the front that can be personalized with a family picture, favorite stuffed animal or name tag for identification.

Courtesy of Nesel Pack

Nesel Pack's features

Since launching a Kickstarter campaign on March 19, the team has already raised about $13,500, surpassing their goal of $10,000 in less than a week.
Through their campaign, they've partnered with Fraser, a Minnesota-based nonprofit that provides services to people on the autism spectrum. For every $100 donation, Fraser agreed to provide a backpack to a child in need.

Courtesy of Martha Pietruszewski

Nesel Pack founders Rosebert Altianas, Cole McCloskey, Jake Porta, Will Radke, Martha Pietruszewski and Larry Lorbiecki

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While they've heard a lot of positive feedback from parents about how much their kids enjoy the product, they're also aware that the pack's current cost of $115 isn't ideal.
"We're hoping that once we get to $20,000 we'll be in good shape to start thinking about working with a different manufacturer," Pietruszewski said. "This will hopefully allow us to lower the price and to be able to start making them for adults to use as well."

Courtesy of Martha Pietruszewski

Liam Craig tests the Nesel Pack

Carrie Cariello, a mother of five who blogs about parenthood and raising a child with autism, thinks parents are willing to spend more when it comes to helping their children with the disorder.
"The weighted blanket we got Jack was pricey, but he uses it to go to sleep every single night, which makes it worth it," Cariello told TODAY.com. "He would really benefit from the Nesel Pack because we send him to school with a stress ball and other tools to try and kick his habit of putting his fingers in his mouth."
As far as the scientific benefit of using a Nesel Pack goes, Dr. Paul Wang, head of medical research at advocacy organization Autism Speaks, says there's no research to back it up.source-healthnews