Test developed to detect Post Concussion Syndrome

Melbourne researchers have developed a test to pick up the subtle brain changes in those still suffering concussion symptoms months or years after the accident.

About 10 per cent of concussion patients have significant and ongoing problems with memory, vision and headaches.

Melbourne researchers have developed a test to pick up the subtle brain changes in those still suffering concussion symptoms months or years after the accident.

Concussion side effects typically resolve within a week or two after the head knock.

But about 10 per cent of patients have significant and ongoing problems with memory, vision and headaches.

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And for 1 per cent of these people — even after one concussion — their brain scans will look perfectly fine, but many are left unable to work and experience serious mental health problems because of the persistent fatigue.

But by combining two types of non-invasive testing, La Trobe University researchers have developed the first objective way to determine who has Post Concussion Syndrome and what is happening in their brains.

Lead researcher Associate Professor Alan Pearce said the syndrome was often resistant to treatment.

Western Bulldogs premiership player Liam Picken retired after ongoing concussion issues. Picture: Getty Images

“It significantly impacts their psychological wellbeing, but many don’t respond to psychology — which is the main treatment — because they’ve got something physically wrong,” he said.

“Our study was able to for the first time show that there is abnormal brain activity in patients with persistent fatigue, and the central nervous system is also affected.”

The study of 20 adults saw patients with PCS compared to both those who had recovered from a concussion and healthy controls.

In a survey of their symptoms, PCS patients reported significantly higher levels of all side effects including fatigue, stress tolerance, memory, concentration and disturbed sleep.

Next they underwent a mild form of brain stimulation called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, to activate brain cells to test brain function.

Adults with lingering concussion symptoms had suppressed brain activity.

In the second assessment, a series of computer tests measuring the somatosensory system, those with the syndrome performed worse and slower in computer tests, particularly by the end of the 20-minute test. Healthy controls improved their scores.

Major League Soccer player Larrys Mabiala is checked for concussion. Picture: AP

The findings were published in journal Neuroscience.

Associate Prof Pearce said now they had proved there were physical changes in the brains of those with ongoing concussion symptoms, he would now investigate rehabilitation options such as exercise or brain stimulation.

Chaim Welis-Stosser, 27, suffered six concussions in a year while playing football and basketball.

While the symptoms initially vanished after a few days after those first head clashes in 2012, by the end of the year the 27-year-old was suffering persistent dizziness, headaches, sensitivity to light and crippling fatigue. He has been unable to return to work.

“I wouldn’t tell anyone to stop playing sport, but more research is needed because this is a life sentence,” Mr Welis-Stosser said.