New Diagnostic Tool May Identify Living Patients That Have Disease Caused By Repeated Concussions
In other news related to head injuries, an analysis of regional insurance claims shows that concussion rates among young boys and girls are on the rise in many states.
Stat:
Concussion Researchers Spark Hope With A New Tool To Diagnose Brain Damage
The diagnosis begins with the brain being pulled out of the skull. Then, to determine whether someone had a condition associated with repeated concussions, the pathologist preserves the tissue in formalin, slices it thin enough for light to shine through, washes it with chemicals, and peers at it through a microscope. If some areas remain blotched with reddish brown, then the pathologist can definitively diagnose the person with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE. (Boodman, 9/27)
The Philadelphia Inquirer:
Concussion Rates Are Way Up, Especially In Pa. And N.J.
Concussion diagnoses have spiked in recent years as publicity about long-term brain damage has made head injuries more frightening, and Pennsylvania and New Jersey have among the highest rates in the nation, a new analysis of claims data by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association has found. The report, released Tuesday morning, found that the increase was particularly pronounced among 10-to-19-year-olds. In that age group, concussion diagnoses increased by 71 percent from 2010 through 2015. The growth in concussion rates for girls and young women was 118 percent, while it was 48 percent for boys and young men. (Burling, 9/7)
Chicago Tribune:
Concussion Diagnoses For Illinois Kids Up 83 Percent
The percentage of Illinois children diagnosed with concussions climbed by a whopping 83 percent between 2010 and 2015 as awareness of head injuries grew, according to new data released by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. Concussions for Blue Cross members ages 10 through 19 jumped from a rate of 7.6 per 1,000 members in 2010 to 14 per 1,000 members in 2015. (Schencker, 9/27)