Pitch side saliva test to improve concussion diagnosis

A SIMPLE pitch side saliva test could in future make almost instant decisions as to whether a player has suffered a concussion.

The University of Birmingham has made a significant breakthrough after identifying molecules which can be found in saliva that indicate whether the brain has suffered injury.

The research team are working towards a handheld device that would help medics assess whether a player is suffering from concussion and hopes are the device will be ready for the upcoming World Cup in Japan this September.

Neurosurgeon professor Tony Belli has led the team over the last two years investigating head injuries in the English Premiership and Championship.

“Early and accurate diagnosis of concussion is one of the biggest challenges we face clinically and is particularly a major concern in the sporting world,” said professor Belli.

Dr Simon Kemp, the chief medical officer at the RFU is in full support of the research.

He said: “This is an important addition to the breadth of research we are undertaking into concussion.

“There is currently no reliable or proven biomarker or objective test for the diagnosis of concussion and this lack of objectivity is the biggest challenge facing medical professional in dealing with this type of injury.”

Premier League footballers will take part in the same study after research by the New York hospital for special surgery found concussion protocols used in the 2018 World Cup were largely “ineffective”.

The Professional Footballers’ Association said in a statement that it “is and always has been committed to a duty of care for all players” and has lobbied football authorities to “join with us on all aspects of health and safety in the game”.

It added: “Neurological problems in later life – which may be connected to concussion, head injuries and heading the ball – have been on our agenda for the last 20 years.”