What You Need to Know About Concussions, with Chris Davlantes, M.D.

In an interview with The Educated Patient, Chris Davlantes, M.D., senior medical director at Abbott, provides key insights into concussions, their symptoms, misconceptions and advancements in diagnosis. He emphasizes that concussion symptoms can vary widely based on the severity and location of the impact, and they don’t always appear immediately. Common symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, trouble concentrating, fatigue, and sensitivity to light and noise. While some individuals recover quickly, others experience prolonged symptoms that can last weeks, months or even years.

A critical point Davlantes highlights is that concussions do not just occur in athletes. While sports-related concussions get a lot of attention, falls are actually the leading cause, especially among the elderly. Car accidents are another major cause, and surprisingly, a person doesn’t even need to hit their head to sustain a concussion — sudden acceleration and deceleration can cause the brain to shift inside the skull, leading to injury.

Another common myth is that concussions require a loss of consciousness. Davlantes explains that most concussions occur without the person being knocked out. While loss of consciousness can indicate a more severe injury, many people with concussions remain fully alert. Similarly, the assumption that a brain scan is necessary to diagnose a concussion is misleading. Computed tomography (CT) scans are useful for detecting more severe injuries like skull fractures or brain bleeding, but they are not reliable for diagnosing a concussion itself.

One of the most exciting developments in concussion diagnosis is Abbott’s i-STAT TBI test. This blood test measures biomarkers released into the bloodstream after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). If the biomarkers are not elevated, it indicates a low likelihood of serious brain injury, potentially reducing the need for unnecessary CT scans. The test provides results within 15 minutes and represents a major step forward in improving concussion diagnostics.

Davlantes emphasizes that awareness and early intervention are crucial. Many people dismiss vague or delayed symptoms not realizing they stem from a concussion. Recognizing these symptoms and seeking medical care is essential, as untreated concussions can lead to long-term consequences, including difficulty returning to work or daily activities. He urges people to be vigilant about concussion risks and advocate for proper diagnosis and treatment.