Albertan researchers believe urine could provide the key to detecting concussions – Lethbridge | The Canadian News

Peeing into a cup could soon become commonplace at your local sports complex, not to check for steroids, but for concussions.

Researchers at the Universities of Lethbridge and Calgary have developed a test that can determine if an athlete suffers a concussion by examining small molecules, called metabolites, in their urine.

“We are looking … to see if any of those levels are changing to a quantitative level in response to the head or any traumatic brain injury, to determine whether a person suffered a concussion or not,” said the director of the Facility. Magnetic Resonance from the University of Lethbridge. Said Dr. Tony Montina.

A panel of 18 different metabolites has been developed and changes in their levels can be attributed to a concussion.

Canadian Center for Behavioral Neuroscience Professor Dr. Gerlinde Metz believes that combining urinary analysis with current concussion detection methods will create a more accurate and efficient process for determining whether a brain injury has occurred.

“We have the opportunity to use urine, which is very accessible and non-invasive,” Metz said. “It’s available in the field, so we can do quick tests if something happens.”

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The focus on head injuries in sports has increased considerably.

Lethbridge Minor Hockey Association General Manager Keith Hitchcock says the organization is experiencing fewer concussions on ice, thanks to increased injury rules and protocols.

“They are minor hockey, but they have a 12-year career, only minor hockey,” Hitchcock said.

“A race can last much longer than that, you don’t want to see long-term side effects with head injuries.”

The hope is that this new technology will further reduce risks, by better identifying head injuries and perhaps even improving recovery.

“(We can) use some of these markers to monitor rehabilitation strategies, with the idea that while you are receiving treatment, your doctor should be able to personalize your treatment based on your response, as to whether that treatment is effective or not.” Montina said.

The research is still in its early stages and will now be tested on a broader demographic to try to create parameters for age and gender.

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