Abbott Debunks Traumatic Brain Injury Myths

Abbott Laboratories is working to dispel common myths surrounding traumatic brain injuries (TBI), highlighting that these injuries can affect anyone, not just athletes.

Dr. Beth McQuiston, a neurologist at Abbott, stated that many individuals tend to downplay mild TBIs, despite potential long-lasting effects if left undiagnosed and untreated. U.S. emergency rooms see approximately 4.8 million TBI-related visits annually.

Common misconceptions include the belief that athletes are most at risk and that losing consciousness is necessary for a TBI. Dr. McQuiston explained that falls are a leading cause of TBIs, and loss of consciousness is not always present. Symptoms of mild TBI, such as headaches or dizziness, can be mistaken for other conditions.

To aid in assessment, Abbott has developed the i-STAT TBI plasma test, a rapid blood test providing results in 15 minutes. This test can help clinicians evaluate suspected mild TBIs in adults and potentially rule out the need for CT scans, underscoring the critical role of early diagnosis in effective treatment.