Using genetics to predict post-concussion syndrome

Concussions are a type of brain injury that changes the way your brain works. Concussions can happen if you get a hard hit to your head, or your head is violently shaken. They are common in contact sports, like football. They can also happen if you fall and hit your head. Every concussion temporarily injures your brain somewhat. Most concussions are mild. Symptoms may include headache, memory loss, and confusion. You may also briefly lose consciousness, feel nauseous or have slurred speech. Symptoms may not show up at first. They can last for a few days or a few weeks. Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is when the symptoms last for more than a month. PCS may affect if you can work or go to school. PCS is not linked to how hard you hit your head. Scientists wonder if genes might play a role in who gets PCS. Researchers at Vanderbilt will use BioVU to look for people who have had a concussion. They will then compare the genes of those who had symptoms for a longer period of time and got PCS to those who did not. They will look for a link between gene changes and PCS. The results could help doctors know who is at risk for PCS. It might also lead to new ways to treat it.