SAN DIEGO, CA — Concussions remain one of the most dangerous and frequently overlooked injuries faced by motorcyclists after a crash. Symptoms are often subtle, subjective, and easily missed by standard roadside or emergency room exams. Now, a new 15-minute blood test promises to bring speed and accuracy to diagnosing these potentially life-changing injuries.
Why concussions often go undiagnosed
Concussions, or mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), can occur without visible trauma. Riders may walk away from a crash appearing unharmed, only to experience memory loss, confusion, double vision, or dizziness hours later. According to the American Brain Foundation, more than 1 in 140 people worldwide sustain a concussion each year; for U.S. college students, it’s closer to 1 in 75.
Traditional exams rely on cognitive checklists, vision screenings, or self-reported symptoms. As motorcycle racer and MotoAmerica’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Carl Price, explained, “I clearly had a concussion after one of my crashes, yet I still passed all the standard tests.”
A breakthrough blood test
The Abbott i-STAT test, cleared by the FDA, measures two key brain injury biomarkers—GFAP and UCH-L1—that are released into the bloodstream within minutes of head trauma. With just a few drops of blood, results are available in about 15 minutes.
For motorcyclists, this speed and accuracy could mean the difference between being released too soon after a crash or receiving the immediate care necessary to prevent long-term complications. MotoAmerica became the first professional racing series to adopt the test, using it trackside to evaluate riders after falls.
Implications for injured riders
While the technology is still being introduced in hospitals and trauma centers, advocates say it could transform how emergency rooms treat motorcycle crash victims. Faster and more reliable testing:
- Reduces reliance on subjective checklists
- Provides objective data for doctors and first responders
- Helps determine if imaging, hospitalization, or extended monitoring is necessary
This kind of diagnostic clarity is critical for younger riders, including teens on e-bikes. Youth athletes already account for about 70% of emergency room visits for sports-related TBIs. Early, accurate concussion detection could prevent lifelong consequences.
Motorcyclist Attorney: Protecting Riders with Head Injuries
At Motorcyclist Attorney, we celebrate every breakthrough in medical science and safety technology as a victory for riders everywhere. Each advancement means quicker diagnoses, better treatment, and stronger protections for those who risk so much on the road.
Know that undiagnosed concussions can have devastating effects for riders and their families. California law protects victims of motorcycle crashes:
- Civil Code §1714 (Duty of Care): At-fault drivers can be held liable for negligent or reckless actions that lead to collisions.
- Wrongful Death Actions (CCP §377.60): Families may pursue claims if a rider dies from undiagnosed or untreated injuries.
- Personal Injury Rights: Riders can claim compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term rehabilitation.
📞 Call Motorcyclist Attorney today for a free, confidential case evaluation.
The medical treatment you need. The money you deserve.
