Monash University: New blood test tracks brain recovery after concussion: study
- Valerie Gysberts Functional Nutritionist
- Feb 2
- 2 min read
New Blood Test Brings Hope for Safer Concussion Recovery
Monash University researchers have developed a blood test that accurately tracks the brain’s biological recovery after a concussion—offering a groundbreaking step forward in managing return-to-play decisions in sports.
Why This Matters
Current return-to-play timelines, such as 12 days in the AFL and 21 days at the community level - are based on self-reported symptoms. But what's wrong with this?
Symptoms can be masked or downplayed, especially in competitive settings and players are returning to the pitch before they are fully recovered.
Biological recovery often lags behind symptom improvement, putting players at risk of repeat injury and further neurological damage. These tests can give us an indication of the biological recovery.
Long-term effects of poorly managed concussions will lead to neuro-inflammation which can lead to cognitive decline, mood disorders, and even neuro-autoimmune disease.
Key Findings from the Study
Two brain-specific proteins—GFAP and NfL were measured in 137 athletes.
The levels were tracked eight times over six months, providing a detailed timeline of brain recovery.
Over 20% of concussed athletes had significantly elevated protein levels for more than four weeks. This is well beyond current return-to-play guidelines.
Loss of consciousness at the time of injury was strongly associated with prolonged neurobiological changes.
These findings suggest that symptom resolution alone is not enough—the brain may still be vulnerable long after symptoms fade.
How Neuro Functional Medicine Can Help
Functional Medicine offers a deeper, more personalised approach to concussion recovery by assessing each individual’s unique physiology. No two players are the same, so a one-size-fits-all protocol simply isn’t adequate. Functional Medicine considers key factors such as previous head injuries, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and nutrient depletion — all of which significantly influence a person’s ability to heal.
What’s often missing from standard concussion management is long-term neuroprotection. We know about the risks of CTE, but very little is done proactively to reduce that risk. Functional Medicine bridges that gap by looking beyond symptom resolution and supporting true neurological recovery and resilience.t.
Functional Medicine Strategies for Concussion Support:
Inflammation Resolution
Identify and reduce systemic and neuroinflammation
Nutrient Repletion
Replenish brain-critical nutrients often depleted post-TBI
Mitochondrial & Neurotransmitter Support
Support energy production and brain cell repair
Cognitive & Emotional Health
Assess and manage post-concussion symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue.
Brain re-training
With specific, targeted neuro exercises
