A blood test may spot the brain injuries that CT scans miss

After a head injury, a clear CT scan usually sends people home reassured — yet some keep struggling with symptoms the scan never explained. University of Pittsburgh researchers are exploring whether proteins in the blood can flag those missed injuries: markers already used to decide who needs a scan may also identify damage the scan itself cannot see. A bedside version of the test exists, which could make it practical in busy emergency departments. The work does not replace scans or examinations — it points to a second safety net for the patients whose injuries are real but invisible, so they get follow-up instead of dismissal.

SDG 3 · Good health and well-being — Mechanism: tech innovation