Researchers are working with up to 60 LSU football players this season to develop a non-invasive sideline test that can use a player’s saliva to detect concussions. FMOL Health lead trauma researcher Dr. Guillaume Spielmann is leading the study and says concussions are typically identified by looking for changes in specific proteins in blood, but this test tracks the same changes in saliva.
“If we can figure out a profile that is associated with concussion, then we can design a test to rapidly and noninvasively detect those protein changes in players,” Spielmann explained.
Researchers will take samples regularly to monitor players’ saliva throughout the season as well as when a concussion is detected to compare biomarkers associated with brain injuries. He says the goal is an accurate test that can be done right there on the sideline.
“That would definitely provide us an objective measure of head injury. Do you need to sit on the sideline? You may feel great, but this is not a healthy response; and we do not want to endanger your safety,” Spielmann said.
An objective test could eliminate the chance of players trying to beat sideline concussion tests and detect danger even when symptoms are not immediately apparent.
Spielmann adds that the field test could be used in lower-level sports that do not have the same sideline health resources as college football, as well as in other professions.
“Or first responders who may be potentially exposed to concussive events and don’t have the ability to rapidly identify whether they are okay or whether they are not,” Spielmann noted.
“The research study involving LSU athletes is expected to be completed by June 2027 and may be expanded over time to include tactical athletes, such as military members,” Spielmann said.
Dr. Speielmann’s full body of work on extreme physical and psychological stress has covered high performers from competitive athletes to first responders, NASA astronauts and trauma survivors.