Biomarkers, short for “biological markers,” are tools that help neurologists diagnose, understand, and treat certain neurologic conditions.
Biomarkers are key to providing high-quality, timely care to patients. Technology has driven the rise of these tools, which are measurable bodily substances, processes, and structures, such as blood pressure. Biomarkers have evolved from patient histories and findings from physical exams to include advanced, non-invasive techniques. They can be obtained through laboratory tests but also procedures such as functional MRIs (which show brain activity), electromyograms (which measure muscle response), and nerve conduction studies.
Telling certain neurologic diseases apart isn't always easy, but biomarkers can help narrow down the possibilities. In some cases, they can lead to an early diagnosis—letting patients get the care they need, quickly. Biomarkers also can help neurologists determine the severity of a disease, keep an eye on its progression, and even personalize treatments. Neurologists may use biomarkers to help determine a patient's prognosis, too, which can inform life choices for them and their families.
Biomarkers play a key role in research as well. They can help researchers identify who in a population will get a disease, for example, or develop targeted therapies, such as for gliomas, a type of brain tumor.
Many areas of neurology rely on biomarkers. Neurologists may use them in cases of traumatic brain injury and in pediatric patients with metabolic or neurodevelopmental disorders, for instance. Conditions such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and neuromyelitis optica rely the most on blood serum and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, which can be critical for early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, can be tough to diagnose early enough to start key treatments—but biomarkers can help.
Patients should stay in close contact with their primary care doctor and neurologist about possible biomarkers for their condition since the science is rapidly advancing. Patients can get involved in biomarker discovery by participating in clinical trials, volunteering with nonprofit organizations invested in finding new diagnostic tools for neurologic conditions, joining interest groups, and even donating to a cause. There are many ways to be involved while engaging and building community with others.
There is no question that, over time, we will find new biomarkers that can help us increase the quality of care for patients with neurologic conditions and empower them in managing their care. Thanks to cutting-edge research and artificial intelligence, we have already reached a new era of discovering biomarkers that could help us diagnose, treat, or even prevent complications of chronic neurologic diseases.
Dr. Rocha-Cabrero is an adult general neurologist and clinical neurophysiologist, CEO of Imperium RevDoc Neuroanalysis, a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and a member of the Brain & Life en Español editorial board.
