RecruitingNot ApplicableObservational

Assessment of brain and eye blood flow after traumatic brain injury

This study investigates severe brain injuries, which are a major cause of disability and death, especially in military personnel. When someone has a head injury, the brain can be damaged in two stages: the immediate injury, and later problems caused by reduced blood flow or swelling. Catching these later problems early is key to helping patients recover. Current ways to check brain blood flow are often slow or involve surgery. Researchers are exploring if quick eye scans, which are already used in eye clinics, can show what's happening with blood flow in the brain. This is because the eyes and brain share blood vessels, and blood flow in both often changes together. They will also look at how eye changes relate to pressure and swelling in the brain. The goal is to find quicker, less invasive ways to monitor brain injuries, potentially leading to better and faster treatment.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Not Applicable

Sponsor

University of Birmingham

Enrolment target

Start

01 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

08 Jul 2029

Acute severe traumatic brain injury

What is this study about?

When someone experiences a serious head injury, like from an accident or an explosion, the brain can be damaged in two ways. There's the immediate injury, and then there are problems that can develop later, such as reduced blood flow, lack of oxygen, increased pressure, or swelling in the brain. These 'secondary' problems can make the initial injury much worse, leading to more long-term disability or even death. That's why it's so important to find these issues early and provide quick treatment.

Currently, checking the brain's blood supply often involves tests that are slow or require surgery, which isn't ideal in an emergency. This study is looking at whether a special type of eye scan, called Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA), usually used in eye clinics, can give us clues about what's happening in the brain. The thinking is that the eyes and brain have similar blood vessels, and changes in blood flow in the back of the eye might reflect changes in the brain's blood flow. If this works, it could offer a much quicker and non-invasive way to check on brain injury patients.

The research also aims to understand how brain pressure affects tiny movements in the blood vessels in the eye (called Retinal Venous Pulsations, or RVPs). Increased pressure in the brain, common after an injury, can change these blood vessel movements. Another part of the study will explore if swelling in the brain is connected to swelling in the eye, looking at a specific protein involved in water movement. By understanding these connections, doctors hope to get a better picture of brain health more quickly and easily, leading to better care and recovery for people with severe brain injuries.

Key takeaways

The study aims to improve understanding and treatment of serious head injuries.
It checks if eye scans can help doctors quickly assess brain blood flow and health.
Participation involves eye and brain scans, and possibly blood/fluid samples for brain injury patients.
There are no extra risks as tests are non-invasive or part of standard care.
Taking part helps future patients with brain injuries.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for two groups of people: healthy volunteers and patients who have recently had a serious brain injury.

To join as a healthy volunteer, you must be over 18, not have had a serious brain injury before, and not have any serious eye or brain conditions. You need to have two eyes and be able to understand and agree to take part in the study.

For patients with a serious brain injury, you must be over 18 and admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. You will have a moderate to severe brain injury and will already have, or be planned to have, special monitors placed in your brain as part of your normal medical care. For both groups, you need to have at least one eye that can be scanned. People under 18 or those who are pregnant cannot take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
If healthy, do you have no history of serious brain or eye conditions?
If you have a brain injury, are you a patient at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham?
Do you have at least one eye that can be scanned?
Are you not pregnant (if applicable)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you are a healthy volunteer, you will have one appointment. This will involve eye scans, brain scans, giving a blood sample, and completing a questionnaire about your daily life and abilities.

If you have a serious brain injury, your participation will happen during your hospital stay. You will have eye and brain scans, your brain will be monitored (this is often part of your regular care), and blood and brain fluid samples may be collected. These tests will be done at the start, and then again after 24, 48, and 72 hours, and potentially at 28 days if you are still in hospital and the monitors are in place. You will also complete a questionnaire about your abilities after 28 days. The total duration of active study involvement will depend on your hospital stay and when your brain monitors are removed.

Potential risks and benefits

There is no extra risk involved in taking part in this study. The scans and tests used are either part of your routine medical care or are non-invasive, meaning they don't involve entering your body. These procedures are considered safe. While there might not be direct personal benefits to you, your participation will greatly help doctors understand brain injuries better, which could lead to improved treatments for future patients. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Birmingham, England

Common questions

What is a 'severe traumatic brain injury'?

It's a serious head injury that affects how the brain works, often causing problems with thinking, memory, or movement.

What is an eye scan, and does it hurt?

The eye scan used in this study (OCTA) is like taking a picture of the back of your eye. It's quick, doesn't touch your eye, and is completely painless.

Why are you looking at my eyes if you're studying my brain?

The blood vessels in your eyes are very similar to those in your brain. Researchers hope that by looking at blood flow in your eyes, they can learn about blood flow in your brain without needing more invasive tests.

Who is funding this research?

This study is being funded by the United States Department of Defence.

Can I stop participating once I've started?

Yes, you can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

How to find out more

Richard Blanch

r.j.blanch@bham.ac.uk +44 (0)121 3712000 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.