RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Objective Concussion Assessment Using MRI and Metabolomics

Many people worldwide experience concussions, also known as mild traumatic brain injuries, which can cause long-lasting problems like headaches and difficulty concentrating. It's often hard to diagnose concussions accurately. This study wants to improve our understanding by tracking how the brain changes after a concussion. We'll use advanced MRI scans to look at the brain and collect samples like blood and urine, alongside asking questions about symptoms. The goal is to see how these brain changes link up with the symptoms people experience over time. This research hopes to make it easier to diagnose concussions and help people recover better. We're looking for individuals aged 9 to 50 who have had a concussion recently.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton

Enrolment target

100

Start

11 Aug 2023

Estimated completion

15 Dec 2026

Concussion, Brain

What is this study about?

For many people, getting a concussion, sometimes called a mild traumatic brain injury, can be a really challenging experience. While it might not seem as serious as other injuries, concussions can lead to ongoing problems like headaches, trouble focusing, being sensitive to light, and generally not feeling quite right. A big problem is that it can be hard for doctors to definitively diagnose a concussion and know when someone is fully recovered and safe to return to their usual activities, whether that's school, work, or sports.

This study is designed to help us learn more about exactly what happens in the brain after a concussion and how these changes relate to the symptoms people feel. We'll be using special brain scans called MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). These aren't like regular X-rays; they give very detailed pictures of the brain. By taking these scans over time, we can look for subtle changes that might be happening inside the brain. We'll also collect samples like urine and saliva, and ask you to fill out questionnaires about how you're feeling and what symptoms you're experiencing.

The main aim is to connect these changes seen on the MRI scans and in the samples with the symptoms you report. If we can better understand how the brain is affected and how these changes line up with symptoms, it could lead to much better ways of diagnosing concussions in the future. It could also help doctors understand how long it takes for the brain to heal and when it's truly safe for someone to get back to their normal routine, which is incredibly important for long-term health.

Key takeaways

Aims to improve concussion diagnosis and understanding using brain scans.
Looking for people aged 9-50 who recently had a concussion.
Involves MRI scans, urine/saliva samples, and questionnaires.
Helps researchers link brain changes to concussion symptoms.
Participation contributes to future concussion care.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people who have recently had a concussion. Specifically, we need individuals aged between 9 and 50 years old, who had their concussion within the last two weeks.

There are certain reasons why someone might not be able to join the study. For example, if you are outside of the age range (younger than 9 or older than 50), or if you have certain medical conditions like liver or kidney disease. We also can't include you if you have certain metal implants in your body, such as pacemakers or stents, as these are not safe in an MRI scanner. People who are pregnant or experience severe claustrophobia (intense fear of enclosed spaces) also cannot participate due to the MRI scan.

Additionally, if you have a history of serious alcohol or drug misuse, or if you've had a previous stroke or a more severe brain injury, you would not be eligible. We also need to make sure participants can understand and agree to take part, so good English language skills are important. If you haven't recently had a concussion and don't have a history of them, you might be eligible to join as a 'healthy control' if that part of the study is open.

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 between 9 and 50 years old?
Did you have a concussion within the last two weeks?
Do you not have a pacemaker or other metal implants?
Are you able to speak and understand English well?
Are you not pregnant?
Do you not suffer from severe claustrophobia?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will have several appointments over a period of time. These visits will involve undergoing special brain scans called MRI scans. You will also be asked to provide samples of urine and saliva at these visits. In addition to the scans and samples, you'll complete questionnaires. These questions will ask about your symptoms and how you are feeling generally. We are trying to track how your brain changes over time and how your symptoms progress, so attending all scheduled visits and completing the questionnaires consistently will be important. The exact number of visits and the full duration of your participation will be explained in detail by the study team.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer personal benefits, such as contributing to a better understanding of concussions, which could help future patients. You will also receive detailed brain scans. While generally safe, MRI scans involve lying still in an enclosed space, which some people find uncomfortable, and there's a very small risk of reaction to the contrast dye if used (though this is typically low). Providing samples involves no significant risks. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care. The study team will explain all potential risks and benefits in full before you decide to participate.

Locations (1)

Imaging Research Center at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
Verified postcode
Hamilton, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an MRI scan?

An MRI scan uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body, including your brain. It doesn't use X-rays.

Will the study help my concussion directly?

While the study aims to improve understanding of concussions for everyone, it does not offer individual treatment. However, you will receive brain scans that may identify issues.

How long does participation last?

The study involves multiple visits over a period, but the full length of your participation will be explained in detail by the study team during the consent process.

What if I feel uncomfortable during the MRI?

The MRI staff are trained to help. They can talk to you during the scan, and you can usually have an 'emergency stop' button if you need to end the scan early.

Will I get results from my scans or tests?

You will be told about any significant findings from your scans that require medical attention. General research findings will be shared once the study is complete, but not individual detailed results.

How to find out more

Michael D Noseworthy, PhD, PEng

nosewor@mcmaster.ca 905.525.9140 Official trial record

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