An observational study of concussion in adults to improve recovery and outcomes

Brief Summary

This is an observational research study to identify markers that can predict poor outcome following a concussion. Following a concussion injury, information will be collected on the individual's injury and medical history, and they will participate in an exercise tolerance test, MRI scan, neuropsychological test and blood test. We hypothesize that performance on tests at the time of the injury will help predict which individuals will likely have a delayed or complicated recovery. Identifying ind .... This is an observational research study to identify markers that can predict poor outcome following a concussion. Following a concussion injury, information will be collected on the individual's injury and medical history, and they will participate in an exercise tolerance test, MRI scan, neuropsychological test and blood test. We hypothesize that performance on tests at the time of the injury will help predict which individuals will likely have a delayed or complicated recovery. Identifying individuals at risk of a poor recovery will help doctors modify their management of the injury appropriately, and save those likely to recovery normally from unnecessary follow-up visits. Read more

Key Inclusion Criteria

i) Clinical diagnosis of concussion made by a medical practitioner ii) Able to be recruited within 7 days of head injury with symptoms attributable to that injury iii) Post-Traumatic Amnesia of less than 24 hours iv) No significant findings on acute brain CT scan, or CT scan not required

Key Exclusion Criteria

All participants will complete Phase I. Eligible participants that have completed Phase I will complete Phase II, up to a maximum of 120 participants. Phase I Exclusion Criteria: i) Glasgow Coma Scale <14 at the time of initial assessment ii) Significant history of pre-existing conditions that would interfere with outcome assessment and follow-up (eg. Substance abuse/alcohol abuse, homelessness, terminal illness) iii) Significant debilitating pre-existing diagnosed mental health disorder that wo .... All participants will complete Phase I. Eligible participants that have completed Phase I will complete Phase II, up to a maximum of 120 participants. Phase I Exclusion Criteria: i) Glasgow Coma Scale <14 at the time of initial assessment ii) Significant history of pre-existing conditions that would interfere with outcome assessment and follow-up (eg. Substance abuse/alcohol abuse, homelessness, terminal illness) iii) Significant debilitating pre-existing diagnosed mental health disorder that would interfere with neuropsychological and possibly blood biomarker outcome measures or follow up (eg schizophrenia, bipolar disorder) iv) Significant pre-existing neurological condition which may interfere with ability to complete outcome measures or follow up (eg. Stroke, dementia) v) Pre-existing cognitive impairment such as intellectual disability which may interfere with ability to undertake neuropsychological examination vi) Non-English speakers or poor English language skills which may interfere with ability to undertake neuropsychological examination vii) Pregnant women viii) Prisoners in custody or people known to be involved in illegal activity ix) Deemed unlikely to comply with 28-day follow up e.g. homeless, alcohol dependence. x) Head injury deemed to be entirely due to primary seizure. Phase II Exclusion Criteria: i) Significant other physical trauma that would interfere with physical and/or biochemical outcome assessments and follow up (eg lower limb injuries that would compromise balance or exercise bike testing, or cause changes in blood biomarkers) ii) Any pre-existing heart conditions that may compromise ability to complete an exercise tolerance test iii) Epilepsy or history of seizure iv) Meets exclusion criteria to undertake MRI, which can be any of the following: • Has cardiac pacemaker or pacing wire in situ • Has metal surgical clips or staples of any kind (particularly aneurysm clips) in situ • Has had lap band surgery • Has electronic inner ear implants (bionic ears) • Has metal fragments in your eyes (past or present) • Has electronic stimulators • Has implanted pumps • Has metal pins or rods in bones • Has an IUCD (intrauterine contraceptive device) fitted • Has shrapnel, bullets or foreign bodies Read more

Can healthy volunteers participate?

No