Post-Concussion Syndrome in Professional Athletes: A Multidisciplinary Study

University Health Network, Toronto

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy

Treatments: Diagnostic Test: Biomarkers for detecting possible CTE invivo

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03218332

11-0088-B

Details and patient eligibility

About

to examine the relationship between repeated concussions and late decline of brain function. In addition, all participants agreeing to participate in the study will be asked to will their brains to The Krembil Neuroscience Centre Concussion Project at the Toronto Western Hospital with the consent and full knowledge of their families and doctors. However, it is possible to participate in the research without agreeing to a brain donation.

The Project Team is specifically attempting a clinical-MRI-brain tissue research analysis to determine the exact mechanism of the damage to brain tissue following repeated concussions. This condition is known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and shows an abnormal protein in the brain called tau-protein.

Full description

We hypothesize that repeated concussions in retired professional athletes will be associated with abnormalities in neurological, neuropsychological, biofluids and neuroimaging assessments. The primary objectives of the study are:

1. To determine the effects of repeated concussions on neurological, neuropsychological and psychosocial functioning.
2. To determine the relationship between repeated concussions and neuroanatomical abnormalities in brain gray and white matter subserving cognitive and motor functions using structural MRI assessment.
3. To determine the relationship between repeated concussions and changes in the cerebrospinal fluid composition.
4. To (i) establish the infrastructure to conduct ongoing pathological examination of donated brains.
5. In order to investigate whether the effects of repeated concussions on brain function and brain structure are progressive and related to the condition known as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, prospective, longitudinal, follow-up data will be collected

Enrollment: 150 estimated patients

Sex: Male

Ages: 25 to 85 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

fluent in English, and a history of multiple concussions , low exposures , or no concussions (Control group ). Determination of concussion exposure will be determined as follows: Previous concussion will be based on the player's recall of injury and defined as "an injury resulting from a blow to the head that caused an alteration in mental status and one or more of the following symptoms: headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness/balance problems, fatigue, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, sensitivity to light or noise, blurred vision, difficulty remembering, and difficulty concentrating.

Exclusion criteria

Neurological disorders prior to concussions (e.g.: seizure disorder); systemic illnesses known to affect the brain (e.g., diabetes and lupus); a history of psychotic disorder; known developmental disorders (e.g., attention deficit disorder, dyslexia); history of migraines; and, active engagement in litigation.

Trial design

150 participants in 2 patient groups

Former concussed pro-athletes

Description:

Biomarkers for detecting possible CTE invivo in former pro-athletes with multiple concussions: Imaging/blood/cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)/Positron emission tomography (PET-)tau/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/neuropsychological assessment.

Treatment:

Diagnostic Test: Biomarkers for detecting possible CTE invivo

Healthy controls

Description:

Active Comparator

Treatment:

Diagnostic Test: Biomarkers for detecting possible CTE invivo