RecruitingObservational

Fatigue and brain function in young people after brain injury

Many young people who have had a brain injury experience ongoing tiredness, affecting their energy and ability to think. This study aims to understand these different types of tiredness (fatigue) and what causes them. Researchers will look at how fatigue is connected to sleep, memory, attention, and even brain structure and activity. The goal is to find ways to better identify and eventually treat fatigue, helping young people lead fuller lives. Participants, aged 10-18, will complete computer tests, questionnaires, and brain scans. This research is important because understanding fatigue better could lead to new treatments in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Birmingham

Enrolment target

Start

01 May 2026

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2029

Cognitive fatigue in children and young people (CYP) with acquired brain injury (ABI)

What is this study about?

Imagine feeling constantly tired, making it hard to concentrate at school, remember things, or even enjoy spending time with friends. Many children and young people who have experienced a brain injury often face this challenge, known as fatigue. This fatigue isn’t just about feeling physically tired; it can also be 'cognitive fatigue,' meaning their brain feels exhausted from everyday tasks like thinking or focusing.

This important study, run by the University of Birmingham and funded by the Wellcome Trust, wants to get to the bottom of why this happens. We know fatigue is common and can really affect a young person's life, but we don't fully understand all its different forms or what's going on in the brain to cause it. By studying young people aged 10 to 18, both those who have had a brain injury and those who haven't, researchers hope to uncover how fatigue relates to sleep patterns, how well the brain pays attention and remembers things, and even what brain scans can tell us about brain structure and activity.

The findings from this study could be incredibly valuable. By understanding more about the different types of fatigue and what causes them in the brain, scientists hope to find 'markers' – like clues – that could help doctors identify fatigue more clearly in the future. This could then lead to better ways to measure if new treatments for fatigue are working, ultimately helping young people recover better and improve their quality of life after a brain injury.

Key takeaways

Understanding fatigue after brain injury in young people.
Investigating links between fatigue, sleep, memory, and brain activity.
Participants aged 10-18, with or without a brain injury.
Involves computer tests, questionnaires, and brain scans.
Aims to find clues (markers) for better diagnosis and future treatments.
Funded by Wellcome Trust, led by University of Birmingham.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for two groups of young people:

**Group 1: Young people who have experienced a brain injury.** You might be able to participate if you are between 10 and 18 years old, have experienced a moderate to severe brain injury (either from an accident, illness, or tumor), and are currently receiving follow-up care at Birmingham Children's Hospital. You should also be experiencing fatigue that has been noticed by yourself, your parents, or your doctor.

**Group 2: Young people who haven't had a brain injury.** You might be able to participate if you are between 10 and 18 years old and have generally grown up without any known serious neurological conditions or significant medical issues requiring recent surgery or treatment.

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 10 and 18 years old?
Have you had a moderate to severe brain injury (Group 1) OR have you always been generally healthy (Group 2)?
If you had a brain injury, are you currently cared for at Birmingham Children's Hospital and do you experience fatigue?
Are you able to communicate and commit to attending assessments?
Is it safe for you to have an MRI scan (e.g., no metal implants)?
Are you able to lie still for a period for brain scans?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will be asked to do a few things. You'll complete some computer-based tests that look at your memory, attention, and how you process emotions. You’ll also fill out questionnaires about your sleep, how tired you feel, and your overall quality of life. In addition to these, you will have detailed brain scans, including some that measure your brain activity while you are resting. The researchers will compare the results between young people who have had a brain injury and those who haven't. Everything is designed to be as comfortable as possible, and you can always speak up if something doesn't feel right. The study aims to look at these things over a period, but specific timings for visits aren't detailed, however, the overall study runs from May 2026 to March 2029.

Potential risks and benefits

The study organisers have not yet provided specific information about potential benefits or risks at the time of registration. Generally, in research studies like this, potential benefits might include contributing important knowledge that could help future patients. Risks are usually minimal but could include discomfort during brain scans or tiredness from the assessments. You will always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, 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.

Birmingham Childrens Hospital
Unverified
Birmingham, England

Common questions

What is 'fatigue' in this study?

Fatigue here means feeling very tired, both physically and mentally (like your brain is exhausted), often after a brain injury, making daily tasks hard.

What kind of brain injury are you looking at?

The study includes various causes of brain injury, such as accidents, illnesses, or brain tumours, as long as it was moderate to severe.

Will I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study does not involve taking any new medicines or treatments. It focuses on understanding fatigue through tests and scans.

How long will I be involved in the study?

The study will run from May 2026 to March 2029. While the total duration of your participation isn't specified, it would involve a series of assessments within that timeframe.

What if I can't lie still for the brain scan?

It's important to be able to stay still for the brain scan. If you have concerns about this or any other part of the study, you should discuss them with the research team.

How to find out more

Davinia Fernández Espejo

d.fernandez-espejo@bham.ac.uk +44 (0)1214145534 Official trial record

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