Brain Development in Young Children Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury - Pilot Study
This study is investigating how concussions, also known as mild traumatic brain injuries, in very young children (aged 3 to almost 6 years old) might impact their brains and behaviour. Concussions are common but we don't fully understand their long-term effects on developing brains. Researchers will use special brain scans to compare 30 children who have had a concussion with 30 children of the same age who had a broken bone or sprain in an arm or leg. By doing this, they hope to learn more about how concussions specifically affect brain changes and children's behaviour, helping us understand if the effects are different in these younger, developing brains.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study, called a 'pilot' study, is looking into how mild head injuries, often known as concussions, can affect the brains of very young children. Concussions are quite common in children, but we don't know much about their exact effects on developing brains, especially in children under six years old. Their brains are still growing and changing a lot at this age, so the impact might be different compared to older children or adults.
The main goal of this research is to see if a concussion in a child before their sixth birthday leads to any changes in their brain structure (how the brain is built), its function (how it works), and their behaviour. To do this, the study will use special brain imaging techniques, like an MRI scan, which takes detailed pictures of the brain.
The study will compare two groups of children. One group will be 30 children who have had a concussion. The other group will be 30 children of the same age who had an injury to an arm or leg, like a simple broken bone or sprain. By comparing these two groups, researchers hope to understand what specific changes might be linked to concussions in these young children.
Key takeaways
- This study explores how concussions affect young children's brains.
- It focuses on children aged 3 to almost 6 years old.
- Researchers will use brain scans (MRI) and look at behaviour.
- It compares children with concussions to those with limb injuries.
- The goal is to better understand long-term effects on developing brains.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, children need to be between 3 and almost 6 years old (meaning not yet had their sixth birthday). They must have visited A&E within 48 hours of their injury. For children in the concussion group, they must have had a mild head injury from an accident, like a fall. For children in the comparison group, they must have had a mild injury to an arm or leg, like a sprain or a simple fracture, also from an accident.
There are several reasons why a child might not be able to join. For example, they can't have had a head injury before, or have certain existing serious health conditions affecting their brain or development. Children who needed strong sedatives after their injury, or whose parents don't speak French (as the study is based in a French-speaking region), also can't take part. Also, if a child is in foster care at the time of recruitment, or was born very prematurely, they won't be able to join this study. If a child has any metal in their body making an MRI scan unsafe, they also cannot participate.
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.
- Is your child between 3 and almost 6 years old?
- Did your child have their injury within the last 48 hours and visit A&E?
- Has your child never had a head injury (concussion) before?
- Does your child not have any serious ongoing health conditions?
- Is it safe for your child to have an MRI scan (e.g., no metal in their body)?
- Was your child injured in an accident, not on purpose?
What does participation involve?
If your child is eligible and you decide to take part, the study involves a detailed brain scan (an MRI) for your child. This scan will help researchers look closely at their brain. Your child will also likely do some activities or tests to assess their behaviour and how their brain is working. The study compares a group of children who had a concussion to a group of children who had an injury to a limb, so researchers are mainly observing and collecting information rather than giving a new treatment. The total time spent in the study will be discussed with you, but it typically involves a few visits for initial checks, the MRI scan, and possibly follow-up assessments.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Unité des urgences médicochirurgicales CHU RennesVerified postcodeRennes, France· Recruiting
Common questions
What is a 'mild traumatic brain injury'?
It's another name for a concussion, which is a mild head injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can affect how the brain works for a short time.
Why are you studying young children?
Children under 6 have rapidly developing brains, and researchers want to understand if concussions affect them differently compared to older children or adults.
What is an MRI exam?
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a special type of scan that uses strong magnets and radio waves to take very detailed pictures of the brain without using X-rays.
Will my child receive any medicine as part of this study?
No, this study is about observing and understanding the effects of concussions, not about testing new medicines or treatments.
What is the difference between the two groups of children?
One group had a concussion, and the other group had a non-head injury like a broken arm or leg. Both groups are otherwise similar, allowing researchers to compare the specific impact of head injury.
How to find out more
Fanny DÉGEILH, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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