None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Traumatic brain injuries are common, estimated to affect 107 in 100,000 Australians per year. Of these 80% sustain a mild-moderate traumatic brain injury (mTBI). A wide range of cognitive, behavioural and affective symptoms occur as a result of the biomechanical forces to the brain. The acute and long lasting impact of mTBI on brain activity is not well characterised. Combined transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with electroencephalography (EEG) can be used as a tool to identify the neurophysiological mechanisms associated with mTBI symptoms. Furthermore, it allows the association between cognitive impairments and the functional integrity of the neural areas underlying these symptoms to be investigated. Thirty mTBI participants and 30 age and gender matched controls will attend three testing sessions across a 6 month period to capture acute, sub-acute and chronic symptoms post injury. A neuropsychological assessment and TMS/EEG recording will be conducted at each time point. Analyses will be conducted between groups to assess for differences in brain activity and within groups to investigate recovery in mTBI and test-retest reliability in controls. By improving our understanding of how changes in brain activity relate to impairments and recovery of function, targeted therapeutic strategies to modulate these may be developed. In summary, the aim of this study is to investigate changes in cortical activity, and the relationship with cognition, during recovery post mTBI using TMS-EEG.
Interventions
Traumatic brain injuries are common, estimated to affect 107 in 100,000 Australians per year. Of these 80% sustain a mild-moderate traumatic brain injury (mTBI). A wide range of cognitive, behavioural and affective symptoms occur as a result of the biomechanical forces to the brain. The acute and long lasting impact of mTBI on brain activity is not well characterized.
Combined transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with electroencephalography (EEG) can be used as a tool to identify the neuro
Traumatic brain injuries are common, estimated to affect 107 in 100,000 Australians per year. Of these 80% sustain a mild-moderate traumatic brain injury (mTBI). A wide range of cognitive, behavioural and affective symptoms occur as a result of the biomechanical forces to the brain. The acute and long lasting impact of mTBI on brain activity is not well characterized. Combined transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with electroencephalography (EEG) can be used as a tool to identify the neurophysiological mechanisms associated with mTBI symptoms. Furthermore, it allows the association between cognitive impairments and the functional integrity of the neural areas underlying these symptoms to be investigated. An EEG is a recording of the brain’s electrical activity and is a commonly used tool to investigate aspects of brain functioning. After recording some EEG whilst the participant sits still with their eyes open or closed we will use a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) device to assess brain activity. This is done by placing a handheld magnetic coil over the participants scalp while they are seated in a chair. The magnetic field generated by the coil is able to painlessly stimulate nerve cells in the brain. The TMS protocol is 75 single pulses at 0.2Hz with an interstimulus interval of 5 seconds. Single pulse duration is approximately 6.5 minutes. Thirty mTBI participants and 30 age and gender matched controls will attend three testing sessions across a 6 month period to capture acute, sub-acute and chronic symptoms post injury. A neuropsychological assessment and TMS/EEG recording will be conducted at each time point. Total testing session will take approximately 3 hours and will be conducted by a trained PhD student under the supervision of a Clinical Neuropsychologist. Analyses will be conducted between groups to assess for differences in brain activity and within groups to investigate recovery in mTBI and test-retest reliability in controls. By improving our understanding of how changes in brain activity relate to impairments and recovery of function, targeted therapeutic strategies to modulate these may be developed.
Sponsors
A/Prof Kate Hoy
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Primary purpose
Diagnosis
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 55 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for mTBI 1. Are voluntary and competent to consent, 2. Are right handed, 3. Are between the ages of 18 and 55 years, 4. Sustained a traumatic brain injury (mild to moderate: Glasgow Coma Scale 9>15) Inclusion Criteria for controls 1. Are voluntary and competent to consent, 2. Are right handed, 3. Are between the ages of 18 and 55 years, 4. No history of head injury
Exclusion criteria
General Exclusion Criteria 1. Are pregnant or lactating 2. History of neurological or mental illness 3. Have a DSM-IV history of substance abuse or dependence in the last 6 months 4. Taking medication known to alter brain excitability, plasticity 5. History of seizures 6. Have metal anywhere in the head, except the mouth. This includes metallic objects such as screws, plates and clips from surgical procedures.
Outcome results
None listed