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Predicting Behavioural Deficits and Creating Biomarkers After Repeated Sub-concussive Injury

Project Overview

Concussions frequently occur worldwide, with a subset of patients experiencing lasting symptoms impacting their quality of life. Sub-concussive injuries, which are head impacts that do not provoke acute symptoms, have been suggested to cumulate and predispose the brain to symptomatic concussion. Individuals regularly exposed to sub-concussive forces (contact sport athletes, tradespeople, military personnel) report headaches, cognitive slowing, noise sensitivity, short-term memory problems, and disrupted sleep that, over time, become increasingly severe for minor exposures. This proposes a fundamental question of whether repetitive sub-concussive impacts change tolerance over time, resulting in impacts of lower magnitude displaying symptoms. Currently, we have no way to quantitatively assess and characterize concussive or sub-concussive injuries. Clinical identification is imprecise and highly variable as imaging and behavioural data are notoriously difficult to collect. Animal models cannot account for changes in higher cognitive functioning, and human research is typically from the general public, where sub-concussive exposure is unpredictable. It is challenging to derive such mechanistic insights and elucidate the time-course of behavioural changes. To address limitations; we have identified a highly reproducible model of occupational sub-concussive exposure in military snipers. Over their careers, many become symptomatic after repeated exposure to high-calibre rifle recoil forces. This unique model provides remarkable consistency in terms of demographics and exposure and positions us to address a critical translational gap in understanding adaptive brain function and how behavioural performance is compromised. Using multi-sequence MRI and quantitative behavioural assessments, we will produce preliminary biomarkers of injury and contribute to validated clinical assessments for sub-concussive injury.

Principal Investigator

Sebastian D'Amario , Queen’s University

Partners and Donors

Brain Changes Initiative

Project Ongoing

Predicting Behavioural Deficits and Creating Biomarkers After Repeated Sub-concussive Injury

  • Grant Type

    Capacity building grants

  • Area of research

    Injury

  • Disease Area

    Brain Injury

  • Competition

    Rising Stars Trainee Awards

  • Province

    Ontario

  • Start Date

    2024

  • Total Grant Amount

    $12,000

  • Health Canada Contribution

    $6,000