Concussion in Non-Athletes; CONTACTS

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Concussion in Non-Athletes; Assessment of Cognition and Symptomatology (CONTACTS)

  • IRAS ID

    248527

  • Contact name

    Antonio Belli

  • Contact email

    a.belli@bham.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Birmingham

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    2 years, 1 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    Can the concussion tests ImPACT, SCAT5 and salivary micro-RNA differentiate between participants with concussion and a control group?

    The CONTACTS study will investigate the accuracy of concussion tests in NHS patients. Potential complications following concussion can have profound effects on an individuals quality of life. Some examples include chronic headache, sleep disturbance, mood changes and problems with memory, concentration and balance. Early intervention following injury improves patient outcome, so it is vital to identify all patients suffering concussion.
    Two widely-used concussion assessment tools in sports are the Sports Concussion Assessment Tool version 5 (SCAT5) and the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test (ImPACT). The SCAT5 is a paper-based test designed for pitch-side use and the ImPACT is a computer-based assessment that measures changes in memory, attention and reaction time. “Micro-RNA” are molecules that have been found in the saliva of concussed athletes and therefore may be used as a test to diagnose concussion.
    In the CONTACTS study, results of the SCAT5, ImPACT and salivary micro-RNA tests in concussed patients will be compared to results from injured patients without head injury. This will help assess whether these tests may help identify patients with concussion.
    Two groups of individuals will be eligible for the study: 1) patients with facial injury and concussion, 2) patients suffering an arm or leg injury with no concussion. Participants will be recruited from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (Birmingham) Emergency Department (ED) and asked to complete all tests in the ED and at 24-48 hours following injury. At 14 days, participants will receive an email link to complete a further ImPACT assessment at home and have their symptoms assessed by the research team by telephone. At 6 months the participant will receive a final telephone call to assess symptoms and how the concussion has affected their lives.

  • REC name

    West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    20/WM/0299

  • Date of REC Opinion

    20 Jan 2021

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion