Live Video Mind-Body Treatment to Prevent Persistent Symptoms Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Protocol for a Mixed-Methods Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Greenberg ◽  
Tanya Singh ◽  
Grant L. Iverson ◽  
Noah D. Silverberg ◽  
Eric A. Macklin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Massachusetts General Hospital ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Live Video ◽  
Comorbid Anxiety ◽  
College Age ◽  
Persistent Symptoms

BACKGROUND Every year, approximately 42 million people suffer a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI, aka concussion), with particularly high rates among college-age individuals. A substantial proportion (44%-64%) go on to develop persistent symptoms that are challenging to treat, costly, and associated with significant disability. Anxiety has emerged as risk factor for progression from acute to persistent mTBI symptoms. OBJECTIVE This study aims to develop, adapt, and establish the feasibility of the Toolkit for Optimal Recovery after Concussions (TOR-C), an innovative mind-body program aimed at preventing persistent symptoms among young adults with mTBI and co-morbid anxiety. Here we describe the proposed study design, methodology, measurement, and treatment manuals. METHODS In phase 1 we will conduct individual, live video qualitative interviews (up to N=20) with college-age individuals with mTBI and comorbid anxiety to inform adaptation of the intervention and study procedures. In phase 2, we will conduct an open pilot of the live video TOR-C (N=5) with exit interviews to explore initial feasibility, acceptability, and credibility of the program and to refine study procedures. In phase 3 we will conduct a feasibility randomized controlled trial (N= 50) of the TOR-C versus a health education control (Health Enhancement for Concussions; HE-C), both delivered via live video, to establish 1) feasibility of recruitment procedures (screening, eligibility, enrollment) and data collection; 2), feasibility, credibility, and acceptability of the live video TOR-C and HE-C (adherence, retention, fidelity, satisfaction) following pre-specified benchmarks, and 3) a signal of improvement in outcomes. RESULTS Phase 1 of the study was approved by the Massachusetts General Hospital Institutional Review Board. Study completion is anticipated by early 2025. CONCLUSIONS We will develop and test the first mind-body intervention focused on prevention of persistent symptoms following mTBI in young adults with comorbid anxiety problems. It will allow us to establish feasibility markers in post-concussive symptoms, anxiety, disability, and fear avoidance, to inform a future efficacy trial of TOR-C vs. the HE-C and subsequent implementation.

scholarly journals A Live Video Mind-Body Treatment to Prevent Persistent Symptoms Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Greenberg ◽  
Tanya Singh ◽  
Grant L Iverson ◽  
Noah D Silverberg ◽  
Eric A Macklin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Massachusetts General Hospital ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Live Video ◽  
Comorbid Anxiety ◽  
Persistent Symptoms

BACKGROUND Every year, approximately 42 million people sustain a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI, also known as concussion), with particularly high rates among college-aged individuals. A substantial proportion of these people (44%-64%) develop persistent symptoms that are challenging to treat, costly, and associated with significant disability. Anxiety has emerged as a risk factor for progression from acute to persistent mTBI symptoms. OBJECTIVE This study aims to develop, adapt, and establish the feasibility of the <i>Toolkit for Optimal Recovery after Concussions</i> (TOR-C), an innovative mind-body program aimed at preventing persistent symptoms among young adults with mTBI and comorbid anxiety. Here, we describe the proposed study design, methodology, measurement, and treatment manuals. METHODS In phase 1, we will conduct individual, live video qualitative interviews (up to n=20) with college-aged individuals with mTBI and comorbid anxiety to inform adaptation of the intervention and study procedures. In phase 2, an open pilot of the live video TOR-C (n=5) with exit interviews will be conducted to explore the initial feasibility, acceptability, and credibility of the program and to refine the study procedures. Phase 3 will involve conducting a feasibility randomized controlled trial (N=50) of the TOR-C versus a health education control (Health Enhancement for Concussions; HE-C), both delivered via live video, to establish feasibility of recruitment procedures (screening, eligibility, and enrollment) and data collection; feasibility, credibility, and acceptability of the live video TOR-C and HE-C (adherence, retention, fidelity, and satisfaction) following prespecified benchmarks; and a signal of improvement in outcomes. RESULTS Phase 1 of the study has been approved by the Massachusetts General Hospital Institutional Review Board. Study completion is anticipated by early 2025. CONCLUSIONS We will develop and test the first mind-body intervention focused on prevention of persistent symptoms following mTBI in young adults with comorbid anxiety problems. This will allow us to establish feasibility markers in postconcussive symptoms, anxiety, disability, and fear avoidance to inform a future efficacy trial of the TOR-C versus HE-C. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT PRR1-10.2196/25746

scholarly journals Exosomal MicroRNA Differential Expression in Plasma of Young Adults with Chronic Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Healthy Control

Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 36
Author(s):  
Rany Vorn ◽  
Maiko Suarez ◽  
Jacob C. White ◽  
Carina A. Martin ◽  
Hyung-Suk Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Pathophysiological Mechanism ◽  
Post Injury ◽  
Persistent Symptoms ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Chronic mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) has long-term consequences, such as neurological disability, but its pathophysiological mechanism is unknown. Exosomal microRNAs (exomiRNAs) may be important mediators of molecular and cellular changes involved in persistent symptoms after mTBI. We profiled exosomal microRNAs (exomiRNAs) in plasma from young adults with or without a chronic mTBI to decipher the underlying mechanisms of its long-lasting symptoms after mTBI. We identified 25 significantly dysregulated exomiRNAs in the chronic mTBI group (n = 29, with 4.48 mean years since the last injury) compared to controls (n = 11). These miRNAs are associated with pathways of neurological disease, organismal injury and abnormalities, and psychological disease. Dysregulation of these plasma exomiRNAs in chronic mTBI may indicate that neuronal inflammation can last long after the injury and result in enduring and persistent post-injury symptoms. These findings are useful for diagnosing and treating chronic mTBIs.

scholarly journals Cervicovestibular rehabilitation in adult with mild traumatic brain injury: a randomised controlled trial protocol

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre Langevin ◽  
Philippe Fait ◽  
Pierre Frémont ◽  
Jean-Sébastien Roy
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Neck Pain ◽  
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Rehabilitation Program ◽  
Conventional Approach ◽  
Persistent Symptoms ◽  
Link Type

Abstract Background Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is an acknowledged public health problem. Up to 25% of adult with mTBI present persistent symptoms. Headache, dizziness, nausea and neck pain are the most commonly reported symptoms and are frequently associated with cervical spine and vestibular impairments. The most recent international consensus statement (2017 Berlin consensus) recommends the addition of an individualized rehabilitation approach for mTBI with persistent symptoms. The addition of an individualized rehabilitation approach including the evaluation and treatment of cervical and vestibular impairments leading to symptoms such as neck pain, headache and dizziness is, however, recommended based only on limited scientific evidence. The benefit of such intervention should therefore be further investigated. Objective To compare the addition of a 6-week individualized cervicovestibular rehabilitation program to a conventional approach of gradual sub-threshold physical activation (SPA) alone in adults with persistent headache, neck pain and/or dizziness-related following a mTBI on the severity of symptoms and on other indicators of clinical recovery. We hypothesize that such a program will improve all outcomes faster than a conventional approach (between-group differences at 6-week and 12-week). Methods In this single-blind, parallel-group randomized controlled trial, 46 adults with subacute (3 to12 weeks post-injury) persistent mTBI symptoms will be randomly assigned to: 1) a 6-week SPA program or 2) SPA combined with a cervicovestibular rehabilitation program. The cervicovestibular rehabilitation program will include education, cervical spine manual therapy and exercises, vestibular rehabilitation and home exercises. All participants will take part in 4 evaluation sessions (baseline, week 6, 12 and 26) performed by a blinded evaluator. The primary outcome will be the Post-Concussion Symptoms Scale. The secondary outcomes will be time to clearance to return to function, number of recurrent episodes, Global Rating of Change, Numerical Pain Rating Scale, Neck Disability Index, Headache Disability Inventory and Dizziness Handicap Inventory. A 2-way ANOVA and an intention-to-treat analysis will be used. Discussion Controlled trials are needed to determine the best rehabilitation approach for mTBI with persistent symptoms such as neck pain, headache and dizziness. This RCT will be crucial to guide future clinical management recommendations. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier - NCT03677661, Registered on September, 15th 2018.

scholarly journals Myelin water fraction decrease in individuals with chronic mild traumatic brain injury and persistent symptoms

Heliyon ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. e06709
Author(s):  
Bretta Russell-Schulz ◽  
Irene M. Vavasour ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Alex L. MacKay ◽  
Victoria Purcell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Water Fraction ◽  
Persistent Symptoms ◽  
Myelin Water Fraction

Prognostic Factors for Persistent Symptoms in Adults With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: an Overview of Systematic Reviews

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julien Déry ◽  
Béatrice Ouellet ◽  
Élaine de Guise ◽  
Ève-Line Bussières ◽  
Marie-Eve Lamontagne
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Prognostic Factors ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Persistent Symptoms ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Overview Of Systematic Reviews

Abstract Background: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is an increasing public health problem, because of its persistent symptoms and several functional consequences. Understanding the prognosis of a condition is an important component of clinical decision-making and can help to guide prevention of persistent symptoms following mTBI. Prognosis of mTBI has stimulated several empirical primary research papers and many systematic reviews leading to the identification of a wide range of factors. We aim to synthesize these factors to get a better understanding of their breadth and scope.Methods: We conducted an overview of systematic reviews. We searched in databases systematic reviews synthesizing evidence about prognosis of persistent symptoms after mTBI in the adult population. Two reviewers independently screened all references and selected eligible reviews based on eligibility criteria. They extracted relevant information using an extraction grid. They also rated independently the risk of bias using the ROBIS tool. We synthesized evidence into a comprehensive conceptual map to facilitate the understanding of prognostic factors that have an impact on persistent post-concussion symptoms.Results: From the 3857 references retrieved in database search, we included 25 systematic reviews integrating the results of 312 primary articles published between 1957 and 2019. We examined 35 prognostic factors from the systematics reviews. No single prognostic factor demonstrated convincing and conclusive results. However, age, sex and multiple concussions showed an affirmatory association with persistent post-concussion outcomes in systematic reviews.Conclusion: We highlighted the need of a comprehensive picture of prognostic factors related to persistent post-concussion symptoms. We believe that these prognostic factors would guide clinical decision and research related to prevention and intervention regarding persistent post-concussion symptoms.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020176676

scholarly journals Neuromodulation for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Buhagiar ◽  
Melinda Fitzgerald ◽  
Jason Bell ◽  
Fiona Allanson ◽  
Carmela Pestell
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Persistent Symptoms ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The Brain

Background: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) results from an external force to the head or body causing neurophysiological changes within the brain. The number and severity of symptoms can vary, with some individuals experiencing rapid recovery, and others having persistent symptoms for months to years, impacting their quality of life. Current rehabilitation is limited in its ability to treat persistent symptoms and novel approaches are being sought to improve outcomes following mTBI. Neuromodulation is one technique used to encourage adaptive neuroplasticity within the brain.Objective: To systematically review the literature on the efficacy of neuromodulation in the mTBI population.Method: A systematic review was conducted using Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES and EBM Review. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis reporting guidelines were used and a narrative review of the selected studies was completed. Fourteen articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria which were published in English, investigating an adult sample and using a pre- and post-intervention design. Studies were excluded if they included non-mild TBI severities, pediatric or older adult populations.Results: Thirteen of fourteen studies reported positive reductions in mTBI symptomatology following neuromodulation. Specifically, improvements were reported in post-concussion symptom ratings, headaches, dizziness, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, general disability, cognition, return to work and quality of life. Normalization of working memory activation patterns, vestibular field potentials, hemodynamics of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and excessive delta wave activity were also seen. The studies reviewed had several methodological limitations including small, heterogenous samples and varied intervention protocols, limiting generalisability. Further research is required to understand the context in which neuromodulation may be beneficial.Conclusions: While these positive effects are observed, limitations included unequal representation of neuromodulation modalities in the literature, and lack of literature describing the efficacy of neuromodulation on the development or duration of persistent mTBI symptoms. Better clarity regarding neuromodulation efficacy could have a significant impact on mTBI patients, researchers, clinicians, and policy makers, facilitating a more productive post-mTBI population. Despite the limitations, the literature indicates that neuromodulation warrants further investigation. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020161279.

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