Study on Brain Development in Children Aged 3 to 5 Years After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Compared to Orthopaedic Injuries

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the effects of mild traumatic brain injury concussion in young children aged 3 to under 6 years. This observational study compares 30 children who had a concussion to 30 children with an orthopedic injury to an arm or leg, to understand how concussions affect brain structure, function, and behavior during this critical period of brain development. The study involves two groups children with a concussion and children with an orthopedic injury, both aged between 3 and just under 6 years. Each child will undergo a non-sedated MRI scan to examine brain structure and function. The children are recruited from a pediatric emergency department shortly after injury, and their brain changes will be compared between the two groups. Participants will have brain imaging performed around 3 months after their injury to measure persistent brain structure changes, brain lesion volume and number, blood flow alterations, and the integrity of brain networks. The study will collect detailed brain scans and behavioral data to assess any lasting effects of concussion in young children. The total duration of participation spans from injury to follow-up imaging at 3 months.

Brain Development in Young Children Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury - Pilot Study