Randomized Controlled Trial of Targeted Treatment in Older Adults Following Concussion

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are conducting the first randomized controlled trial to study targeted treatments for concussion in adults aged 50 years or older. This research addresses the unique needs of older adults who may have sensory, cognitive, and neuro-motor challenges, making standard concussion management tools less suitable. The study aims to develop evidence for treatments tailored to this at-risk population and compare these targeted interventions to usual care. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group receives standardized behavioral management strategies focused on activity, hydration, nutrition, sleep, and stress management. The other group receives personalized interventions based on their specific concussion symptoms, including therapies for anxiety, mood, headache, ocular issues, cognitive challenges, sleep, and vestibular problems. These treatments are provided during two visits: the initial concussion clinical visit and a follow-up visit usually 21 to 31 days later. Throughout the study, participants complete assessments including cognitive screening, symptom questionnaires, and neuro-motor evaluations at both visits. Researchers will monitor a range of outcomes such as symptom severity, mood, dizziness, sleep quality, headache impact, cognitive function, and physical performance. Daily patient impressions of change and symptom tracking occur between visits to measure progress. The study will continue until about 30 days after the first visit, with safety and symptom monitoring throughout.

Concussion Treatment in Older Adults