PACT
The primary objective of this pilot study is to characterize the relationships between brain imaging indices and ratings of adjustment and behavior in children with traumatic brain injury or orthopedic injury. The secondary objective of this study is to examine shared and distinct neural networks underlying neurocognitive and social-cognitive functioning using novel fMRI measures of working memory developed specifically for children and adolescents.
Background
Childhood traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a prominent public health burden. TBI is the leading cause of death and disability in children and adolescents under age 15, and results in over 640,000 emergency department visits and 18,000 hospitalizations annually in the United States.
Research has suggested that different parts of the brain are responsible for different aspects of cognitive and social functioning, and thus, damage to the brain because of TBI can lead to cognitive, social, and adaptive problems. These problems may threaten survivors’ long-term adjustment and quality of life. Further research is needed to investigate the acute differences in brain structure and function between children with and without TBI, the evolution of differences over time, and the extent to which they are associated with social and adaptive outcomes post-injury.
Purpose
This proposed study addresses this critical gap by neuroimaging (MRI) with measures of cognition, social cognition, and behavioral outcome.
Methods
This study will involve three visits to the University of Utah across the first year of recovery after an injury. These visits will include MRIs, as well as some surveys and cognitive tests.
Inclusion criteria:
- Age 8–12 years of age at the time of enrollment
- History of being admitted to the hospital at least one night for a TBI or orthopedic injury no more than one month before enrollment
- No history of prior TBI requiring medical treatment
- Able to undergo MRI scans (no claustrophobia/metal implants, etc.)
Contact us:
If you or your child are interested in participating in this study, please contact us.
