ABiC projects
The ABiC group is in the planning phase of cutting edge research, supported through recently awarded grants.
Clinical trial for children, adolescents and young adults with concussion
This study is investigating repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) as potential treatment for children, adolescents and young adults with persistent post-concussion symptom.
Participants will be randomised to receive either 10 rTMS treatment or sham treatment (placebo/dummy) over 2 weeks, with the option to receive a further two weeks of 10 rTMS treatment sessions.
Study assessments include advanced brain imaging and activity measurements such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalography (EEG), as well as questionnaires to assess well-being and changes in symptoms.
The study will take place in the KidStim Lab at the Centre for Children’s Health Research.
Who is eligible to participate?
- Children, adolescents and young adults aged 11-25 years with a diagnosis of post-concussion syndrome.
- Have two or more symptoms persisting for at least two months.
- Children who do not have epilepsy or other seizure disorders.
To learn more about the study or to see if you/your child is eligible, please contact Rebecca Greenslade on 07 3069 7456 or UQ_ABiC@uq.edu.au.
Improving Concussion Recovery using Technology and eHealth
Children with a concussion or head injury commonly present to emergency departments in Queensland. This study is looking into ways to improve the care for children following a concussion injury and ensuring that consistent information on recovery is provided to them. This will include investigating whether providing advice and help electronically via the internet (‘eHealth’) is useful to track recovery, and ensure that those children who are slow to recover receive the appropriate care. eHealth can include things like websites and mobile apps.
A vital step in ensuring that we do this correctly is to get feedback from patients (and their families) who have had a concussion injury. We want to know about their experience, satisfaction with care received, and suggestions for management. We will do this through interviews, which can be done face-to-face, over the phone, or via computer videoconferencing. e.g., Skype, Facetime. It is expected that this will take 30-60 minutes.
Who is eligible to participate?
-
Children up to the age of 16 years, and their families
- Children who have presented to the Queensland Children’s Hospital Emergency Department for their concussion but were not admitted to hospital
It is hoped that research findings from this study will result in children across Australia receiving consistent, evidence-based, quality, and routine care after they sustain a concussion injury, and their recovery will be optimized.
To learn more about the study or to see if you/your child is eligible, please contact Kylie Bradford on 07 3069 7456 or UQ_Abic@uq.edu.au
Health service utilisation after childhood Acquired Brain Injury
This study is investigating what health care services are used by families with a child who has had an acquired brain injury (ABI) in Queensland. This will help us identify gaps in care and the cost
associated with ABI, which could help the government and supporting agencies plan for the future.
The study involves the two telephone interviews consisting of some surveys that investigate
functional independence, behaviour, quality of life, health service access and strengths and
difficulties associated with an ABI. Participants will be asked to fill in some surveys online. The total
time of involvement is approximately 2-3 hours.
The study will take place at the Centre for Children’s Health Research.
Who is eligible to participate?
- Children/families of children who received care from the Queensland Paediatric Rehabilitation Service (QPRS) for acquired brain injury, including the Queensland Children’s Hospital (QCH).
- An ABI diagnosis at QCH from 2014 onwards.
- Children under the age of 18 years with an ABI.
To learn more about the study or to see if you/your child is eligible, please contact Rachel Haddow
on:
- Phone: 07 3069 7178
- Email: UQ_ABiC@uq.edu.au
Student projects
Honours projects
Sleep during rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury in children
Two to three percent of Australians have sustained an acquired brain injury (including traumatic brain injury). Sleep disturbance and fatigue are common complaints, and is associated with later mood and cognitive problems. The aim of this honours project is to examine sleep behaviour and fatigue following acquired brain injury in children from the ICU through to the rehabilitation unit.