ABiC projects

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 Jonathan Ho on:

• Phone: 07 3069 7597
• Email: UQ_ABiC@uq.edu.au

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Poor attention is one of the most commonly reported problems after an acquired brain injury (ABI). This study aims to investigate whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS; a type of non-invasive brain stimulation) can improve attention in children following an acquired brain injury.

We are aiming to recruit both children with an ABI and healthy control children (without ABI). Participants will receive three sessions of tDCS over the course of approximately 2-3 weeks. Prior to tDCS, participants will also complete some clinical assessments, including EEG, and health and quality of life questionnaires. Participants can also opt in to have an MRI. Before, during and after tDCS, participants will complete some attention games on a computer.

The study will take place at the KidStim Lab at the Centre for Children’s Health Research (South Brisbane).

Who is eligible to participate?

• Children and adolescents aged between 8-17 years (inclusive)
• Have previously had a concussion or other acquired brain injury (mild to severe) OR
• No previous history of concussion or other brain injury (healthy controls)
• Can attend 3 x one-hour sessions and complete study assessments (total 7-8 hours commitment over 2-3 weeks)

To learn more about the study or to see if your child is eligible, please contact Athena Stein on 07 3069 7555 or a.stein@uq.edu.au

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After a brain injury, the communication between different regions of the brain (often called brain connectivity) can either slow down or fail.

This study is investigating brain connectivity in children, adolescents and young adults recovering from an acquired brain injury (ABI).

Participants who do not have a brain injury will also be assessed to provide a comparison.

What is involved?

Participants with a brain injury will be assessed using three different and safe methods:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Electroencephalography (EEG)
• Functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)

Participants who do not have a brain injury will be assessed using EEG and fNRIS.

All participants will have their attention, memory, problem solving skills and quality of life using guided questionnaires.

This study will take place at the Centre for Children’s Health Research in South Brisbane.

The MRI procedure will be conducted at the Herston Imaging Research Facility.

All assessments and procedures will be completed in a 1-day visit.

Who is eligible to participate?

Participants with a brain injury:

• Children, adolescents and young adults aged 8-18 years who received a diagnosis of ABI at least 12 months ago
• Do not have epilepsy or seizure disorders
• Have no history of significant medical or psychiatric disorders before injury (excluding ADHD)

Participants who do not have a brain injury:

• Children, adolescents and young adults aged 8-18 years

To learn more about the study or to see if you/your child is eligible, please contact Jacob Thorstensen T: 07 3069 7344 E: UQ_ABiC@uq.edu.au

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This study is investigating the use of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) during an afternoon nap, to improve memory in children with an Acquired Brain Injury (TBI).

A group of healthy children will also receive tDCS in the same manner for comparison.

Study measures include brain activity and functional assessments such as electroencephalography (EEG) and memory tests.

Participants will be randomised to receive either active tDCS stimulation or sham (placebo) stimulation in a one-time session, while they take a short nap. This will take place at the Centre for Children’s Health Research and is expected to take 2-3 hours.

Who is eligible to participate?

• Children and adolescents aged 6-18 years who have had a acquired brain injury at least 12-months ago
• Children and adolescents aged 6-18 years who are considered healthy

To learn more about the study or see if you/your child is eligible, please contact Jacob Thorstensen on UQ_Abic@uq.edu.au.

Whether you are a student in pre-med, health sciences, engineering, psychology, or SBMS, we have a variety of fascinating projects that students like you can take part in. These include Honours projects, and UQ winter and summer studentships. Current projects involving children and young adults with brain injury include:

• Use of transcranial electrical stimulation to improve cognitive outcomes
• The influence of sleep on recovery
• Fatigue following brain injury
• Functional near infrared spectroscopy and High density EEG to explore brain connectivity
• Multiple projects in acquired brain injury