Researchers at the University of Calgary’s Foothill Campus are collecting data utilizing head gear equipped with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to study the long term effects of concussions on children and adolescents.
A near infrared spectroscopy transmits light into the cranium and measures the light that returns. The results indicate the presence or absence of oxygen and the activation of areas of the brain.
“Brain communication between the sides of the brain seems to become impaired in people with long term symptoms with concussion,” said U of C researcher Jeff Dunn.
Dunn had begun researching concussions when his own children suffered head injuries; one while skiing, the other on the volleyball court. The experience strengthened his resolve to understand the dynamic and long-lasting injury and to quantify concussions.
“What we really need is a way to treat the brain,” explained Dunn. “We need a way to measure something in the brain.”
“Then we can start to study treatments more accurately.”
For the next five years, the research team will gather measurements from patients at the Alberta Children’s Hospital who have suffered concussions in the hope of detecting patterns in brain activity and tailoring treatment.
“I’m hoping it will differentiate between a neck injury and a brain injury,” said Jeff Dunn, a U of C researcher. “A lot of people who report concussion symptoms have a neck injury.”
“If we can do that that would be a big win.”
With files from CTV's Brad MacLeod
