Examining brain function decline in professional athletes after concussions
Official title: Post-Concussion Syndrome in Professional Athletes: A Multidisciplinary Study
Run by University Health Network, Toronto · NCT03218332 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to see how repeated concussions affect brain function in retired professional athletes and what that might mean for their long-term health.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 25 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | Men only |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Health Network, Toronto Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 4, 2011 |
| Main results expected | December 30, 2030 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | September 29, 2021 |
| Trial ID | NCT03218332 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include retired professional athletes fluent in English with a history of multiple concussions or those with low or no concussion exposure as a control group.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with pre-existing neurological disorders, systemic illnesses affecting the brain, or active litigation may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of repeated concussions on brain function in retired professional athletes, focusing on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Participants will undergo neurological, neuropsychological, and neuroimaging assessments to identify abnormalities associated with concussion history. The study also aims to analyze cerebrospinal fluid composition and establish a framework for ongoing brain tissue examination. Participants may choose to donate their brains for further research, although this is not a requirement for participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better understanding and management of brain health in athletes with a history of concussions.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results in understanding CTE and concussion-related brain changes, making this approach both relevant and necessary.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: fluent in English, and a history of multiple concussions , low exposures , or no concussions (Control group ). Determination of concussion exposure will be determined as follows: Previous concussion will be based on the player's recall of injury and defined as "an injury resulting from a blow to the head that caused an alteration in mental status and one or more of the following symptoms: headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness/balance problems, fatigue, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, sensitivity to light or noise, blurred vision, difficulty remembering, and difficulty concentrating. Exclusion Criteria: Neurological disorders prior to concussions (e.g.: seizure disorder); systemic illnesses known to affect the brain (e.g., diabetes and lupus); a history of psychotic disorder; known developmental disorders (e.g., attention deficit disorder, dyslexia); history of migraines; and, active engagement in litigation.
Where it's running
-
Canadian Concussion Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network
Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Maria Carmela Tartaglia, M.D — Toronto Western Hopsital,UHN;Tanz CRND
- Study coordinator: Mozhgan Khodadadi, MA
- Email: Mozhgan.Khodadadi@uhn.ca
- Phone: 416-603-5800
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.