Using advanced MRI to detect brain changes in sports concussions

Role of Diffusion Tensor Brain MRI in the Detection of Structural Abnormality of the Apparently Normal White Substance in Patients Victims of Concussion in the Context of Sport : Prospective Comprative Study Versus Healthy Subjects

NA · University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand · NCT06144359

This study is testing if advanced MRI technology can help find hidden brain changes in athletes who have recently had a concussion compared to healthy athletes.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand (other)
Locations1 site (Clermont-Ferrand)
Trial IDNCT06144359 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to utilize diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to assess structural abnormalities in the white matter of athletes who have suffered concussions. By analyzing the movement of water molecules in brain tissue, the study seeks to identify microstructural changes that may not be visible through standard MRI techniques. Participants include athletes diagnosed with a concussion within the past week, as well as healthy controls matched by age and sex. The research will be conducted at a university hospital using a 3 Tesla MRI scanner to enhance imaging quality and detail.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are athletes who have sustained a concussion within the last week and have health insurance.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of neurological or psychiatric diseases, previous concussions, or contraindications to MRI will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a reliable method for assessing the severity of concussions and guiding return-to-play decisions for athletes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using diffusion tensor imaging have shown promise in detecting brain abnormalities, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Cases: Sports patients with concussion in sport, seen in Sports Medicine consultation within 7 days of concussion.
* Healthy controls: major case matched subjects by sex and age (± 5 years).
* For all: people with health insurance

Exclusion Criteria:

* For all: major minor or incapacitated people, with a history of neurological or psychiatric disease, people who have had concussions in the past, pregnant or breastfeeding women, protected persons (guardianship, curatorship, safeguard of justice), contraindication to MRI.

Where this trial is running

Clermont-Ferrand

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Concussion, Brain, concussion, diffusion tensor imaging, 3 Teslas, sport

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.