Interoception & PCS in paediatric mild head injury
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluating the impact of interoception on post-concussion symptoms (PCS) following paediatric mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)
IRAS ID
266515
Contact name
Sally Robinson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Joint Research & Enterprise Service, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
This study aims to investigate the relationship between interoception, and post-concussion symptoms (PCS) in children aged 8-18 who experience a mild traumatic brain injury (also termed concussion).
Mild traumatic brain injury does not generally result in hospitalisation but children may experience PCS in the days following. Although these often spontaneously resolve, some children experience ongoing symptoms such as emotional changes, fatigue and poor concentration.
Interoception refers to a person’s experience, processing and appraisal of internal bodily sensations (e.g. shivering). It is involved in the attempts the body makes to maintain homeostasis, and is therefore important for a person’s sense of wellbeing. Interoceptive skills have been found to be impaired following a brain injury but the relationship between interoception and PCS has not yet been investigated. If we identify that these skills are low in the population that experience ongoing symptoms, we can begin to develop measures at acute presentation that may identify those at high risk of PCS so further support can be implemented early.
All children aged 8-18 who present to St George’s University Hospital with a mild traumatic brain injury during the course of the study will be invited to participate. There will also be a cross-sectional control group of 8-18 year olds who have not experienced this injury.
The study will last two years. Participants will be asked to complete a selection of questionnaires at baseline - shortly after injury for the clinical group. These questionnaires will then be repeated at three follow-up points: 4 weeks, 6 months, 1 year. The control group will only complete the measures at baseline.
REC name
HSC REC B
REC reference
19/NI/0174
Date of REC Opinion
2 Sep 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion