Integrated Concussion Research Program
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of brain injury, most often caused by a hit to the head, neck, face, or body. They cause changes in how the brain works but these changes can’t always be seen on a CT scan or MRI. A concussion can change the way you think and feel. Symptoms can vary and present differently depending on the person and injury.
If you would like to contribute to further research on causes and treatments of concussion, please visit our donation page.
The university's Integrated Concussion Research Program works with the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute and the Hotchkiss Brain Institute in the Cumming School of Medicine, the Faculty of Kinesiology, and the Department of Psychology in the Faculty of Arts to address concussion and other forms of mild traumatic brain injury.
Research Impact
UCalgary researchers develop portable brain imaging system that could shed light
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS), measures communication in the brain by measuring oxygen levels. It will be used in a study at Alberta Children’s Hospital.
UCalgary leads in formation of Canadian Concussion Network
In association with a nationwide group of partners, UCalgary has been awarded a $1.5 million, five-year CIHR Network Catalyst Grant to establish the Canadian Concussion Network
Researcher pioneers prevention of sport-related concussion in youth
The Sport Injury Prevention Centre (SIPRC) is committed to achieving a 25-per-cent reduction in youth sport and recreational injuries by 2025.
Quick Facts
Understanding Concussion
How Concussions Happen
The cause of concussions can be varied. A blow to the head or neck, a bodily movement causing whiplash, or a heavy physical impact to other parts of the body, can all cause a concussion.
Symptoms of Concussion
Concussion symptoms vary from person to person, depending on many factors. Some common acute symptoms include dizziness, headache, neck pain, forgetfulness, nausea, and irritability.
Treatment of Concussion
Always consult your doctor. The typical approach to care is rest for one or two days with a gradual return to activity. Persistent symptoms may require specialized assessment and treatment.
Living with Concussion
Concussion can have long-term risks if not managed properly. With correct care, the negative outcomes associated with concussion can be successfully prevented or treated.
Research Highlights
- Concussion Burden, Recovery, and Risk Factors in Elite Youth Ice Hockey Players
This study examines the prevalence of concussion in elite youth hockey players. Read the full study in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine here. - Characterizing Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Adults With Persistent Postconcussive Symptoms After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
This study evaluates physical activity and sedentary behavior and their associations with symptoms and quality of life outcomes in adults with persistent postconcussive symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury. Read more in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation here. - Treatment of Persistent Post-Traumatic Headache and Post-Concussion Symptoms Using Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: A Pilot, Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial
This study evaluated headache characteristics at 1-month after repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) treatment in participants with post-traumatic headache and persistant postconcussion symptoms. Read more in the Journal of Neurotrauma here.