fNIRS: A Novel Study of Concussion

Principle Investigator: Dr. Broglio, School of Kinesiology

Research Assistant: McKenzie Sobczak, Department of Psychology

Introduction Results
CONCUSSION DIAGNOSES (MCCREA,
• Concussion (mTBI) has been 2004) • Because our study is
described as major public Reported Unreported relatively new, we will
health concern not have results until
• Currently there is reliance on more data is collected
behavioral testing for
• We predict that
diagnosis of mTBI
• This lab is centered on aiding subjects who are
47%
clinicians in the diagnosis 53% diagnosed and tested
and release of patients within 48 hours will
• fNIRS is a noninvasive demonstrate altered
neuroimaging technique hemodynamic response
using light-emitting diodes to standard attention
measures
Objectives • We also predict that
• To identify biological markers subjects who no longer
of mTBI that will aid report symptoms of
clinicians in injury diagnosis mTBI will continue to
• To evaluate for the same display biomarkers of
biomarkers among the same concussion, indicating
individuals whom no longer incomplete recovery
report symptoms

Methods Methods Conclusions

• Demographics questionnaire
• 60 patients from U-M Emergency • With more accurate
• Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5th Edition (SCAT5)
Department knowledge of mTBI and
• Extensive cognitive evaluation: CNS Vital Signs
• Aged 16-20 diagnosis protocol, people
• Evaluates speed and accuracy of different aspects of
• Concussed within 48 hours will be effectively released
thinking
• Glasgow Coma score of greater than more safely
• Computer task evaluating attention, fNIRS implemented
13 • Making these discoveries
• 3 blocks, 7 minutes each
• Age and gender-matched controls only provides more
• Follow up after symptoms no longer reported
information on how
serious mTBI actually is

Images courtesy of the Kovelman lab. Special thanks to Jessica Kim for training and Dr. Kovelman for
being an unannounced mentor.