Brain Dynamics in Response to Jugular Vein Compression

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Clinical trials have suggested that this device is effective in mitigating changes in brain structure and function in athlete populations. The purpose of the current study is to better understand the underlying mechanistic response of the brain hemodynamics to mild jugular vein compression

Detailed Description
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Significant morbidity, mortality, and related costs are caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI). A simple, effective, and lightweight device worn by athletes or war fighters in the field, designed to mitigate TBI resulting from blast trauma or concussive events, would save lives, and the huge costs currently being experienced for life-treatment of surviving victims. An externally-worn medical device (the Device) that applies mild jugular vein compression according to the principle of the Queckenstedt Maneuver, is being developed by Q30 Sports Science, LLC (Q30). Preliminary research suggests that the Device has the potential to reduce the likelihood of TBI. The currently developed collar (Smith 2009, Smith and Fisher 2011, Smith and Fisher 2011, Smith 2012) has been approved for studies in humans (IRB 2013-2240) and the results indicate safety for use during high demand and maximal exertion activities. Regarding safety, the externally worn collar is meticulously designed to mimic the body's own omohyoid muscle actions upon the jugular veins that will provide similar pressure and volume increases not to surpass that of a yawn or the mere act of just lying down. Initial safety testing and early clinical trials indicate that the collar application is both safe and efficacious to prevent brain microstructure and neurophysiological changes in response to head impacts.

Official Title
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Brain Dynamics in Response to Jugular Vein Compression

Conditions
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Concussion, Mild

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: Q Collar


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Normal healthy volunteer aged 7-40 Able to provide written consent Able to tolerate hypercapnia for 1-2 minutes Exclusion Criteria: Unable to provide written consent History of neurological deficits, previous cerebral infarction, or severe head trauma as indicated through pre-season screening: Medical contraindications to restriction of venous outflow via the internal jugular veins (known increased intracerebral pressure, metabolic acidosis or alkalosis) Glaucoma (Narrow Angle or Normal Tension) Hydrocephalus Recent penetrating brain trauma (within 6 months) Known carotid hypersensitivity Known increased intracranial pressure Central vein thrombosis Any known airway obstruction Any known seizure disorder

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 7 Years
Maximum Age: 40 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Screening
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Collar Wearing<br>subjects will wear collar during MRI testing | Device: Q Collar<br>* measuring changes in brain during MRI while wearing the Q collar<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Changes in brain structure while wearing Q collar seen via MRI | measure changes in brain structure on MRI | immediate |