The following are the research studies currently underway at our Center. To get involved or to learn more about our research studies, please call 212-241-5152.
Current Research Studies
The Late Effects in Traumatic Brain Injury (LETBI)
Principal Investigator: Dr. Kristen Dams-O’Connor, PhD
The LETBI study is designed to learn more about the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and aging. We are interested in understanding the health conditions that people with TBI already have at the time of their injury and investigating their health and cognitive functioning (thinking skills, such as memory or attention) after their injury. This study is unique in that it involves brain banking. Participants, regardless of their age, gender, or health condition, are asked to consider brain donation at the end of life and to make their wishes known.
Eligibility: In order to take part in this study, the following must apply:
- Sustained a moderate or severe TBI, or sustained multiple head impacts or exposures
- Head injuries are common following a vehicle accident, military service, sports concussion, fall, being hit by an object, etc.
- At least 1 year post-injury
- Military Veterans must be at least 1 year post-injury
- Participants or their proxy must be able to provide informed consent in English
- Must be willing to consider brain donation at end of life
Your Role: Participation includes a day visit to the Brain Injury Research Center at Mount Sinai Hospital. This visit includes an interview, questionnaires, a blood draw, and an MRI scan (if applicable). If you are unable to travel to the center, you can participate over the phone. You will be compensated at the end of each in-person or phone visit.
Biomarkers of Attention Function in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Principle Investigator: Dr. Sudhin Shah, PhD
The Brain Injury Research Center of Mount Sinai has teamed up with colleagues at Weill Cornell Medicine to compare measures of brain function with performance on tests of thinking abilities, and determine biomarkers related to impairments in attention after a TBI.
Eligibility: In order to take part in this study you must be at least 18 years of age, have had a TBI and documentation of injury (ex: a doctor’s note, ED visit or hospitalization), and you must be within 8-months of the injury.
Your Role: Participation includes two full day visits to Weill Cornell Medicine, one at 6 months after injury and one at 12 months after injury. The visits include MRI, EEG, blood draw, and tests of thinking ability.
TBI and Health in Adults: An Exploratory Study
Principal Investigator: Dr. Kristen Dams-O’Connor, PhD
The TBI and health in adults exploratory study is designed to learn more about traumatic brain injury (TBI) and aging. As is the case for adults without a TBI, individuals with a TBI may experience different health conditions as they age.
Eligibility: In order to take part in this study you must have had a TBI (mild, moderate or severe) and documentation of injury (ex: a doctor’s note, ED visit or hospitalization) and you must be at least 1 year post-injury.
Your Role: Participation includes follow-up by mail/phone every 1-2 years for the duration of the study. Participants will complete questionnaires about health and functioning and a brief neuropsychological assessment over the phone. You will be compensated $10 for completing each part of the study.
Community-based Implementation of an Emotion Regulation Intervention for Individuals with TBI (EmReg Implementation)
Principal Investigator: Dr. Maria Kajankova, PhD
The purpose of this research study is to determine the best approach to introduce our Online Emotion Regulation Intervention (Online EmReg) into routine clinical practice, while evaluating its real-world effectiveness. The goal of this study is to make the intervention more widely available to people living with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Eligibility: To participate, you must be a licensed psychologist, social worker, or mental health counselor with experience in: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), providing group treatment, and working with individuals with TBI.
Your Role: If you choose to take part, you will be asked to complete a 3-hour on-demand training workshop on Online EmReg and complete consultation sessions (if applicable). Upon completion of the workshop, you will be asked to implement EmReg into your clinical practice while tracking your progress. You will be asked to complete online surveys at 6 time points. Your participation is completely remote, and expected to last up to 15 months.
The following are research studies where research volunteers are directly recruited from our Traumatic Brain Injury rehabilitation unit. For more information, please call 212-241-5152.
The Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (TBIMS)
Principle Investigator: Dr. Kristen Dams-O’Connor, PhD
TBIMS program began in 1987 with a mission to improve care and outcomes for individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Through a rigorous review process, 16 hospitals were designated as TBIMS centers. All centers provide a multidisciplinary system of rehabilitation care, including emergency medical, acute medical and post-acute services. In addition to providing direct services, these centers play a pivotal role in building the national capacity for high-quality treatment and research serving people with TBI, their families, and the communities in which they reside.
Your Role: Participation includes completion of a phone interview 1, 2, and 5 years after injury and every 5 years thereafter. You will be compensated for each interview completed.