Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) or ‘concussion’ affects 42 million people globally per year, with evidence emerging of an increased risk associated with history of repeated mTBI in the development of neurodegenerative disease. Therefore, accurate diagnosis is a priority, particularly in populations who are at a higher risk of acute and repeated mTBI, such as those participating in high-risk sports like Rugby Union. In practice, diagnosis is complex and relies on subjective clinical evaluation. Advances in brain imaging may provide a solution for misdiagnosis but has time and cost related barriers when rapid or repeated head injury assessment is required. Therefore, the primary aim of this study will be to evaluate the utility of an innovative handheld device that provides a rapid assessment of mTBI via changes in ocular micro-tremor (OMT). The study will assess the validity of the device in the Rugby Union setting to diagnose (i) acute pitch-side mTBI, (ii) mTBI 48-hours following a suspected injury when symptoms can be more pronounced and assess (iii) the long-term effects of a competitive Rugby Union season on brain function using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and assess potential correlates of brain imaging and OMT.

If successful, this proof of concept study will likely be expanded to an International research project possibly within the URC European professional league. It is linked to ongoing research within HBS regarding concussions, particularly related to sports injuries.

Involvement of Welsh Rugby Union Medical and Player Welfare Department, Rygbi Gogledd Cymru, Head Diagnostics Ltd,

Funding awarded through the Bangor University Innovation and Impact Award (Research Wales Innovation Funding). Value = £33,133