Accessibility
Print
The Canadian Sports Concussion Project at the Krembil Neuroscience Centre, Toronto Western Hospital
Krembil Neuroscience Centre Sports Concussion Project
Overview 
Research Research Team Contact Us Support the Sports Concussion Project
News and Media
What is the KNC Concussion Project?
Our Concussion Project is a Canadian study that is focused on examining the possible correlation between repeated concussions and late deterioration of brain function. This problem is suspected to be especially frequent after repeated concussion in sports, but may also occur after concussions in other activities including motor vehicle crashes, industrial injuries or falls.
Until recently, concussions were dismissed as a minor medical event. However, today we know that a concussion is a brain injury and that multiple concussions can result in long term consequences, which may range in severity. In the most severe cases, some professional athletes have acquired degenerative brain diseases that resemble Alzheimer’s or Parkinson ’s disease.
Currently, our research team is studying the impact of concussions on current and retired professional football and hockey players. The project has received endorsement from the CFL Alumni Association, which has played an active role in support of the project. We are also working the Professional Hockey Players’ Association to help connect interested participants with the concussion project. Please click on the research link above for a complete description of the project.
Definition of a concussion:
A concussion is a brain injury caused by movement of the brain within the skull, either by a direct blow or by a whiplash effect. The movement of the brain causes damage that changes how brain cells function, leading to symptoms that can be physical (headaches, dizziness), cognitive (problems remembering or concentrating), or emotional (feeling depressed). A concussion can result from a blow to the head or body in any number of activities including receiving a check in hockey, falling from a jungle gym, being in a motor vehicle collision, or slipping on an icy sidewalk.
Although concussions are often referred to as "mild traumatic head injuries" and a single concussion usually resolves uneventfully, concussions have the potential for serious and long-lasting symptoms and so must be treated carefully and in consultation with a physician.
Source: Thinkfirst
Why donate your brain to the Krembil Neuroscience Centre Concussion Project?
the KNC Concussion Projectis one of the largest centres for neurosciences in North American. KNC neuroscientists are ranked amongst the top and produce a large number of peer-reviewed publications annually.
Our centre has the highest density of brain-related research in Ontario. This work includes investigations into molecular and cellular neurobiology to understand the basis of neurological disorders, and research into therapeutic innovations.
Privacy of our donors is very important to us. All donor information will be kept private, except in circumstances where the patient has requested we release their name.
Who can donate?
The Krembil Neuroscience Concussion Project needs donations from current and retired professional football and hockey players. Living donors agree to donate their brains upon death to the Concussion Project for analysis.
Family members of deceased professional football and hockey players may donate their loved one’s brain and spinal cord after their death to the Concussion Project to be examined for evidence of brain damage due to multiple concussions.
Members of the public interested in volunteering for one of the Clinical Research Projects on Concussions:
The Project Team is now finalizing the format for accepting applicants for the clinical studies. Please continue to check the website for more information.
