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Why donate your brain to the Canadian Concussion Centre?


The Krembil Brain Institute (KBI) is one of the largest clinical and research centres for neurosciences in North America. KBI neuroscientists are ranked amongst the top in the world and produce a large number of peer-reviewed publications annually.

The KBI has the highest density of brain-related research in Canada and includes investigations into molecular and cellular neurobiology to understand the basis of neurological disorders, and research into new treatments.

The privacy of our donors is very important to us. All donor information is kept confidential unless the patient or family expresses an interest in disclosing autopsy results publicly, which can be facilitated through our Public Affairs team.

Who can donate?

The Canadian Concussion Centre needs brain donations from current and retired professional and amateur athletes as well as members of the public who have suffered repeated concussions. Living donors agree to donate their brains upon death to the CCC for analysis.

Family members of deceased athletes, and others who have sustained repetitive concussions, can also donate their loved one's brain and spinal cord on their behalf after death, to be examined for evidence of brain damage from multiple concussions.

News about brain donation

Listen: What's the relationship between Concussions and the risk of delayed neurodegenerative disease Dr. Carmela Tartaglia on the Bill Kelly Show

 

 
 

Matt Dunigan's CFL career was ended by concussions. Hear the TSN analyst talk about the impact it's had on his life, and why he's donated his brain to Dr. Charles Tator and the Canadian Sports Concussion Project.

 

Test your knowledge in this video, with expert answers from neurosurgeon Dr. Charles Tator of the Canadian Sports Concussion Project and TSN analyst and CFL Hall of Famer Matt Dunigan


Contact us

  1. Athletes or their family members as well as members of the public interested in donating their brain for research in the future should contact:
    Nusrat Sadia, Clinical Research Assistant by email nusrat.sadia@uhn.ca
    Mozhgan Khodadadi, Clinical Research Manager at 416 603 5800 ext. 4025 or email mozhgan.khodadadi@uhn.ca
  2. In an emergency situation please contact one of the following:
    Dr. Carmela Tartaglia, Neurologist at 647 971 2876 or email carmela.tartaglia@uhn.ca
    Dr. Charles Tator, Neurosurgeon at 416 603 5889 or email charles.tator@uhn.ca
    Mozhgan Khodadadi, Clinical Research Manager at 647 535 2021
  3. If you are a current or former CFL player and would like to discuss a brain donation for research to The Canadian Concussion Centre, please contact:
    Leo Ezerins Executive Director, Canadian Football League Alumni Association (CFLAA/LCFAA) at
    905 464 0007 or by email leo@cflaa.ca

    ​
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