Brain Safe Louisiana
Concussions happen. That’s why our research team provides MRI imaging and data to help you make decisions about your child’s active sports life and keep their Brain Safe.
Concussions are fortunately rare events in contact sports, but they do happen. That’s why our research team provides MRI imaging and data to help you make decisions about your child’s active sports life and keep their Brain Safe.
Brain Safe Louisiana is a joint clinical/experimental research effort between scientists (Mind Research Network) and medical service providers (Doctors Imaging) with the goal of using brain imaging to improve the assessment of concussions, which may help to inform clinical decisions (e.g., return-to-play).
Brain Safe Louisiana builds upon more than 20 years of research that started under the Mind Research Network (MIND). MIND consists of scientists and physicians located at universities, national laboratories, and research centers around the world. MIND has provided performed research with national grant funding with a database that includes over 15,000 MRI scans.
MIND utilizes multi-modal imaging in its analysis of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Data is analyzed using complex computer algorithms to determine the severity of a concussive event and when the return-to-play or work is advisable.
Brain Safe Louisiana is an annual subscription-based program. If you choose to participate, the procedures will include the following:
- Baseline Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan is collected prior to the start of the season. The MRI scan includes examination of the brain structure and function. This procedure is also used to screen athletes for brain health and is similar to procedures used in professional sports.
- Athletes who suffer a concussion during the season will be given a post-injury MRI scan as well as follow up scans as deemed necessary by the Brain Safe team. MIND will analyze acute brain scans in comparison to baseline brain scans to assess for injury profiles. These injury profiles are then used to help inform return-to-play/school decisions.
- Every year additional (i.e., annual) MRI scans will be completed on all participants to study any brain change associated with minor sports-related impacts. The annual scans will be compared to baseline scans to assess any brain-related changes that may suggest the need for treatment.
Additional information can be found through our partners below:
Longitudinal scanning will help to better evaluate brain injuries.
Baseline Scan
Baseline Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan is collected prior to the start of the season. The MRI scan includes examination of the brain structure and function. This procedure is also used to screen athletes for brain health and is similar to procedures used in professional sports.
Post-Injury Scan
Participants who suffer from a concussion during the season will be given a post-injury MRI scan and follow-up scans as necessary. We will analyze change in the brain structure and function from the participants baseline scan following concussion.
Annual Scans
Annual MRI scans are completed on all participants to study any brain change associated with work related impacts. The annual scans will be compared to baseline scans to assess any brain related changes that may suggest the need for treatment.
