The Science
Addressing the pressing public health questions surrounding the long-term or late effects of concussion and/or repetitive head impact exposure over 10 years or more after initial injury or exposure.
Using Data to Inform Concussion Science
CARE 1.0
Focused on the six-month natural history and neurobiology of acute concussion and/or head impact exposure, including assessment of proteomic, genomic, and neuroimaging biomarkers.
CARE 2.0
Prospectively investigated the intermediate effects and early persistent health effects associated with head impact exposure and concussion soon after graduation, while continuing assessment of proteomic, genomic, and neuroimaging biomarkers.
CARE-SALTOS Integrated (CSI)
Following former CARE participants beyond graduation to evaluate the long-term or late effects of head impact exposure (HIE) and/or concussion/mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) for over 10 years or more after initial injury or exposure, while continuing assessment of proteomic, genomic, and neuroimaging biomarkers.
Acute Injury & Recovery
CARE 1.0
Within minutes to 1 year post injury
Characterize the acute natural history of concussion and/or head impact exposure
Intermediate & Cumulative Effects
CARE 2.0 + SALTOS
1-5 years after injury/exposure
Characterize intermediate and cumulative effects of concussion and/or head impact exposure
Long-Term Effects
CARE-SALTOS INTEGRATED (CSI)
Up to 10 years after injury/exposure
Characterize long-term effects of concussion and/or head impact exposure
Impact
Advancing Science
The CARE Consortium is the most comprehensive clinical and neurobiological investigation of concussion and head impact exposure to date, and it represents an unprecedented opportunity to advance concussion science in all at risk populations. Data from these investigations will not only advance our scientific understanding of concussion and head impact exposure, but also aid in reducing public fear and protect federal and private institutions. Results generated from the current CARE studies have already informed science-driven decision-making processes related to best practices in diagnosis and management of sport-related concussion.
Translation to Clinical Practice
Results from CARE studies have, and will continue to have, direct translational impact on current practices in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of concussion in military service members and athletes. CARE has begun to yield evidence to inform our understanding on the natural history of clinical and neurobiological recovery after acute concussion, as well as identifying which factors are most strongly associated with recovery, and risk for bad outcome in MSA members and NCAA athletes. Findings from CARE will have direct impact on current best practice in the management and return to activity by military cadets/midshipmen and athletes after acute concussion. The ability to more precisely determine the diagnostic and prognostic utility of fluid and imaging biomarkers is a key deliverable for ongoing studies.