The Cullum Lab

Research

The Cullum Lab, led by Dr. Munro Cullum, has three lines of research in the areas of concussion, aging and dementia, and neuropsychological assessment. The lab aims to capture comprehensive longitudinal data on sports-related concussions and other mTBI across the lifespan, with an emphasis on adolescent sport-related injuries. The lab also collaborates with research groups investigating early detection of cognitive impairment later in life as well as sport and military-related traumatic brain injury. 

ConTex - North Texas Concussion Registry

Across Texas, there is growing awareness of concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) across the lifespan. Though knowledge gained through research has grown over the past few decades, much is unknown about this condition that affects at least 4 million Americans annually. The clinic-based ConTex study is designed to capture comprehensive longitudinal data on sports-related concussions and other mTBI across the lifespan, with an emphasis on adolescent injuries.  In addition to answering important research questions about various risk- and recovery-related factors, the information gathered will serve as the foundation on which the design of rigorous clinical research and evaluation of treatments will be built. Individuals enrolled in the registry will have the opportunity to participate in future clinical trials testing innovative therapies and diagnostic approaches. 

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Care 4 Kids Study

Concussion, a form of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), occurs in 1.1 to 1.9 million individuals under 18 years of age every year in the United States. Persistent post-concussive syndrome, PPCS, is associated with diminished quality of life for patients and families. Current clinical practice emphasizes education, anticipatory guidance, reassurance and treatment of clinical symptoms. While these guidelines are adequate for patients with typical recovery, providers of patients who experience chronic symptoms are left with few treatment options because the evidence base for treatment of youth with PPCS is lacking. It is the central goal of this project to develop and validate objective biomarkers that are associated with PPCS in adolescents. Our mission is to understand the underlying biology of concussion to inform targeted treatments and improve outcomes for children and adolescents through more objective testing.

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CLEAATS - College Level Aging Athletes Study

CLEAATS, the College Level Aging Athlete Study, is an investigation designed to advance knowledge of collegiate sports participation and sport-related concussion in relation to current brain wellness. Participants complete online surveys and a brief telephone interview about their history of athletic participation and current aspects of wellness, mood and cognition. A second portion of the study aims to observe relationships between repeated head injury and objective cognition, and includes a comprehensive neuropsychological battery completed via webcam. College athletes and non-athletes participate in this study to examine the later in life effects of collegiate sports participation.

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CHIP - Concussion Health Improvement Program

The Concussion Health Improvement Program (CHIP) works to streamline the collaborative care (CC) approach to concussion symptom improvement by assessing the contributions of three CC intervention components (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, parent tools, and logistical support). Understanding the mechanistic factors that mediate benefits of the CC intervention will provide a means to further enhance effectiveness. Exploring moderation of component effects by youth and parent characteristics will allow for further refinement of the CC approach. Participants will undergo remote sessions of therapy and parent tool sessions if still experiencing concussion symptoms.

Learn more about CHIP