Canadian Traumatic brain injury Research Consortium (CTRC)

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most common cause of death in the first half of life and the most frequent cause of long term handicaps for Canadians of all ages. TBI can be quite variable. Individuals who experience the mild form, called concussion, can appear normal on the outside but be unable to return to school, work or play. The most severe form can kill or leave the victim in a permanent coma. If our brains are healthy we are able to think clearly, sleep, wake up, learn, work, look after ourselves, stay in a good mood, have energy and move around normally. Following trauma to the brain, whether it is mild, moderate or severe, any or all of these normal brain functions can be impaired for many years. Fortunately Canadian scientists are beginning to understand what happens to the brain following trauma and how to help the injured brain make a better recovery. Despite scientific discoveries, there are important gaps in knowledge that need to be filled. To fill all these gaps we will develop a Canadian TBI Research group. This new group will bring together different types of scientists to work together along with patients and public health leaders. The goal of this new research group will be to improve the delivery of health care to Canadians with TBI from coast to coast, but also globally.