Acute Concussion and Melatonin

Purpose

In this study, the investigator plans a randomized trial of melatonin versus placebo post acute pediatric concussion. The investigator hypothesizes that patients with acute concussions managed with melatonin will have improved sleep, decreased depressive symptoms, decreased risk of prolonged concussion symptoms and faster resolution of concussion symptoms.

Conditions

  • Concussion, Mild
  • Concussion, Brain
  • Pediatric ALL

Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Between 12 Years and 18 Years
Eligible Genders
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Inclusion Criteria

  • Patient diagnosed with an acute concussion within 72 hours - Patient greater than 8 and less than 19 years old

Exclusion Criteria

  • Currently taking psychiatric medication - Cognitive delay - Glasgow Coma Score < 14 - positive findings on head computed tomography - Any patient with intracranial surgery, pathology or instrumentation (e.g. ventriculoperitoneal shunt, brain tumor etc) - Use of melatonin within the last week

Study Design

Phase
Phase 2
Study Type
Interventional
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention Model
Parallel Assignment
Intervention Model Description
This is a prospective single blinded randomized control trial of pediatric patients in the emergency department (ED) diagnosed with an acute concussion. Group A: melatonin Group B: routine/standard care
Primary Purpose
Treatment
Masking
Single (Participant)

Arm Groups

ArmDescriptionAssigned Intervention
Placebo Comparator
Placebo
Liquid Placebo
  • Other: Placebo
    Participants in the placebo group will be instructed to take liquid placebo pill 1 hour prior to their habitual fall asleep time daily for 30 days.
Active Comparator
Melatonin
Liquid Melatonin
  • Drug: Melatonin 3 MG
    Participants in the melatonin group will be instructed to take 3-mg liquid melatonin pill 1 hour prior to their habitual fall asleep time daily for 30 days.

Recruiting Locations

Children's National and nearby locations

Children's National Hospital
Washington, District of Columbia 20010
Contact:
Jeremy M Root, MD
jroot@cnmc.org

More Details

NCT ID
NCT04731974
Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
Children's National Research Institute

Study Contact

Jeremy M Root, MD
703-407-6738
jroot@childrensnational.org

Detailed Description

To compare the risk of persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCS) between melatonin and placebo after an acute pediatric concussion. To determine if melatonin compared to placebo reduces the risk of PPCS for pediatric patients. This is a prospective single-blinded randomized control trial of pediatric patients in the emergency department (ED) diagnosed with an acute concussion. Patients 12-18 years old with an acute concussion diagnosis will be eligible. All participants will receive actigraphy watches to wear on their wrists and measure sleep and activity patterns. Participants in the melatonin group will be instructed to take 3 mg of liquid melatonin 1 hour prior to their habitual fall asleep time daily for 30 days. Participants in the placebo group will be instructed to take their placebo liquid 1/2 hour prior to their habitual fall asleep time daily for 30 days. All participants will be given standardized weekly assessments to track their concussion, sleep and depressive symptoms for one month. Research assistants will also arrange follow up in the telemedicine neurology headache clinic within 4 weeks post injury. At the follow-up visit, subjects will complete the Post Concussion Symptom Inventory (PCSI), Pediatric Sleep Disturbance (PSD), and Revised Childhood Anxiety and Depression Scales (RCADS).