Molly Cairncross

BSc, MA, PhD

Investigator, BC Children's Hospital

Mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI), or concussion, are very common among children and adolescents. While many recover without complication, a third of those who sustain an mTBI will experience symptoms that last months or years after injury. Children and adolescents who experience a slower than typical recovery report lower quality of life. This means they have increased physical and mental health concerns, more family stress, and reduced participation in valued activities (e.g., school, sports). Despite the prevalence and negative impacts of mTBI, treatment options are lacking and often inaccessible (e.g., expensive, only located in major city centers). My research aims to create accessible treatment options for children and adolescents who sustain mTBIs. I will develop and test digital health interventions that support children, adolescents, and their families with their recovery (e.g., psychoeducational websites and smartphone app-based behavioral interventions).