A targeted quality improvement campaign by University of Cincinnati emergency medicine physicians safely reduced unnecessary head and cervical spine CT scans in low-risk trauma patients, saving patients $6.2 million in healthcare costs and avoiding significant radiation exposure. The campaign, which included continuing education sessio...
UVA researchers James Stone and Matthew Panzer contributed to the NATO guidelines, which provide practical recommendations to protect service members from blast-related brain injuries. The guidelines aim to reduce soldiers' risk of suffering blast-related brain injuries by balancing immediate protection with a roadmap for future research.
A new University of Pittsburgh study found that low-frequency deep brain stimulation improves control of facial and tongue muscles involved in speaking and swallowing after traumatic brain injury. The treatment showed small but significant improvements in word intelligibility for one participant with TBI.
A global study suggests that traumatic brain injury causes vary widely worldwide, with motor vehicle crashes being the biggest single cause globally. The study found that causes of traumatic brain injury differ by country, with high rates of ground-level falls among older adults in wealthier countries.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have found a way to intervene early in traumatic brain injuries using a natural, gut-derived chemical that prevents post-traumatic epilepsy from taking root. The treatment reduced brain inflammation, improved memory and mood, protected brain cells, made seizures both rarer and harder to trigger.
A scoping review suggests astrocytic dysfunction may precede neuronal degeneration in CTE. Astrocytes' dysregulation contributes to the development of CTE's characteristic features through mechanisms including astrogliosis, disrupted waste clearance pathways, and chronic neuroinflammation.
A recent study using advanced PET scans has found widespread synaptic density loss in individuals with schizophrenia, particularly in areas rich in neurotransmitter receptors. The researchers identified distinct patterns of synaptic loss that follow the brain's molecular and connectivity architecture.
Transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) has been shown to improve gait and restore communication between cortical brain networks in mice with ischemic stroke. This treatment targets neural mechanisms that may lead to improved motor function, according to the study.
A novel rehabilitation system connects therapists and patients through robotic exoskeletons, enabling real-time adaptation and personalized care. Stroke survivors who used the system demonstrated improved joint range of motion, longer and higher steps, and high levels of motivation.
A new study found that reinforcing natural daily rhythms improves sleep and brain waste clearance after a stroke, leading to better outcomes. The researchers tested various interventions targeting the body's internal clock and found promising results in mouse models of stroke.
Researchers at UC Riverside link immune signaling to disrupted brain function and cognition after concussion, finding a crucial link between TLR4 and MMP-9. Blocking these pathways may limit changes in brain circuits and improve long-term neurological outcomes.
A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that 75% of individuals meeting TES criteria did not have CTE pathology at autopsy, highlighting the risk of misdiagnosis and potential mental health impacts. The proposed criteria may miss some people with CTE while incorrectly identifying others who do not have the disease.
A new study found that nearly 1,200 TBI respondents used psychedelics to treat or manage physical health conditions, with 208 participants using them to manage brain injury-related symptoms. Researchers reported a 90% self-reported symptom improvement rate.
A new study co-led by UT Health San Antonio found that having three or more live births is associated with a reduced risk of stroke and brain damage in women. The research suggests that reproductive factors, such as the number of live births, may be an important predictive factor in assessing stroke risk in women.
Researchers found that fish oil supplements may actually impair brain healing after injury, contrary to previous assumptions. The study suggests a specific omega-3 fatty acid in fish oil, EPA, can lead to weaker vascular repair and impaired recovery.
Researchers at Houston Methodist found that short-term antibiotic treatment significantly reduced neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration following traumatic brain injury by altering the gut microbiome. Beneficial bacteria Parasutterella excrementihominis and Lactobacillus johnsonii drove cell repair, while reducing harmful gut bacteria.
Researchers found that computerized cognitive games improved neuroplasticity in adults with chronic traumatic brain injuries, leading to better cognitive performance. The study revealed changes in white matter associated with improved processing speed, attention, and working memory.
A new software tool developed by MIT researchers can reliably and finely resolve eight distinct nerve bundles in live diffusion MRI scans, shedding light on neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The BrainStem Bundle Tool (BSBT) reveals distinct patterns of structural changes in patients with these conditions.
A new study highlights the clinical relevance of brain functional connectome uniqueness in identifying biomarkers for major depressive disorder. Researchers found that patients with MDD displayed reduced FC uniqueness, especially in frontoparietal and sensorimotor networks.
A clinical prediction model called the Goliat score can estimate the risk of acute complications in patients with minor and moderate traumatic brain injuries. The model, developed by researchers at UOC and IRBLleida, uses easily accessible variables to predict neurological or cardiorespiratory complications and mortality within 48 hours.
A study by Mass General Brigham found that individuals with traumatic brain injury and their caregivers consider recovery of basic communication an 'acceptable' outcome, challenging traditional assumptions about what constitutes a 'favorable' recovery. The study highlights the need for person-centered approaches to TBI outcome research.
A new study suggests that gaps in the nation's stroke transfer system reduce survivors' chances of receiving critical treatment and increase disability. Patients with longer delays in hospital transfer experienced worse disability after their stroke, highlighting missed opportunities for many stroke patients.
A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland and New York University establishes a direct link between axonal microgeometry and diffusion MRI signals. The discovery enables the detection, monitoring, and assessment of treatment response using dMRI in patients with various neurological disorders.
A new UK-based study found that adults who experience a head injury face a substantially higher risk of attempting suicide compared to those without such injuries. The 20-year population-based matched cohort study analyzed data from over 1.8 million adults and found that people with head injuries were 21% more likely to attempt suicide.
A new blood biomarker, neurofilament light (NFL), has been shown to accurately predict the extent of brain damage after a cardiac arrest. This breakthrough discovery may transform care for patients in intensive care units, allowing for more informed decisions about their treatment.
Researchers at Pitt and UPMC Children's Hospital discovered a biomarker of complicated pediatric traumatic brain injury, which may serve as dynamic indicators of post-injury recovery. The study found that children with TBI had a different epigenetic profile compared to those with orthopaedic injuries.
The new guideline provides evidence-based recommendations on 11 high-priority topics to guide outpatient care for adults with TBI in the first six months after injury. It addresses the need for standardized guidance and considers specific factors such as age, intimate partner violence, athletic background, and military service.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System are exploring the role of the neurovascular unit in maintaining healthy brain function and how damage can cause chronic health conditions. The studies aim to identify new biomarkers for blast-related brain injury and develop strategies for prevention and treatment.
A federally funded study by Mass General Brigham investigators found that self-reported vision problems and traumatic stress are experienced years after strangulation in women who have experienced intimate partner violence. The study identified three major subgroups: strangulation alone, altered consciousness, and full loss of consciou...
Researchers developed a first-of-its-kind prenatal brain model to study cerebral hemorrhages on stem cells in preterm birth. An antidote reduced brain damage, and the study identified how neural stem cells are damaged by elevated interleukin-1 levels.
Researchers found distinct brain features in football players, including shallower left superior frontal sulci and wider left occipitotemporal sulci, which may indicate increased risk of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The study's findings could lead to the development of early detection tests and therapies.
Researchers at Mount Sinai found chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) rare among individuals with isolated brain injuries. The study, published in the Journal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology, analyzed postmortem brain tissue from 47 donors and revealed that CTE is more common in those with extensive repetitive head impacts.
Scientists analyzed thousands of proteins in blood samples to understand when multiple sclerosis attacks the myelin sheath and nerve fibers. Researchers identified a protein called IL-3, which plays a key role in this early phase of damage.
Researchers discovered that triggering a reversible, hibernation-like hypothermic state in male mice improved motor performance and preserved neural health following brain injury. The study found less neuroinflammation and improved neuron survival in the injured brain area.
Researchers have made significant strides in understanding post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE), but a therapy to prevent its development remains elusive. Studies identify key barriers, including collaboration, funding, and standardization, and propose eight recommendations to advance PTE research. Potential therapies include disease modifica...
Researchers at UVA Health System are testing a cutting-edge MRI scanner to identify brain scarring caused by blast exposures in soldiers. If successful, the technology could lead to a new imaging test to diagnose brain changes caused by repeated blasts.
Researchers from FAU and the Sensing Institute created a detailed computer model of the mouse brain's vasculature, simulating how brain blood vessels respond to hemodynamics and vasodynamics. The model shows that transitional vessels play a critical role in regulating flow and protecting the brain during increased activity.
Researchers at UTA and UT Southwestern Medical School developed an adaptive spine board overlay that redistributes pressure more effectively than traditional evacuation surfaces. The device features sensor-driven pressure modulation and autonomously adjusts air-cell pressure to maintain optimal distribution for each patient.
A new study from the University of Sydney found that non-concussive heading of a soccer ball alters the brain, causing subtle changes in brain structure and function. The researchers identified altered chemistry in a region involved in motor control and decreased electrical conductivity across several areas.
A team of researchers has received a $3.2 million grant to upgrade the Generalized Blast Exposure Value (GBEV) tool, which assigns a numerical score to service members' blast exposure history to assess potential health outcomes.
A new study found that damage to the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) makes people more likely to be influenced by other people's impulsive decisions. The researchers also discovered that this type of brain damage is linked to increased impulsivity, even before being influenced by someone else.
The Virginia Tech Helmet Lab has released an updated set of equestrian ratings that considers impact scenarios with horizontal velocity, typically occurring in racing and cross-country events. The new ratings aim to inform consumer decisions about helmet purchasing by reflecting concussion risk associated with each model.
A team of researchers from Goethe University and Kiel University has discovered a way to prevent the formation of harmful protein aggregates in cultured cells. The study found that linking TDP-43 with SUMO prevents its aggregation, suggesting a potential new approach for treating ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.
A team of researchers at UCL has identified key brain regions essential for logical thinking and problem-solving. They used lesion-deficit mapping to study patients with brain lesions caused by stroke or tumors and found that damage to the right frontal lobe impaired reasoning skills.
Researchers at The University of Texas at San Antonio are working on a new AI tool to improve lives after brain injury. They plan to analyze data from 3,000 veterans and develop an interactive dashboard for clinicians to use, providing insights that could revolutionize treatment.
Neuro-immunologist Stephen Hauser has won the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences for his role in identifying the immune system's primary driver of damage to nerve cells in multiple sclerosis. His B-cell theory has led to the development of therapies that have transformed treatment, reducing relapses and improving prognosis.
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a new understanding of how brain blood vessels react after a stroke. By mapping the molecular changes, they hope to find targeted therapies to improve patient outcomes.
The University of Texas at Arlington expert discusses the state's largest outbreak in 30 years, with fewer people getting vaccinated contributing to its spread. The MMR vaccine is 97% effective against measles and has been proven safe despite misconceptions about its safety.
A new study by UCLA Health has discovered a drug that fully reproduces the effects of physical stroke rehabilitation in model mice. The drug, DDL-920, excites parvalbumin neurons, leading to significant recovery in movement control after stroke.
Researchers identified three key principles in language recovery after stroke: rapid reinforcement of damaged areas by unaffected network regions, activation of homologous mirror-image areas, and increased communication between affected areas.
Researchers found that a rare genetic syndrome causes different damage mechanisms in male and female brains, affecting neurogenesis and energy production. The study suggests that the ADNP protein plays a crucial role in brain development and aging, with distinct functions in males and females.
A new clinical trial will evaluate whether adding ketamine to standard treatment can improve outcomes for patients suffering from status epilepticus. The trial, called KESETT, hopes to determine whether ketamine can terminate the seizures in more patients than current treatments.
Researchers identified specific non-frontal brain areas involved in speech intent, which can be used to distinguish between language production and perception. This study is a crucial step towards developing a brain-computer interface to treat patients with Broca's aphasia.
A new drug developed by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has shown significant promise in reversing memory loss in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The drug, GL-II-73, selectively targets GABA receptors to restore brain function and repair damaged neural connections.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have discovered a promising drug candidate that accelerates the brain's natural repair mechanisms and improves vision-related brain functions. The treatment, LL-341070, enhances myelin repair, which is crucial for preventing vision loss in diseases like MS.
Research led by University of Pittsburgh scientists found that exposure to long-wavelength red light reduces blood clots in humans and mice. The study's findings have the potential to reduce deaths and disabilities caused by blood clots worldwide.
Researchers explore the role of efferocytosis in reducing inflammation and containing injury spread after an ischemic stroke. Efferocytosis may offer a promising therapeutic strategy to promote neural regeneration and minimize brain damage.
A study published in Chinese Medical Journal explores the use of artificial intelligence to identify potential medications for treating glaucoma. Researchers used AI models to predict the effectiveness of small-molecule compounds targeting RIPK3, a key signaling molecule involved in programmed cell death.
Researchers discovered a link between HSV-1 and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that viral infections play a role in the disease. The study also found that tau protein initially protects the brain from the virus but contributes to brain damage later.
A recent SFU study reveals how indirect brain damage affects thalamus function after a stroke, potentially leading to new treatments. Researchers found that the amount of damage to the thalamus correlates with the level of impairment in patients.