Articles tagged with Brain Injuries
A Chinese Neurosurgical Journal study developed a radiomics-based machine learning model to identify high-risk patients with traumatic brain injury who require emergency decompressive surgery. The model accurately distinguished patients who later required secondary surgery, suggesting its potential to complement clinical judgment.
A recent study mapped brain injuries in individuals with acquired aphantasia and found that all cases were connected to the fusiform imagery node. This suggests a critical role for this region in maintaining visual imagination. The findings have implications for rehabilitation strategies and understanding of cognitive function.
Researchers discovered higher levels of inflammation in football players were associated with worsened brain structure and related cognitive decline. The study, published in Neurology, also found associations between repeated head impacts and neurobehavioral dysregulation.
Four NYU faculty members have been awarded Sloan Research Fellowships for their groundbreaking work in brain injury, organic chemistry, computing, and software. Since 1955, 102 NYU faculty members have been selected as recipients, including this year's 126 fellows.
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 study by Florida Atlantic University found that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are associated with a 47% higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers analyzed data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and found that those consuming high amounts of UPFs had a significant increase in heart attack and stroke ...
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 preliminary study suggests that red light therapy can protect against brain inflammation caused by repetitive head impacts in collegiate football players. The treatment, which involves shining near-infrared light at the brain through the skull, appeared to be effective in reducing inflammation throughout almost all regions of the brain.
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.
Researchers developed a wearable Revoice device that decodes speech signals and emotional cues to enable seamless real-time communication in people with post-stroke dysarthria. The device achieved a word error rate of 4.2% and sentence error rate of 2.9%, showing promising results for stroke rehabilitation.
The Rice Brain Institute has awarded seed grants to four collaborative projects that unite Rice faculty with clinicians and scientists across the Texas Medical Center. The grants support innovative research in brain science, mental health, and neurological disease.
A new study from the Medical University of South Carolina suggests that the complement system, a part of the body's innate immune system, plays a major role in brain damage after repeated concussions. The research found that reducing complement activation can help protect the brain and reduce cognitive impairments.
Researchers found that early communication between three pairs of brain regions is associated with favorable six-month functional outcomes. The study identified signature patterns in resting-state functional MRI data that can strengthen standard prognostic methods for assessing outcomes after moderate-to-severe brain injury.
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.
Scientists at Salk Institute find protein CCN1, secreted by astrocytes, maintains stable neural circuits in adult brains. The discovery could lead to new therapeutics for brain injury and stroke.
Researchers at UVA Health System discover how traumatic brain injury increases Alzheimer's risk and find a potential prevention strategy using a hollowed-out virus to deliver repair supplies. The approach could help limit neurodegeneration and potentially prevent other neurological diseases.
A recent study published in JAMA found that initiating resuscitation of preterm infants with fraction of inspired oxygen levels of 0.6 versus 0.3 did not affect the risk of death or brain injury by 36 weeks' corrected gestational age.
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.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study of over 1,500 former NFL players found that years played and playing position are not linked to poorer long-term physical or mental health. Instead, concussion history is a more accurate predictor of long-term health challenges.
A new study found that fragmented sleep worsens symptoms of traumatic brain injury and decreases rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep. Injured mice failed to compensate for lost REM sleep, leading to increased fatigue and decreased activity. The research highlights the critical role of uninterrupted sleep in brain injury recovery.
Repeated head impacts in professional boxers and mixed martial artists can lead to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders. The glymphatic system, responsible for clearing waste from the brain, is compromised in fighters with higher numbers of knockouts.
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.
A new study at Ohio State University found that adding a prebiotic to rat diets before and after traumatic brain injury (TBI) lowers impulsivity in decision-making tasks. The research suggests that gut dysbiosis may be a causal force behind long-term symptoms after TBI.
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...
Recent advances in multimodal imaging, including MRI, diffusion imaging, perfusion imaging, MRS, and PET/CT, have improved early detection and differential diagnosis of radiation-induced brain injury (RIBI). Emerging therapeutic strategies target underlying pathological mechanisms, such as neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and vascu...
The URI team developed a cost-effective, easy-to-use tabletop device to generate pressure waves mimicking blasts that cause neurodegeneration. The device helps researchers study the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including TBI-related neurodegenerative disease.
The updated guidelines call for structured follow-up, early referral to rehabilitation, and attention to cognitive, mood, and functional changes after TBI. Health professionals are urged to screen all TBI patients for health-related social needs, such as food, housing, transportation, and financial insecurity.
A new study published in Science finds CTE shares genetic similarities with Alzheimer's disease, including DNA damage and tau protein buildup in the brain. Researchers used single-cell genome sequencing to identify somatic mutations in neurons from patients with CTE, revealing abnormal patterns of damage similar to those seen in AD.
A study published in Neurology found that veterans with epilepsy after a traumatic brain injury had a higher mortality rate compared to those with no prior traumatic brain injury. The risk varied by cause of the traumatic brain injury, with those with skull or facial fractures having an 18% higher risk of death.
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.
Researchers developed a non-invasive system using optical spectroscopy to measure cerebral blood flow, distinguishing between scalp and brain signals. The device uses an array of detectors to isolate brain signals from noise, enabling real-world data on its scalp versus brain sensitivity.
Post-traumatic vasospasm (PTV) is a sudden narrowing of brain arteries that can lead to stroke and long-term neurological damage. Early diagnosis using tools like transcranial Doppler ultrasound and S100 protein blood tests is crucial to prevent secondary brain injury.
Stroke survivors' lived experiences reveal key factors that shape their physical and emotional wellbeing during recovery. The study highlights the importance of integrating lived experiences in stroke research to improve care models.
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.
New traumatic brain injuries in older adults are associated with a higher risk of developing dementia. Research published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that TBI is linked to an increased rate of incident dementia, even when sustained in late life, and how this risk changes over time.
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...
A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that vision therapy can effectively treat concussion-related eye coordination disorders, including convergence insufficiency and accommodation insufficiency. Nearly 90% of patients in the treatment group were able to see normally after 12 weeks of therapy.
A new study in mice found that concussions sustained early in life can lead to subtle brain changes that re-emerge later in life. The research highlights the importance of long-term monitoring and care following head injuries in children, as even mild symptoms may not be immediately apparent.
A new review from the University of Victoria suggests that psilocybin and 5-MeO-DMT may help treat concussions and traumatic brain injuries by increasing neuroplasticity and reducing inflammation. The compounds have shown promise in treating depression, anxiety, and other conditions in clinical research.
A NIH-funded study reveals that repeated head impacts from contact sports can cause early neuron loss and inflammation in the brains of young- to middle-aged athletes. The findings suggest that these changes may occur years before CTE develops its hallmark disease features.
Researchers Theresa Rienmüller and Robert Winkler from Graz University of Technology have been awarded prestigious funding prizes for their innovative projects. Rienmüller is investigating electrical stimulation as a therapy for traumatic brain injury, while Winkler is developing micro-robots that could treat diseases in the human body...
A recent study by Mass General Brigham researchers found that adults with a history of moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injuries are at a higher risk of developing malignant brain tumors. The study evaluated data from over 75,000 people and discovered a significant association between TBI and increased tumor development.
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 developed an electrospun scaffold loaded with copper oxide to restore copper homeostasis and modulate inflammation in TBI. The study found significant reductions in neuronal pyroptosis, brain swelling, and improved motor and cognitive functions in animal models.
The JAK2-STAT3 pathway contributes to inflammation and injury after ischemic stroke. Targeting this pathway shows promise for reducing brain swelling, neuronal death, and improving recovery. Several inhibitors have been found effective in preclinical models, including Tyrphostin AG490, Ruxolitinib, and natural compounds like genistein.
Researchers found that taking blood thinners like warfarin does not significantly increase the risk of brain bleeding after blunt head trauma, contradicting previous assumptions. In fact, patients with poorly controlled warfarin activity had the highest bleeding risk.
A recent Northwestern University study analyzed brain tissue from 174 donated brains, including some from former amateur football players. The researchers found no elevated levels of phosphorylated tau (p-tau) protein in the CA2 region of the hippocampus, which is often associated with CTE and normal aging.
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 randomized clinical trial found that SMART training significantly improved cognitive gains in active-duty service members with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The top-down approach of SMART brain training showed faster cognitive gains compared to a bottom-up approach.
A new study by the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that soldiers with sleep apnea are at increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury compared to those without the condition. The study also shows a higher risk of musculoskeletal injuries among service members with sleep apnea.
A new study suggests current return-to-play protocols for community sport athletes may not be enough to ensure player safety following a concussion. Researchers recommend symptom-based assessments and personalized rehabilitation plans to support recovery and reduce the risk of reinjury.
Research found that athletes with a BMI equal to or above 30 have increased inflammatory biomarkers, more severe concussion symptoms, and worse cognition following a concussion. The study suggests that body composition should be considered when determining the best recovery protocol after a concussion.
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 new framework for assessing traumatic brain injuries (TBI) will provide more accurate diagnoses and treatments, leading to better patient outcomes. The framework incorporates clinical symptoms, biomarkers, imaging scans, and modifiers to determine the severity of injury and predict recovery.
Researchers have found that rugby players' brains remain altered after concussions, even if they feel well enough to return to play. The study used brain imaging technology to monitor eight concussed players over a 22-game season, finding abnormal brain responses in nearly all of them.
A UCLA study found that nearly one-quarter of e-scooter-related injuries involved substance-impaired riders, who experienced almost double the risk of traumatic brain injuries compared to non-impaired patients. The study also highlights increased hospital costs for these patients, averaging $4,600 per case.
Patients who develop epilepsy after a traumatic brain injury are at an increased risk of premature death, with a mortality rate 1.8 times higher than those without epilepsy. The study also found that the risk of developing epilepsy is highest in the first year after the injury.
Researchers developed a machine learning model that analyzes over 100 variables to predict an athlete's risk of lower-extremity musculoskeletal injury after concussion. The model achieved 95% accuracy in identifying vulnerable athletes, highlighting the importance of tracking individual performance and medical histories.
Researchers evaluated different types of Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE) scores among US trauma center patients. They found that GOSE-All scores capture the combined effect of brain and extracranial injuries, while GOSE-TBI scores exclude extracranial injury effects.