Brain Injuries
Articles tagged with Brain Injuries
Visualizing cerebrospinal fluid microdynamic changes following mild traumatic brain injury
Head impacts associated with altered gut microbiome in football players
Researchers tracked six NCAA Division I football players over a season and found that non-concussive head impacts correlated with changes to the gut microbiome. The study suggests that even sub-symptomatic head impacts might affect the gut microbiome, both in the immediate aftermath of injury and over a longer time course.
Paul and Shelia Schlosberg Family Foundation champions military brain health with landmark $3 million contribution
The Paul and Shelia Schlosberg Family Foundation has donated $3 million to the Optimal BrainHealth for Warfighters initiative at Center for BrainHealth. This gift aims to boost cognitive resilience among U.S. Special Operations Command operators, veterans, and their families.
Brazilian innovation prevents brain injuries in critically ill ICU patients
A study in Brazil found that analyzing intracranial compliance using developed technology reduced mortality and neurological damage. The device uses a non-invasive sensor to monitor cerebral dynamics and intracranial pressure, allowing for early intervention before brain damage occurs.
TBI survivors turn to psychedelics for symptom relief
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.
Freeze-dried platelet product slows swelling and bleeding in TBI
A new freeze-dried blood product called Thrombosomes has shown promise in treating traumatic brain injuries by reducing swelling and bleeding. The product, derived from platelets with trehalose preservation, has been tested on mice and found to be effective in stabilizing damaged blood vessels.
E-bike and scooter crashes driving more brain injuries
A new NYU Langone Health study found that e-bike and scooter crashes are now accounting for nearly 7% of trauma patients admitted to NYC hospitals, with traumatic brain injuries on the rise. The study also highlights the importance of improved urban infrastructure and helmet use to prevent these injuries.
Blast exposure linked to brain aneurysms in U.S. Special Operations Forces
A large sample of US Special Operations Forces personnel were found to have a higher prevalence of intracranial aneurysms with greater repeated blast exposure. The study suggests that repeated low-level blast exposure during years of service may leave a measurable vascular signature in the brain.
JAMA paper points to specific signs of pediatric concussion
A recent JAMA paper identifies key symptoms and signs that strongly indicate a child has sustained a concussion. Common symptoms include headache, dizziness, mental fog, nausea, sensitivity to light and noise, and difficulty remembering.
Role of environmental enrichment in poststroke functional recovery
A new study shows that poststroke environmental enrichment reduces chronic inflammation and promotes sustained sensorimotor recovery in mice. The study found that enriched environment mice had better neurological scores and stronger recovery compared to standard environment mice.
Setting standards of care for brain injuries in first responders
Researchers at Ohio State University developed the first evidence-based guidelines for traumatic brain injury recognition and management in first responders. The guidelines aim to improve care and support for law enforcement officers, firefighters, and others who risk head injuries on the job.
Study finds link between low birthweight and increased stroke risk in young adults, independent of BMI and gestational age
Researchers found a 21% increased risk of all stroke events for individuals with low birthweight compared to those above median weight. Low birthweight was also linked to increased risks of ischemic and intracerebral hemorrhage strokes, independent of gestational age and BMI.
USC study identifies brain rewiring mechanism that may aid stroke recovery
Researchers discovered that stroke survivors with severe motor impairment show signs of brain 'youthfulness' in undamaged regions, suggesting the brain's ability to adapt and compensate. This finding provides new insights into neuroplasticity and may guide personalized rehabilitation strategies.
Chinese Neurosurgical Journal study develops radiomics model to predict secondary decompressive craniectomy
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.
Research spotlight: Exploring the neural basis of visual imagination
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.
In football players with repeated head impacts, inflammation related to brain changes
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.
Computer exercises improve the brain’s pathways after traumatic brain injury
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.
Four NYU faculty win Sloan Foundation research fellowships
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.
FAU study links ultra-processed foods to greater heart attack, stroke risk
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 ...
For people with traumatic brain injury and their caregivers, recovery of basic communication is an “acceptable” outcome
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.
Red light therapy shows promise for protecting football players’ brains
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.
‘Revoice’ device gives stroke patients their voice back
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.
Turning MRI into a quantitative microscope to detect white matter injury
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.
Rice Brain Institute awards first seed grants to jump-start collaborative brain health research
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 surprising suspect behind concussion trouble: Your own immune system
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.
Signature patterns of brain activity may help predict recovery from traumatic brain injury
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.
Brain injuries linked with potential risk of suicide, new study finds
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.
How do brains stay stable, and when might a dose of flexibility be helpful?
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.
Scientists ID potential way to prevent brain injuries from triggering Alzheimer's
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.
Targeted oxygen for initial resuscitation of preterm infants
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.
Pitt and UPMC study finds epigenetic signature of pediatric traumatic brain injury, paves way for precision recovery tools
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.
New findings upend long-held beliefs about NFL player health risks
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.
Why undisturbed sleep is important to brain injury recovery
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.
Pro fighters risk damage to the brain’s ‘garbage disposal’
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.
New guideline standardizes outpatient care for adults recovering from traumatic brain injury
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.
Prebiotic in diet linked to less impulsivity in gambling rats with TBI
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.
UVA, military researchers seek better ways to identify, treat blast-related brain injuries
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.
Study reveals long-term associations of strangulation-related brain injury from intimate partner violence
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...
State-of-the-art multimodal imaging and therapeutic strategies in radiation-induced brain injury
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...
URI team creates tabletop blast device to study long-term consequences of traumatic brain injury
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.
UT Health San Antonio scientist helps shape new traumatic brain injury guidelines
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.
CTE: More than just head trauma, suggests new study
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.
Veterans with epilepsy after traumatic brain injury may have higher mortality rates
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.
Mount Sinai study finds chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) rare among individuals with isolated brain injuries
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.
Wearable optical device distinguishes blood flow signals from the brain and scalp
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.
Research Spotlight: Mapping overlooked challenges in stroke recovery
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.
Post-traumatic vasospasm: An overlooked threat after brain injury
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.
Exploring the therapeutic potential of hypothermia
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.
30 years of post-traumatic epilepsy research: Where do we stand?
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...
Traumatic brain injuries in older adults linked to increased risk of dementia
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.
Vision therapy reverses concussion-related double and blurred vision, NJIT-led study finds
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.
Childhood concussions may trigger long-term brain changes
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.
Psychedelics offer healing for concussion, traumatic brain injuries
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.
Repeated head impacts cause early neuron loss and inflammation in young athletes
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.
Theresa Rienmüller and Robert Winkler receive ERC Starting Grants
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...
Researchers find link between history of traumatic brain injury and development of malignant brain tumor
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.
Neural navigation: FAU engineers, sensing institute map brain’s blood flow
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.
New scaffold technology helps combat traumatic brain injury by restoring copper balance
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.
Brain Network Disorders review highlights role of JAK2 pathway in worsening ischemic stroke outcomes
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.