Research on brain injury and recovery. Covers sports concussion policy, age and recovery, CTE in athletes, and deep brain stimulation.
A new study by UC Riverside scientists has identified MAPK14, a brain protein, as the driving force behind neuroHIV damage, which causes dementia, neuropathy, and memory problems. By targeting this protein, researchers hope to develop a treatment for neuroHIV, a condition affecting millions worldwide.
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...
Injuries in Swedish women's ice hockey have almost doubled after the introduction of body-checking, with shoulder and knee injuries being the most common types. Despite this, players are optimistic about the change, with concerns over fatigue and recovery time also raised.
New research from Texas A&M University suggests that younger brains may be more vulnerable to post-traumatic epilepsy after traumatic brain injury, despite their flexibility to adapt. Older brains showed fewer signs of epilepsy but were vulnerable to neuroinflammation, circuit remodeling, and memory loss.
A study by Mass General Brigham, Boston University, and the Concussion & CTE Foundation found that at least 1-in-4 former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), with 61.3% of NFL donors with CTE meeting clinical criteria for dementia. The study also found that dementia was common among br...
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.
A new study found that bladder infections after brain injury worsen cognitive problems, with post-injury UTIs altering brain immune cells. This research suggests that bladder infections may exacerbate TBI outcomes, highlighting the need for infection prevention strategies to improve long-term recovery.
Researchers from Hebei Medical University review current evidence on prolonged disorders of consciousness (pDOC) management. They propose a brain communication network model to explain how brain injury leads to long-term unconsciousness, identifying key brain electrical signaling activity measures for diagnosis and treatment.
Studies in Pakistan's trauma registry found that traumatic brain injuries are associated with high death and disability rates long after the initial injury, even in moderate cases. Patients remain vulnerable during hospital discharge transition.
The open-source image analysis pipeline accurately measures brain tissue changes in animal models, reducing variability among thousands of scans. The tool has the potential to improve early-stage evaluation of new therapies for acute ischemic stroke.
Patients with severe traumatic brain injury in resource-limited settings are at higher risk of mortality. The study highlights the need for improved acute and postdischarge care to reduce mortality rates.
Researchers found specialized astrocytes in mouse brains that can repopulate damaged areas and rebuild cells. These 'regenerative' astrocytes send newly formed cell nuclei to the site of injury, knitting the network back together.
The Barrow Neurological Institute is conducting a Phase 1/2 clinical trial investigating ibogaine as a therapeutic agent for treating traumatic brain injury (TBI). Researchers aim to enroll 40 participants and determine how effectively ibogaine addresses TBI symptoms and quality of life.
A Chinese neurosurgical journal's study found that severe stenosis of major intracranial arteries increases the risk of cerebral infarction after revascularization surgery in moyamoya disease. Severe blockage was associated with postoperative infarctions, highlighting the importance of monitoring and mitigating this risk factor.
Global road injury rates declined by 38.3% for new cases and 32.3% for deaths between 1990 and 2023, but progress was uneven across income groups. Low- and middle-income countries bear the greatest burden, with nearly six times higher mortality rates than high-income 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.
Glial cells play critical roles in determining brain recovery after TBI, and researchers have identified ways to selectively modulate their functions. The study highlights the importance of coordinated cellular behavior and suggests that targeting glial responses could lead to effective therapies.
A study from University of Utah Health found that long-term occupational blast exposure is a risk factor for anger, even independently of other military exposures. Chronic low-level blast exposure is associated with a slightly higher risk of clinically documented anger, aggression, and violence.
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.
Researchers found that older veterans with recent TBI were three to four times more likely to have been diagnosed with stroke, dementia, epilepsy, or Parkinson’s disease in the previous year. After a TBI, people were twice as likely to develop stroke or epilepsy than before.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that female patients with traumatic brain injuries are 26% less likely to be admitted to specialized trauma centers than males. This disparity persisted even after adjusting for factors like age, severity of injury, and other health conditions.
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 published in Neuroepidemiology found that individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at a higher risk of dying from brain cancer compared to the general population. The research, which analyzed data from over 20,000 TBI patients, revealed that those with severe TBI were nearly 14 times more likely to die from brain cancer.
A study published in Communications Biology found that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) exacerbates chronic pain and drives mirror-image pain after a stroke. The researchers used imaging mass spectrometry to visualize LPA and other molecules, revealing a sequential pathological process that leads to bilateral pain.
A new monitoring system, NeuroSense, tracks cerebrospinal fluid at the bedside for faster intervention in intensive care units. The system detects biomarkers of infection and flow rate, enabling early warning of complications and better treatment decisions.
Researchers from Zhejiang University present a comprehensive overview of stem cell-based strategies for treating traumatic brain injury. The study explores the therapeutic effects of stem cells, exosomes, and biomaterial scaffolds in promoting brain repair and functional recovery.
A new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that children who received early, tailored care experienced significant improvements in recovery from concussion. The intervention combined education, physiotherapy, and psychological support, resulting in a 62.5% full recovery rate compared to 37% for those receivin...
Researchers develop an AI framework to accurately predict RNA splicing and isoform usage, addressing the need for better management strategies in patients with Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome. The study highlights the importance of multidisciplinary coordination and prompt decision-making in this high-risk population.
The study found that visual occlusion triggers brain compensation characterized by enhanced functional connectivity between the right precentral and middle frontal gyri. Walking activates multiple sensorimotor pathways to support basic locomotion, and visual occlusion further strengthens this connection as a compensatory mechanism.
Children and adolescents in Gaza who suffered penetrating traumatic brain injury during armed conflict experienced substantial morbidity and mortality. Survivors often endured neurological impairments and long-term psychosocial challenges.
After a mild head injury, CSF motion increased in some regions and decreased in others. The technique may help clarify the link between post-traumatic brain conditions and changes in cognitive function.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.