Research on brain injury and recovery. Covers sports concussion policy, age and recovery, CTE in athletes, and deep brain stimulation.
A new blood protein test can detect the severity of head trauma with high accuracy and speed, potentially saving millions in medical expenses annually. The research team developed a point-of-care testing device that uses a hand-held device to measure glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels in patient blood.
Researchers developed a point-of-care GFAP assay that delivers results in minutes, outperforming the current FDA-cleared assay. The assay's diagnostic performance was significantly better than that of the S100B biomarker, validating its utility as a diagnostic marker for CT-detected lesions.
A recent study by Henry Ford Health found that high school athletes in various sports, including soccer, hockey, and cheerleading, are at risk of concussions. The study revealed that younger brains take longer to heal from concussions, with memory scores increasing with repeated injuries.
Even mild concussions can lead to severe and long-lasting impairments in the brain's ability to clean itself of toxins, potentially seeding Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The discovery sheds light on why repeated brain injuries are so harmful and suggests a reason for varying effects among individuals.
The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) has been extended with a simple method to impute missing verbal component scores. Using a distribution of verbal scores for each combination of eye and motor scores, clinicians can now easily determine the GCS sum score when verbal data is missing, aiding in clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.
Ashfaq Adnan, a UTA mechanical engineer, will expand his research on traumatic brain injuries using a multi-material 3D printer and high-speed cameras. The new equipment enables the capture of realistic images of brain injuries, which could lead to better detection and treatment methods.
Researchers at UVA Health System discovered that many microglial cells originate from blood monocytes, which transform into troops to defend the brain after infant strokes. This finding sheds light on the development of brain's immune defenses and has implications for understanding newborn brain injury.
A new study published in the Journal of Neurotrauma found that concussions can cause persistent and common sleep problems, affecting quality of life. The research tracked 378 patients with concussions for one year, revealing that 53% experienced sleep or daytime problems lasting three months or longer.
Researchers report that traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, as well as chronic pain. Studies highlight the importance of addressing dysfunctional coping mechanisms and supporting patients' social connections to improve outcomes.
A UArizona-TGen led team identified robust biomarkers through proteomics and metabolomic analysis that could help guide treatment for tens of millions of patients who sustain traumatic brain injuries. The study found that RIC (Remote Ischemic Conditioning) can be an effective intervention in preventing severe long-term disabilities.
Researchers at UC San Diego Health are conducting a national trial to evaluate the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in treating severe brain injuries. The study aims to reduce brain swelling and increase oxygenation to neurological tissues, promoting restorative responses over inflammatory ones.
A Purdue University team, led by Gaurav Chopra and Riyi Shi, received a $1.3 million grant to develop biomarkers and treatments for traumatic brain injury-related Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The researchers aim to improve understanding of microglial cell states in the context of TBI-related neurodegenerative dementia.
A recent study published in Orthopedics found that high school athletes require at least one month of recovery following a concussion. The study analyzed data from 357 adolescents who sustained one or more concussions and found that those with multiple concussions required longer recovery times, up to 30 days.
A new study found that police officers are at a higher risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) than the general public, with 38.9% reporting a TBI resulting in loss of consciousness. Officers with a history of TBI also experienced higher levels of post-concussion symptoms and mental health issues, including depression and PTSD.
A recent study by Durham University found that rugby players continue to suffer from injuries after retirement, with back pain and joint pain being common complaints. The study also revealed that concussion is the most common injury among rugby players, with a significant association with long-term impact.
Researchers at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research have found that cathepsin B levels are increased in areas of injured brain relevant to critical executive functions. The study suggests that cathepsin B could be used as a blood-based biomarker to identify TBI severity within different brain regions and cerebral spinal fluid.
A new memory game helps researchers understand how brain regions process sensory information and remember skills after traumatic brain injury. The game reveals that certain areas of the brain, such as S1 and S2, have both localized and distributed processing roles.
A study from the NIH confirms that neurofilament light chain in blood can detect brain injury and predict recovery across all stages of traumatic brain injury. The biomarker also showed strong diagnostic ability for sports-related concussions.
A new study found that a simple blood test can accurately predict concussion severity and duration, similar to expensive and invasive spinal taps. The test measures neurofilament light chain levels in the blood, which correlate strongly with the severity of concussions.
A study from the NIH found that neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a superior blood biomarker for diagnosing and predicting traumatic brain injury. NfL was shown to distinguish patients with TBI from controls even months to years after injury, providing a potential diagnostic option.
A new study found that high school girls' lacrosse players who don't wear mandatory hard shell helmets are more likely to get concussions, which could be prevented with proper gear. The researchers also discovered that stick or ball contact is the most common cause of concussion in girls' lacrosse.
Researchers developed a modified dynamic contrast-enhanced-MRI protocol to detect chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in football players. The test measures blood-brain barrier leakage, revealing localized vascular pathology that persists for months in affected players.
A study from University of Gothenburg found that COVID-19 patients with moderate to severe symptoms exhibited brain injury signs, including elevated GFAP and NfL biomarkers. These biomarkers were also associated with disease severity and ventilator treatment.
A new study analyzed data from over 825 trauma centers in the US to identify factors associated with withdrawing life-supporting treatment in patients with severe traumatic brain injury. The findings suggest that demographic and clinical characteristics play a significant role in these decisions.
A study found that brain pulses emerge after an immobilizing illness or injury, activating main motor circuits to reactivate upon mobility restoration. The discovery may lead to advancements in treating patients with broken limbs or stroke survivors.
A new educational program, including a video made with Baltimore youth's ideas, increased bike helmet use among urban children by 80%. The program, tested in 2017, aims to improve helmet safety measures for low-income and minority families.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute created a simple 'sniff test' that accurately predicts which brain-injured patients will regain consciousness. The test, which measures nasal airflow patterns in response to odors, showed 92% accuracy in predicting patient survival for at least three years.
Researchers found that immune receptor TLR4 suppresses neuronal activity in the normal brain to improve signal-to-noise ratio, while increasing excitability after injury. Inhibiting TLR4 signaling reduces long-term working memory deficits and improves memory function weeks to a month after brain injury.
An analysis of medical insurance claims and productivity data reveals that non-fatal US injuries result in an estimated $1,590 and 11 days off work per injured employee every year. The study found that total medical costs for emergency care visits exceed $133 billion annually.
Ann McKee will lead a collaboration to characterize brain donors with and without a history of RHI and/or TBI, determining their neuropathological and clinical phenotypes. The goal is to identify the neuropathological features of TBI-related neurodegeneration and its association with dementia and parkinsonism.
Computational simulations help clinicians visualize AHT impact and predict short- and long-term effects. The study reveals CSF protection is limited to the first shake, with repeated shakes causing brain damage.
A first-in-human study of a drug candidate targeting brain inflammation has shown promising results, supporting its further development for treating acute brain injuries. The study, conducted by a team from the University of Kentucky and other institutions, found that MW189 was safe and well-tolerated in healthy volunteers.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a potential treatment approach for concussions by cooling brain cells to an optimal temperature. The study found that cooling cells to 33 degrees Celsius provided the most protective benefit after 24 and 48 hours post-injury.
A study in the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine reports that most patients with sports-related mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) do not achieve clinical recovery within two weeks after injury. Recovery times varied by age and presence of concussion modifiers, highlighting the importance of early access to care.
Researchers found that rejuvenating immune cells, specifically microglia, significantly improved brain repair and learning abilities in animal models. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that microglia drive inflammation after brain injuries.
A Rutgers study found that middle school football players who wore padded helmets and used safe tackling and blocking techniques had no concussions during a 20-practice, seven-game season. The study's results suggest that the use of Guardian Caps and age of participants may have contributed to the low number of impacts recorded.
A UC Riverside-led study found that brains treated with certain drugs within days of an injury have a reduced risk of developing epilepsy later in life. The development of epilepsy is linked to an immune system receptor, TLR4, which increases excitability in the hippocampus.
A preclinical study suggests that targeting overactive immune cells in the brain can limit brain cell loss and reverse cognitive and motor difficulties caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI). Mice treated with an experimental drug recovered markedly better than control mice, showing less tissue loss and improved motor and cognitive per...
New preclinical research suggests that targeting overactive immune cells can improve traumatic brain injury recovery and modulate chronic neurotoxic effects. The study found that a therapeutic strategy to inhibit microglia cells after TBI led to better motor and cognitive performance in mice.
Research in mice finds that targeting overactive immune cells can improve TBI recovery, reducing inflammation and neurodegeneration. Quelling chronic inflammation may offer a new treatment option for long-term recovery from traumatic brain injuries.
A new study published in Cortex journal reveals that visual rehabilitation therapy improved vision in almost 80% of stroke and traumatic brain injury patients. The NeuroEyeCoach therapy was shown to improve daily activities, such as navigating surroundings, identifying obstacles, and avoiding collisions.
A new brain scan-blood test panel has been developed to help diagnose brain trauma following battlefield blasts. The panel combines functional assessment with blood tests and brain scans to estimate brain degeneration in human veterans exposed to IED blasts.
A new study at Children's Hospital Los Angeles uses advanced imaging techniques to optimize a leading-edge therapy for babies with hypoxic brain injuries. The results demonstrate effective cooling in the deep areas of the brain, which are most often damaged by lack of oxygen.
A study led by McGill University found that childhood behaviours identified by teachers, such as inattention-hyperactivity, predicted subsequent traumatic brain injuries in boys. The research suggests that treatments to reduce these behaviours may decrease the risk for TBIs.
Researchers have identified calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) as a link between traumatic brain injuries and post-concussion headaches. A preclinical study found that administering an anti-CGRP treatment before or after injury significantly reduced pain responses and prevented reactivated headaches.
A team of doctors and engineers developed a noninvasive device that measures brain metabolism using an infrared laser, enabling faster and more certain concussion diagnoses. The technology could guide treatment for serious brain injuries and other conditions, improving patient outcomes.
A new UMass Amherst study found that military members with serious brain injuries are at a greater risk of experiencing mental health disorders, including PTSD, anxiety, and mood disorders. The research suggests that critically injured soldiers with severe TBI have particularly high rates of these conditions.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that injecting nanoparticles into the bloodstream can significantly reduce brain swelling and damage after a traumatic brain injury. The treatment may provide new hope for individuals with significant traumatic brain injuries, including young athletes and soldiers.
Researchers analyzed data from over 100 youth football players, finding that they are more susceptible to concussion at lower levels of acceleration than older athletes. The study's findings provide critical information for designing and testing protective equipment.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have discovered that traumatic brain injuries can lead to a cascade of health issues, including fatigue, depression, and memory problems. Growth hormone replacement therapy has been shown to improve symptoms, but the mechanisms behind its effectiveness are still not fully understood.
A recent study found that community-dwellers with Alzheimer's disease who used antipsychotics had a 29% higher risk of head injuries and a 22% higher risk of traumatic brain injuries. The risk was highest when antipsychotics were first introduced.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have discovered that early morning blue light exposure therapy can aid in the healing process of people impacted by mild traumatic brain injuries. The study found that improved sleep quality led to improvements in cognitive function, reduced daytime sleepiness, and actual brain repair.
A new photoacoustic tomography technique aims to improve the detection and measurement of hypoxic-ischemic brain injuries in preterm newborns without sedation or radiation. The technology has the potential to revolutionize neonatal brain imaging management, enabling earlier treatment and improved outcomes for patients.
A nationwide Finnish study found that individuals with Alzheimer's disease who took antipsychotic medications had a 29% higher risk of head injuries compared to those who didn't. This is particularly concerning as these patients already have a higher risk of falling and traumatic brain injuries.
A new study found that road injury deaths have decreased worldwide, but the risk of death from a road accident remains high in some countries. In 2017, 54 million people were injured in road accidents, resulting in 1.2 million deaths globally.
A new study published in JAMA Neurology suggests that early clinical treatment for concussions can significantly reduce recovery time. Athletes who received treatment within the first week of their injury recovered faster than those who delayed care, with longer recovery times reported after eight days to three weeks post-injury.
A three-year study found concussions are twice as prevalent as previously believed and occur significantly more often off the playing field. The research also showed that females are more susceptible to concussions and that incidence is higher among non-sport-related activities, such as falls and motor vehicle accidents.
Researchers at the University of Georgia developed a new cell-to-cell messaging technology using bio-manufactured exosomes to treat traumatic brain injuries. The treatment, called IV treatment, showed improved functional recovery in rats after TBI.
A new study reveals that concussion damage affects the way information is transmitted between brain hemispheres. Researchers found a delay in reaction time when processing words presented to the left visual field, indicating a problem with information crossing from one hemisphere to another.
A new study published in The Lancet Public Health estimates that one in two homeless people experience a head injury, with moderate or severe injuries affecting nearly a quarter. The research suggests providing stable housing may lower the risk of traumatic brain injury for this vulnerable group.