Research on brain injury and recovery. Covers sports concussion policy, age and recovery, CTE in athletes, and deep brain stimulation.
Researchers at Tufts University have found that a drug mimicking the ketogenic diet can improve brain function in mice after TBI and prevent the development of epileptic activity. This new approach could potentially be used to treat post-traumatic epilepsy and restore normal synaptic communication in the brain.
A new study found that veterans and active-duty service members with combat-related PTSD and mild traumatic brain injury had larger amygdalas, a key region in processing emotions, compared to those with only brain injuries. The findings suggest a potential link between amygdala size and the development of PTSD symptoms.
A new study suggests that adding hydrogen to respiratory gases could further protect babies' brains during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. The treatment, combined with hypothermia, reduced seizures, tissue injury and chemical markers of brain damage in animal models.
Researchers found that a panel of plasma biomarkers can help identify infants most in need of additional interventions after therapeutic cooling. Cytokines and Tau protein levels changed over time, with peak levels occurring within the first 24 hours and again during rewarmed stages. This study aims to develop a more accurate risk asse...
A longitudinal study found that changes in individuals with head injuries were associated with increases in self-reported and violent offending among adolescents and early adults. Head injury is five to eight times more common among individuals involved with the criminal-justice system than in the general population.
A new tool, TBI-CareQOL Measurement System, standardizes the measurement of physical, mental and emotional effects experienced by caregivers of people with TBI. The researchers' findings could inform clinical care, caregiver training and support programs, and even caregiver reimbursement policies.
Researchers found that older brains with low TRIM9 levels are prone to extensive swelling following stroke, but increasing the gene's expression improves recovery. The study aims to identify what triggers TRIM9 gene expression to develop potential treatments.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that ICU patients with non-brain-related injuries often experience cognitive deficits, despite lack of brain injury. The study used online tests to detect cognitive impairments in 20 patients and revealed significant cognitive deficits in memory, attention, decision-making, and reasoning.
A Rutgers study found that high-intensity interval training increases injury risk, especially in the knees and shoulders. Most injuries involved knees, ankles, and shoulders, with white males aged 20 to 39 being most injured. The researchers recommend conditioning, proper form, and recovery phases to minimize preventable injuries.
A clinical trial found that animal-assisted therapy can foster social competence and increase emotional involvement in patients with brain injuries. The study showed that patients exhibited more active social engagement, expressed positive emotions, and reported higher satisfaction when an animal was present during therapy sessions.
Guidelines update suggest children can begin some activity sooner, as long as symptoms don't worsen. Average time to move through stages of recovery varies from 48 hours to six weeks.
A recent study from University of Eastern Finland reveals that persons with Alzheimer's disease have approximately 30% higher risk of head injuries. Falls are the most common cause of these injuries, which can lead to shortened life expectancy and loss of daily activities.
Researchers developed a machine learning model to predict recovery time from sports-related concussions based on symptoms like headache, dizziness, and fatigue. The study found that symptom-based prediction models demonstrated practical clinical value in estimating sport-related concussion recovery time.
Severe pediatric TBI affects approximately 7,000 childhood deaths annually, while survivors may suffer from long-term health conditions. The updated guidelines include eight new treatment recommendations to promote high standards of care and improve survival rates.
Dr. Ekaterina Dobryakova, a researcher at Kessler Foundation, has been honored with the International Neuropsychological Society's Early Career Award for her work on traumatic brain injury and multiple sclerosis. Her research focuses on noninvasive interventions to address cognitive deficits caused by these conditions.
Researchers found patients born without a CCR5 gene recover better from mild stroke than those with the gene. Maraviroc, a drug blocking CCR5, accelerated recovery in mice and boosted motor skills, language, and sensory function.
Engineers at Penn University developed a test that uses off-the-shelf components to detect single proteins with results in minutes, compared to days. The system is thousand times more sensitive than standard protein assays and can be handheld and less expensive.
A study analyzing public health impact of e-scooters found that nearly a third of those injured required emergency department treatment. The majority of riders were not wearing helmets when injured.
A new NIH-funded study identifies the common occurrence of mental health symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in civilians. Lower education levels, African-American status, and history of mental illness are associated with increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder.
Researchers developed a comprehensive care model, PEGASUS, to treat pediatric patients with severe head trauma. The protocol showed improved outcomes, including reduced disability and death, by adhering to key performance indicators such as maintaining cerebral perfusion pressure and early initiation of nutrition.
Researchers found a correlation between loss of function in patches of astrocytes and development of epilepsy. Altered astrocytes may be the root of epilepsy development after mild traumatic brain injuries.
Researchers have identified a cellular response to repeated concussions that may contribute to seizures in mice. A unique population of astrocytes responded to these injuries, leading to spontaneous recurrent seizures in some mice within one month. This study establishes a new animal model for post-traumatic epilepsy research.
Researchers at Indiana University found that mild, repetitive head impacts in football players can impair eyeball and eyelid movement, but this effect often normalizes by the end of the season. The study aimed to better understand the impact of repetitive subconcussive head injuries on brain function.
Researchers found persistent cognitive changes and altered brain activity in young adults who experienced repetitive concussions, affecting flexible thinking and information processing. This study provides insight into the long-term effects of concussions on young adults and may inform targeted treatment strategies.
A new MRI technique reveals three distinct brain signatures associated with concussions in rugby players. The study confirms persistent changes in brain structure and function that persist six months after injury, even in healthy athletes.
Researchers have identified specific neurological changes in brain neurons based on the force applied during head trauma. The study used x-ray diffraction to examine myelin structure and detected changes at a consistent load of force.
A new study found that concussion rates among youth football players ages 5-14 were higher than previously reported, with 5% of players sustaining a football-related concussion each season. The study also identified factors that increase the risk of concussion, such as prior injury and depression.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that the molecular underpinnings of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) lead to brain injury. They identified TLR4 as the cause and found that HMGB1 is generated in response to TLR4, leading to microglial activation and brain injury.
A study found that female veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or depression are more likely to develop dementia than their counterparts without these conditions. Women with PTSD were about 80% more likely, while those with depression were about 70% more likely to develop dementia.
Scientists review interplay between sleep and TBI to improve diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. Early treatment is crucial for optimal cognitive recovery, and non-pharmacologic interventions like regular bedtime routines and sleep-conducive environments can help.
Researchers have identified nine distinct groups of microglia, including some that appear only in embryonic or newborn stages, and others that are involved in myelination. These findings may help uncover new roles for microglia in disease and development, and could lead to the development of therapies targeting specific subpopulations.
A study by Washington State University found that rural children with mild traumatic brain injuries receive less care and have significantly higher healthcare costs compared to urban youth. This disparity is attributed to limited access to specialized services and a shortage of healthcare providers in rural areas, leading to longer tra...
Researchers at Virginia Tech are leading a national concussion study to examine the impact of gender on injury response, exploring how men's and women's rugby and lacrosse athletes respond differently to head injuries. The $1M grant will support data collection using advanced sensors and imaging techniques.
A new Veterans Affairs study found that Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with a history of repeated traumatic brain injuries are at much greater risk for recent suicidal ideation compared to those with one TBI or none. The researchers identified poor sleep quality and depression as key risk factors for suicidal thinking.
Researchers have found that electroencephalography (EEG) can identify patients who are cognitively aware but unable to respond due to severe brain injury. The study suggests that EEG may be used as a cost-effective screening tool to help stratify patients and identify those with high levels of cognitive function.
A UCLA cell study has discovered the impact of head injuries on individual cells and genes, leading to serious brain disorders. The researchers found that hundreds of genes are adversely affected by mild traumatic brain injury, which can later lead to diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
A UCSF-led research consortium will investigate the causes and effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) using a $3.45 million grant from the NFL's Play Smart. Play Safe initiative. The study aims to track patients over several years to advance understanding of TBI.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends light physical activity and allows electronic device use during concussion recovery. Young athletes should stop playing immediately after a suspected concussion but can engage in brisk walking and academic workloads with reduced intensity.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 studies involving over 700,000 patients with concussions or mild traumatic brain injury found a significant association between the two conditions and an increased risk of suicide. However, the absolute risk was small due to the low mortality rate among these patients.
A new study found that patients with atrial fibrillation show signs of asymptomatic brain injury. Three biomarkers were significantly higher in AF patients, suggesting chronic cerebral injuries may contribute to neurodegenerative problems.
Researchers found microscopic neuropathology and neurophysiological changes in a rat model of mild traumatic brain injury. The study suggests that even mild exposure to a single blast shock wave can induce pathogenic effects that accumulate over time.
The Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Center (TBIMSC) program has served as a critical source of research to improve care and outcomes for patients with TBI. The TBIMSCs have produced hundreds of research papers advancing the field, including studies on long-term health, social participation, employment, and quality of life.
A study in mice found that eliminating microglia cells eliminated inflammation following traumatic brain injury, offering a potential target for treatment. The research aims to understand cellular-level changes associated with sports-related concussion and other brain injuries.
UTA researcher Weidong Zhou is developing a bioresorbable sensing platform for brain implants that can be absorbed by the body, eliminating the need for surgeries. This device will increase patient comfort during recovery and reduce complications from monitoring devices.
A new study examines geographic disparities in death due to traumatic brain injury among US veterans, finding higher mortality rates for those living in the US territories. The researchers highlight concerns about potential differences in healthcare quality between the US mainland and US territories.
Researchers have developed a mouse model expressing human tau protein to study the effects of repetitive brain injury on cognitive function, motor dysfunction and white matter damage. The study found that repetitive concussive injuries resulted in chronic disruptions in white matter and associated neuroinflammation.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are conducting a three-year study to identify the root causes of epilepsy development after traumatic brain injuries. The team aims to find predictive biomarkers and strategies to prevent brain changes that lead to epilepsy.
Children whose parents are injured may experience altered sleep habits due to post-traumatic stress disorder from military combat. Researchers found a 48% increase in sleep visits among these children, with some experiencing increased symptoms of insomnia and restlessness.
Research at the 2018 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference found that traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children can lead to increased risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders such as headache, depression, and mental or intellectual disorders. The study analyzed data from over 1260 children with TBI and found that 39% d...
New research published by the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine highlights the high burden of sport-related injuries among children and adolescents. The study found that almost half of sport injury-related emergency department attendances involved children under the age of 19, with fractures being the most common type of injury.
Researchers found elevated levels of microRNA biomarkers indicating concussions before the season started in college football players. Cognitive tests showed those with balance and memory issues had higher biomarker levels, suggesting past head injuries persisting over time.
Researchers aim to develop more efficient classification and predictive models for traumatic brain injuries, which would allow clinicians to provide targeted care and improve patient outcomes. The study's findings could also inform clinical trials and allocate resources more effectively.
A landmark study published in JAMA found that brain cooling, a long-debated treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI), offers no benefits to patients. The POLAR trial involved 511 patients across six countries and showed that neither group had significantly better outcomes in terms of living independently after TBI recovery.
A new study found that athletes with a specific gene variant associated with dyslexia were less likely to suffer concussion injuries. The study suggests that the more diffuse wiring of the dyslexic brain may provide neuroprotection against impact injuries.
Researchers used a novel method to analyze individual brain cells in mice, revealing specific genes that may play roles in traumatic brain injury. Treatments targeting these genes, such as thyroid hormone therapy, showed promise in improving learning and memory tasks.
A new study published in JAMA found that moving the kickoff line to reduce speed and collisions on kickoffs resulted in a significant decrease in concussion rates. The study, conducted by the Ivy League and University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, showed a 68% reduction in concussions after implementing the rule change.
Researchers analyzed data from the TBI Model System National Data and Statistical Center to identify physical, cognitive, and psychosocial characteristics associated with mortality in chronic TBI survivors. Independence in mobility and community participation were found to be important factors for long-term survival in this population.
Researchers found a new mechanism involving KCNB1 potassium channels that builds up toxins in brains affected by Alzheimer's disease. The build-up is caused by oxidation and can also contribute to other conditions such as traumatic brain injury.
The study analyzed national survey data to estimate lifetime TBI in children and found that such injuries send children to emergency departments and carry risk for long-term adverse outcomes. Parents reported diagnoses, which may lead to underestimation of TBI prevalence.
Researchers found a correlation between neurobehavioral symptoms and unemployment among individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI. Frontal system neurobehavioral syndromes can predict employment outcomes, highlighting the need for rehabilitative strategies to address these behaviors.