Research on brain injury and recovery. Covers sports concussion policy, age and recovery, CTE in athletes, and deep brain stimulation.
Researchers developed a new MRI technique that analyzes overlooked data to reveal brain cell density and connectivity. This may aid in diagnosing brain conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and autism.
A visual aid designed for parents of children with minor head injuries helped them communicate with emergency medicine physicians and make informed decisions about their child's care. Parents who used the decision aid had better understanding of symptoms, relative risk of brain injury, and pros and cons of CT scans.
Researchers found that re-engaging the brain immediately after injury can help recover from brain damage or stroke faster. The study suggests that other primitive brain regions may be involved in touch perception and that patients could benefit from earlier reintroduction to activities.
A study found that infant walker-related injuries decreased dramatically between 1990 and 2014, largely due to improved safety standards. The number of injuries dropped by 90% during the study period, with falls down stairs being the leading cause.
Mice deficient in tPA exhibited greater white matter damage and cognitive function loss after TBI, while tPA treatment improved neurological function. The study suggests a potential therapeutic target for recovering from TBI.
The new guidelines focus on the needs of clinicians and managers providing rehabilitation care for patients with moderate to severe TBI. The guidelines cover topics such as intensity and frequency of services, managing behavioral disorders, and social participation.
The new guidelines standardize a framework for recognizing, treating and managing a child's recovery from mild traumatic brain injury. Key recommendations include screening for risk factors, safe prescribing and education for children and families.
A new CDC treatment guideline for children with concussions provides guidance on diagnosis, management, and follow-up care. The guideline recommends validated symptom scales for diagnosis and assessing risk factors for prolonged recovery.
The CDC guideline provides 19 recommendations for diagnosing, managing, and treating mild traumatic brain injury in children, including return to school and symptom management. The guideline aims to improve clinical decision-making and treatment outcomes for pediatric concussions.
The CDC has published a comprehensive guideline for the diagnosis and management of pediatric mTBI, which covers diagnosis, prognosis, management and treatment for all causes of pediatric mTBI. The guideline includes 19 sets of recommendations for healthcare professionals to take to improve health outcomes.
Dr. Lequerica's work focuses on the relationships between insomnia and fatigue after TBI, aiming to generate effective interventions to address the needs of TBI survivors. He has authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications and is a leading expert in brain injury rehabilitation.
Researchers at University of Georgia have successfully reproduced the effects of traumatic brain injury and stimulated recovery in neuron cells grown in a petri dish. The procedure has significant implications for studying and treating such injuries.
Researchers found a lower retention rate among Hispanics (85.2%) compared to blacks (90.5%) and whites (98.5%) in TBI outcomes research. Environmental and socio-economic factors with race/ethnicity interactions are crucial to consider for effective retention strategies.
Researchers at Stanford University found that head positioning is a more important factor in determining concussion risk than neck tension. Small variations in position can affect the subsequent rotation of the head and increase or decrease concussion risk.
A Danish national register study found a higher risk of suicide among those with traumatic brain injury (TBI) compared to the general population. The risk was particularly high among those with severe TBI, multiple medical contacts, and longer hospital stays.
Researchers found that children with a history of mild traumatic brain injury do not have an increased genetic risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), contrasting with developmental ADHD. The study suggests at least two forms of ADHD, one linked to inherited genes and the other to traumatic brain injury.
A study found that foreign-born Hispanics living in areas with many foreign language speakers were 2.8 times more likely to engage in productive activities like employment and volunteer work one year after TBI. The researchers emphasize the importance of tailoring interventions to individual needs, considering neighborhood factors.
A new guideline provides recommendations for improving diagnosis, health outcomes, and care of people with prolonged disorders of consciousness. The guideline emphasizes the importance of early and accurate diagnosis to avoid misdiagnosis and premature treatment withdrawal.
A three-part study of 22 retired pro football and hockey players found no increase in the rate of early-onset dementia or cognitive decline. Standard neuropsychological tests and brain imaging scans showed minimal differences between groups, contradicting previous concerns about CTE.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have identified a key enzyme that drives neuron death in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and ALS. The enzyme histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) modifies a molecular motor that triggers signaling agents to travel down the axon, killing the neuron.
A new study by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that women's brains are five times more extensive in damaged tissue after repeated soccer heading compared to male players. The study suggests sex-specific guidelines may be necessary for preventing soccer-related head injuries.
Researchers at the University of Guelph have discovered that leopard geckos can create new brain cells using a specific type of stem cell. This finding has implications for treating brain injuries and diseases, as it suggests that geckos may be able to regenerate parts of their brains.
A Rutgers-led team of scientists has identified two molecules that protect nerve cells after traumatic brain injury and could lead to new treatments. The study found that speeding the breakdown of guanine protects neurons from injury and retains brain functioning.
A new diagnostic blood test developed by Banyan Biomarkers Inc. has been validated to correctly identify 99.6% of patients without traumatic brain injury (TBI) on head CT scans. The test reduces unnecessary head CT scans, radiation exposure and healthcare costs associated with TBI treatment.
A blood test has been shown to accurately identify patients without traumatic intracranial injuries, reducing the need for CT scans. The test uses biomarker proteins released into the bloodstream after a brain injury and showed a high sensitivity rate of 99.6%.
A new blood test, Banyan Brain Trauma Indicator, has been approved to help diagnose traumatic brain injuries. The test detects two brain proteins in the blood after a head injury and can predict the presence of an intracranial injury on a head CT scan.
Recurrent injury rates were six times higher in girls' soccer and nearly three times higher in girls' basketball without athletic trainers. Schools with athletic trainers better identified athletes with concussion and applied evidence-based injury prevention strategies.
A pre-clinical pilot study found that a combination therapy of CBD and an NMDA antagonist improved cognitive functions and showed no adverse effects in animals. Researchers believe this treatment could reduce symptoms associated with concussion, traumatic brain injury, and post-injury brain cell inflammation.
Researchers found that lysophosphatidic acid levels increase after traumatic brain injury, particularly in areas associated with cell death and axonal injury. Elevated LPA may serve as a biomarker for TBI through blood testing, providing a prognostic indicator of injury and outcome.
A recent study published in the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation found that obesity and overweight are associated with chronic disease risks for survivors of moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. The study included 7,287 adults with TBI who underwent inpatient acute rehabilitation.
Researchers found elevated levels of tau and ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 biomarkers after high-acceleration head impacts, even without clinical concussion. The study suggests a potential new avenue for reducing risk to young athletes through technological improvements and game rule refinements.
Researchers will investigate the role of sphingolipids in forming microparticles associated with increased risk of blood clotting after traumatic brain injury. The goal is to develop therapies to prevent and treat post-injury blood clots.
A new study found that over 2.2 million children aged 5-17 were treated for bicycle-related injuries in US emergency departments between 2006 and 2015. Helmet use was associated with lower head and neck injury rates, but laws enforcement varies by state.
Microglia, specialized immune cells in the brain, have been found to gobble up the remnants of injured neurons, preventing damage from spreading to neighboring neurons. This discovery could lead to new strategies for boosting microglial clearance and limiting neurodegeneration after brain or spinal cord injury.
Developmental prosopagnosia often occurs due to a neurobiological problem in the brain affecting visual recognition broadly. The study found that DPs had reduced responses to faces but normal responses to objects, scenes, and bodies across all face-selective areas.
A new study reveals that N-acetylaspartate (NAA) molecules can inhibit the clumping of amyloid-beta proteins, which are associated with cognitive decline and neurological problems. By restoring NAA levels after head trauma or in neurological diseases, it may be possible to block the progression of amyloid pathologies.
Researchers analyze RFK's injuries from 1968 assassination, noting similarities between then and now in gunshot wound care. They conclude that while aggressive treatment was made to save Kennedy, his severe brain injury would likely be fatal with modern techniques.
A pilot study found that a simple problem-solving task activated the region responsible for memory function in athletes with concussions, potentially improving symptoms of depression and anxiety. The research challenges current guidelines recommending total inactivity after a brain injury.
A new study confirms helmets are effective in protecting skiers and snowboarders from some head injuries, but found no significant reduction in the risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussion. Helmet use was associated with a lower risk of non-head injuries, suggesting that helmet users take less risk.
Researchers found no significant link between fluid infusion and brain injury in children with DKA, contrary to decades of clinical practice. The study provides more treatment flexibility for clinicians, but the authors continue to investigate potential causes of neurological damage.
A new study found that military service members who depicted psychological injuries in their artwork had more acute post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms than those who used symbols of their military units. The research team linked themes in masks made by active service members to measures of depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Researchers have identified a safer way to make rugby tackles by reducing the impact on the head. The recommended techniques include tackling at the lower trunk and avoiding high-impact tackles to the upper trunk. These strategies aim to minimize the risk of concussions and other head injuries.
Researchers have found evidence that dissolving NETs can reduce swelling and improve blood flow after traumatic brain injuries. A drug called DNase, which is currently used to thin out lung mucus in cystic fibrosis, appears to dissolve NETs and has shown promise in reducing swelling and improving recovery.
Researchers found cognitive training reduced depressive symptoms and improved brain health in individuals with chronic traumatic brain injury. The study showed significant reductions in depressive symptoms, increased cortical thickness, and improved neural network connectivity.
Researchers found that many patients with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) do not receive educational materials or see clinicians for follow-up care after emergency department discharge. Persistent symptoms can impact their daily lives and require additional medical attention.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that nearly half of concussion patients receive no follow-up care within three months of discharge from the hospital. The researchers used data from over 2,700 brain injury patients and found a significant gap in care for patients with lesions on their head CT scans.
A new study found that many patients with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions do not receive adequate follow-up care after hospital discharge. The study revealed that approximately half of the patients saw a general practitioner, while about half were discharged without TBI educational materials.
A nationwide study found that over half of concussion patients are lost in the healthcare system shortly after diagnosis, posing a significant risk to their health. The lack of follow-up care is particularly concerning, as it can lead to debilitating symptoms and prolonged recovery times.
A new model reveals that brain cooling can reduce pressure inside the head, relieving swelling and further injury. Cooling newborn babies' scalps to 10C could help their core brain temperature fall, aiding recovery from birth complications.
The VTC Research Institute is developing a test to diagnose mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), which can have long-term damage despite subtle or no physical signs. The test combines analysis of multiple biomarkers with imaging and cognitive tests.
Children with brain injuries face significant challenges transitioning to school, including educator lack of understanding and catching up on missed work. Leading researchers highlight the need for effective supports to improve academic achievement and reduce economic and social disadvantage.
Researchers tracked over 350,000 veterans and found a significant link between concussion and dementia, with concussion alone doubling the risk. The study suggests that traumatic brain injury may hasten neurodegenerative conditions by inducing or accelerating abnormal protein accumulation.
Researchers discovered changes in tiny blood vessels linked to cognitive symptoms in patients with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The study may lead to tailored therapies by pinpointing specific types of TBIs.
Research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that frequent soccer ball heading is associated with poorer performance on psychomotor speed and attention tasks. Players who headed the ball more frequently showed subtle reductions in neuropsychological function, which may lead to microstructural changes in the brain.
Researchers at UTHealth will investigate a stem cell therapy using MultiStem in severely injured trauma patients to prevent post-injury organ failure and improve recovery rates. The Phase 2 clinical trial aims to enroll approximately 150 patients and is subject to FDA review and approval.
Researchers found specific small molecules in blood plasma accurately predict whether someone has sustained a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or not. The discovery could lead to reliable diagnostics for concussions.
A new study reveals significant differences in post-concussion symptom severity and length of recovery between male and female college athletes. Notably, female athletes who used hormonal contraceptives experienced different outcomes compared to non-users, suggesting a potential impact on concussion recovery.
Researchers at UCSF found a 56% increased risk of Parkinson's disease among veterans with concussion compared to those without traumatic brain injury. The study followed over 300,000 veterans for an average of 4.6 years and adjusted for age, sex, and other health conditions.
A large population of U.S. veterans with mild, moderate, or severe traumatic brain injury were found to have a higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Those with mild traumatic brain injury had a 56% increased risk, while those with moderate to severe injuries had an 83% and 71% increased risk respectively.
In a breakthrough study, NIH scientists identified distinct immune cell subsets that work together to repair the damaged meninges and blood vessels in mice. The research provides new insights into the recovery process after concussion and may lead to the development of targeted therapies to improve patient outcomes.