Articles tagged with Brain Injuries
Researchers at Georgia State University found that severe polyinhalant users had double the rate of head injuries and higher rates of mental illness diagnoses. Polyinhalant use was also associated with delinquent behavior starting younger, highlighting the need for prevention and intervention strategies.
Researchers found that adding the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale to neuropsychological assessment provides valuable information about the behavioral consequences of TBI. The study suggests that addressing cognitive and behavioral symptoms after brain injury is crucial for improving outcomes, but more comprehensive assessments are needed.
A new study suggests that girls who suffer a concussive bump on the head in childhood may be at increased risk for abusing alcohol as adults. However, research found that female mice living in an enriched environment reversed this effect by reducing drinking and degeneration of axons.
A recent study by the American College of Surgeons found that helmeted bicycle riders are 58% less likely to suffer severe traumatic brain injuries after a crash. The study analyzed data from over 6,200 patients and showed that helmets significantly reduce the risk of head bleeds, facial fractures, and even death.
A major study found that brain cooling therapy, induced hypothermia, does not improve patients' chances of recovery from traumatic brain injuries. Despite reducing brain pressure, the therapy was associated with worse functional recovery after six months.
African countries face a significant burden of traumatic brain injury, with the majority resulting from motor vehicle accidents. Developing accurate surveillance systems and public health measures is crucial to reducing the risk and impact of TBI.
A high-fructose diet has been shown to slow down the brain's ability to recover from head trauma, according to a new US study published in the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism. The research found that rats fed a fructose-infused diet took 30% longer to solve a maze after being subjected to a simulated traumatic brain injury.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded $38 million in grants to support the BRAIN Initiative, a large-scale effort to understand neural circuit function and capture dynamic views of the brain. The initiative aims to treat devastating brain disorders that affect over one billion people worldwide.
Scientists have identified a key mechanism in how excess water enters neurons, leading to brain swelling. A new shuttle system of ion transporters may be exploited to develop treatments for deadly edema.
A new app is being developed to educate NCAA football players on concussion awareness and encourage them to report real symptoms. The app, using virtual reality technology, aims to inspire student-athletes to prioritize their health and well-being.
A novel study measures working memory deficits and cognitive recovery in individuals with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) using functional neuroimaging. Cognitive improvement is found to correspond with normalization of activation patterns on fMRI, suggesting a potential early biomarker for predicting recovery.
A new animal study reveals that traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects the body as well as the brain, leading to chronic inflammation, nerve cell death, and reduced blood flow. Treatment with hypertension drugs blocks the production of proteins related to inflammation, potentially healing the brain.
Trevor Greene, a former Canadian soldier who survived a debilitating brain injury in Afghanistan, has recovered his ability to walk again with the help of a customized exoskeleton. Dr. Ryan D'Arcy's research team discovered that physical functions can be recovered through rehabilitation even six years after an injury.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found a significant association between energy drink consumption and traumatic brain injury (TBI) in teenagers. Researchers discovered that teens who reported TBI were seven times more likely to consume at least five energy drinks in the past week.
A study using MRI to evaluate 603 military service members with TBI found that cerebral microhemorrhages were more common among those imaged within three months post-injury. Early detection of microbleeding could provide important information regarding disease progression or recovery.
A randomized clinical trial found the modified Story Memory Technique to improve memory and everyday functioning in individuals with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. The study, published by Kessler Foundation, provides first Class I evidence for the efficacy of cognitive training in TBI.
Researchers aim to identify exRNAs as biomarkers for severe hemorrhagic stroke and risk of subsequent traumatic brain injuries. The study could lead to new treatments and improved outcomes in patients with hemorrhagic stroke.
A new Canadian-developed rule will help emergency department physicians determine when to use radiography in young children with minor head injuries. The rule identifies children under 2 months old or those with parietal or occipital swelling as high-risk, warranting a skull radiograph.
Researchers investigate the effects of shock waves on the brain to design helmets that can withstand penetrating blasts from IEDs. The goal is to develop specifications guiding the development of new personal protection systems for soldiers.
A new study found a significant association between traumatic brain injuries and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) in adults. Adults with a history of TBI were more than twice as likely to report symptoms of ADHD, supporting previous research that linked the two conditions.
A pilot study found ramelteon increased total sleep time and improved cognition in individuals with traumatic brain injury. The medication, a melatonin-agonist, was well-tolerated and showed significant improvement in executive functioning and reaction time after three weeks of treatment.
A team of researchers has developed a color-changing polymer-based material that changes colors depending on the force applied to it. The goal is to detect head trauma immediately and provide an obvious indication of injury. In future studies, the team plans to develop materials that can indicate how quickly a force is applied.
Researchers found that patients with higher levels of anticholinergic drugs in their system had longer hospital stays and slower recoveries. The study suggests that these medications could be hindering the effectiveness of neuro-rehabilitation treatments.
A new blood test can predict the severity of traumatic brain injuries and identify patients who may benefit from extra therapy. The test measures brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the blood, which can help doctors advise patients on treatment and monitor their recovery.
A new study found that 53% of children with sports-related head injuries receive CT scans, but only 4% have traumatic brain injuries. Researchers recommend using evidence-based prediction rules to decrease unnecessary CT scan use and promote injury prevention in high-risk sports.
A UCLA-led study found that despite high compliance rates with guidelines for treating traumatic brain injuries, hospitals do not necessarily provide better care. The study analyzed data from 14 Los Angeles County trauma centers and found significant variability in mortality rates and procedure adherence.
A European clinical trial shows that therapeutic hypothermia can significantly decrease intracranial pressure in patients with severe traumatic brain injury. The study found a mean reduction of 4.3 mmHg at the first hour of body cooling, continuing throughout the 6-hour hypothermia therapy.
The University of Montana research team, led by Sarj Patel and Tom Rau, will conduct expanded testing on biomarkers for traumatic brain injury. They aim to clinically validate their research and explore chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
A new study examined brain networks in veterans with trauma exposure using functional magnetic resonance imaging and graph theory tools. The researchers found that veterans with more severe PTSD re-experiencing symptoms showed weaker connectivity in two brain networks, including the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.
Researchers have identified two proteins in blood and cerebrospinal fluid that increase significantly after traumatic brain injury, suggesting they could be used to detect trauma-related brain damage. These biomarkers, UCH-L1 and GFAP, correlate with direct evidence of brain damage and may aid in assessing brain injury following TBI.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center developed an antibody that selectively detects and destroys a toxic protein causing widespread neurodegeneration after TBI, potentially preventing Alzheimer's disease and CTE. The treatment restores neurons' structural and functional abilities.
A UCLA/USC study suggests that damage to the brain's nerve fibers is likely the cause of varying recovery times after a traumatic brain injury. The research found that patients with widespread myelin damage performed 14% worse on cognitive tests and had slower wiring, while those with intact myelin recovered faster.
A study found that player-to-player contact was the most common cause of concussions in high school soccer, with heading the ball being the most common soccer-specific activity leading to concussions. The rate of concussions per 10,000 athlete exposures was higher for boys than girls, highlighting a need for improved safety measures.
Researchers found that serum S100B levels below 0.105 µg/L are an accurate predictor of no intracranial hemorrhage, reducing the need for costly CCT scans and hospitalizations. This simple blood test may help identify patients who can return home to recover.
Researchers at Kessler Foundation received grants to investigate treatments for emotional processing deficits, balance dysfunction, and memory impairments in TBI patients. These studies aim to improve quality of life, independence, and community involvement for individuals affected by brain injury.
Researchers will use MRI machines to test injured nerves and develop a diagnostic tool to distinguish between brain damage and nerve trauma. The goal is to provide more effective treatment options for soldiers suffering from visual deficits caused by IED injuries.
Researchers investigated mannitol dosing errors in patients with intracranial emergencies. The study found a 22% dosing error rate, with underdosing being the most common error, occurring in 8.3% of cases.
A new imaging technique uses discrete wavelength decomposition to analyze functional connectivity in the brain, identifying changes in neural communication following mTBI. The study found alterations in connectivity in both acute and chronic stages of injury, with recovery of connectivity over time.
Researchers found that autologous bone marrow stem cells significantly reduced cranial pressure and therapeutic intensity in TBI patients, decreasing neurointensive care time by nearly 60%.
A high school student won a $10,000 scholarship from the Office of Naval Research for his concussion research project, which aimed to reduce whiplash motion correlated with concussions. The project's potential applications extend beyond sports, as brain injuries are a leading cause of TBI for military personnel in war zones.
A study by the Center for BrainHealth found that strategy-based cognitive training improved cognitive areas critical to everyday life success, as well as reduced depressive and stress-related symptoms. The training also increased brain blood flow to key regions of the brain.
A new blood test measures brain-specific proteins released after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) to predict both imaging evidence and injury severity. The test, which uses glial fibrillary acidic protein breakdown products (GFAP-BDP), shows a net benefit in reducing unnecessary CT scans by 12-30%.
A study found that repetitive head injuries can lead to the build-up of beta-amyloid in the brain, increasing the risk of dementia. Boxers were most affected, with four times more likelihood of developing beta-amyloid deposits and worse disease outcomes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched a comprehensive public health approach to reduce the impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI). New research highlights four pillars: improving understanding of TBI's public health burden, reducing incidence through primary prevention, enhancing recognition and management o...
A new study published in Accident Analysis and Prevention found that Ontario adults who experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) also reported higher incidents of serious road-related driving aggression. The study, conducted by researchers at St. Michael's Hospital, analyzed data from almost 4,000 adults aged 18-97 and discovered a s...
A recent study analyzed data from three large injury surveillance systems to examine the incidence of concussions in youth, high school, and college football athletes. The findings indicate that most concussions occurred during practice, with a lower concussion rate in college football compared to high school.
Traumatic brain injury affects millions worldwide, with little use of new scientific discoveries about brain workings. Researchers propose therapies targeting specific cognitive control processes, such as attention, memory, and thought.
Researchers at UBC have discovered a single gene that causes brain swelling after trauma, providing a target for drug development. By turning off this gene, they successfully stopped swelling in rodent brains.
Researchers discovered structural brain abnormalities in white matter among those experiencing loss of consciousness due to mTBI, linked to decreased verbal memory performance. The study highlights the importance of diffusion tensor imaging in detecting subtle white matter changes associated with mild TBI.
Experts warn that the UK government's plan to fund and increase school rugby participation lacks injury data and prevention programs, putting children at risk. Injuries are common in rugby, with 12% of child players requiring hospitalization, and studies show that tackles are a major cause of injury.
Experts from Queen Mary University of London warn that the UK government's plan to increase school rugby participation ignores serious levels of injury, lack injury surveillance systems, and fails to address tackle safety. The researchers call for the implementation of injury prevention programmes and monitoring strategies.
Research found that nearly one-quarter of ICU survivors suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to a recent Johns Hopkins study. The study identified possible triggers for PTSD, including existing psychological problems and large amounts of sedation medication, and suggested using ICU diaries as a potential prevent...
Researchers found a pattern of white matter damage and gray matter atrophy associated with facial affect recognition impairment in individuals with TBI. This deficit may impact social functioning, relationships, and daily life.
Virginia Tech has released its five-star ratings of hockey helmets, with only one model earning a three-star rating. The study found that hockey helmets share the same basic design as football helmets but are smaller and more prone to injury.
Researchers developed a new Hockey STAR rating system to evaluate helmet protection against concussions and head injuries in ice hockey. The system assigns a value to each helmet based on its ability to protect players from head impacts, driving manufacturers to advance helmet design.
Researchers at Brown University have identified four blood proteins that can accurately signal mild traumatic brain injury within hours after a concussion. These biomarkers, which include copeptin, galectin 3, matrix metalloproteinase 9, and occludin, show significant changes in the bloodstream of patients shortly after a concussion.
A new study by Imperial College London reveals that head injury patients exhibit changes in brain structure similar to those seen in older people. The researchers estimate that these patients are around five years older on average than their real age.
Experts say research is needed to develop strategies to protect athletes from brain injury, citing a lack of long-term studies and unclear causes. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) has been linked to repeated blows to the head, but diagnosis requires autopsy and more research is needed to understand its development.
A novel deuterium-containing sigma-1 agonist, C-10068, demonstrated anti-seizure and anti-inflammatory effects in a preclinical model of traumatic brain injury (TBI). It affected multiple neurochemical pathways, including sigma-1 receptors, which play a widespread modulatory role in the central nervous system.
New approach aims to enhance neuroplastic processes, including angiogenesis, neurogenesis, oligodendrogenesis and axonal sprouting to improve neurological recovery. Early clinical trials are underway for innovative drugs such as Glibenclamide, Minocycline and Statins.