Research on brain injury and recovery. Covers sports concussion policy, age and recovery, CTE in athletes, and deep brain stimulation.
A new study found no change in epilepsy incidence among younger patients over the past 40 years, while an increase was observed among older patients. This suggests that progress in preventing new cases of epilepsy has not been made, particularly among the elderly population.
Researchers found computerized cognitive rehabilitation significantly improves attention and executive functioning in TBI and stroke patients, with trends toward significance also observed. The treatment can reduce wait time and cost, improve quality of life and reduce caregiver burden.
University of Georgia researchers are developing intervention methods to help athletes report concussions without fear of team repercussions. The study aims to change the culture of sport from concealing to reporting concussions, promoting a safer and healthier environment for athletes.
A new study in mice shows that repetitive mild concussions can cause mounting damage and brain inflammation, even with extended rest periods. The findings support the importance of adequate rest after a concussion to allow for neural network rebalancing and repair.
New research reveals that estrogen receptor α (ERα) provides stronger protection for female newborn brains against hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). The study, published in eNeuro, found that ERα levels are significantly higher in female compared to male brains following oxygen deprivation and reduced blood flow.
A new study found increased buildup of amyloid plaques in people who had previously sustained a traumatic brain injury. The areas affected overlapped those seen in Alzheimer's disease, but other areas were involved.
A recent study published in Neurology has revealed that protein clumps associated with Alzheimer's disease are found in the brains of people who have had a head injury. These clumps, called amyloid plaques, were found to be present in patients over a decade after the injury.
Researchers developed a new class of dissolvable electronic sensors that can monitor temperature and pressure within the skull after a brain injury or surgery. The sensors are made from biodegradable materials and can transmit signals wirelessly, eliminating the need for additional surgery to remove them.
A team of neurosurgeons and engineers has developed wireless brain sensors that monitor intracranial pressure and temperature, dissolving over time without the need for surgery. These devices have potential to monitor patients with traumatic brain injuries and could be used to track activity in other organ systems throughout the body.
Researchers at VA Puget Sound Health Care System and University of Washington find chronic changes in neuron activity in specific brain regions with repeated blasts. Chronic brain damage can lead to emotional difficulties such as mood problems, irritability, and impulsivity in veterans.
A new study finds that traumatic brain injury induces mental impairments using mechanisms linked with Alzheimer's disease, specifically the toxic form of tau protein. The research suggests that TBI may share a common mechanism with neurodegenerative diseases, increasing the risk for dementia and other neurological disorders.
A new study published in the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation identified four subtypes of symptoms after military traumatic brain injury (TBI), including good recovery, primarily psychiatric symptoms, and mixed symptom profiles. A new questionnaire for assessing health-related quality of life after TBI also showed promise, disting...
Researchers aim to understand how blast shockwaves injure brain tissue, despite symptoms often going undetected by scans. The project may lead to new clinical strategies for treating traumatic brain injuries suffered in battle.
A new study found that pre-adolescent children who have sustained sports-related concussions have impaired brain function two years following the injury. The research suggests that childhood concussions may have a lasting impact on cognitive performance, with potential lifelong academic and vocational consequences.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that stopping the production of new neurons in the brain following TBI can help reduce epileptic seizures, cognitive decline, and impaired memory. This process, called neurogenesis, is sometimes hyperexcitable, disrupting neural circuits and causing recurring seizures.
Cardiff University scientists have engineered a new dual 'homing' agent that inactivates the complement system in the brain, reducing inflammation and aiding recovery. The treatment has shown promise in mice with traumatic brain injuries, potentially leading to life-changing benefits for humans.
Researchers from Cardiff University and Charles Owen Inc. have developed a novel 3D-printed material called C3, which can improve the safety of athletes and others by better absorbing and dissipating impact. The material has been awarded $250,000 to further develop its potential.
A new study using MRI scans found that 52% of active duty military personnel with blast-related mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) have white matter T2 hyperintensities, also known as 'brain scars'. Pituitary abnormalities were identified in almost a third of MTBI patients.
A study by the Colorado School of Public Health found cheerleading to be relatively safe compared to other high school sports, with an injury rate ranking 18th out of 22. However, severe injuries were more common than expected, highlighting the need for prevention efforts and standardized safety measures.
A study found that prolonged hypobaria from air evacuation worsened long-term cognitive outcomes in rats with TBI. Researchers suggest approaches to limit negative effects, including delaying transport or increasing cabin pressurization.
A study found that concussed football players had reduced cerebral blood flow even after clinical recovery, suggesting a role for MRI in determining when to allow them to return to competition. This technology may provide a more objective measurement of recovery and help prevent second injuries.
A new study by researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine suggests that air evacuation may worsen neurological function and increase brain cell loss in patients with traumatic brain injuries. The study's findings have major implications for the treatment of military injuries.
A study at the University of Helsinki found that approximately half of elderly patients with acute subdural hematomas who undergo surgery can recover to an independent life. The researchers emphasize that the decision to operate should not be based solely on age, but rather on individual patient factors.
Researchers have discovered a blood test for the SNTF protein, which may predict long-term cognitive impairments in concussion patients. The study suggests that even mild concussions can cause permanent damage to brain wiring, leading to cognitive impairment.
Researchers found significant disruption in brain area connections and coordination between the posterior cingulate cortex and medial prefrontal cortex in comatose patients who remained minimally conscious or vegetative. However, those who recovered from coma showed similar coordination with healthy participants.
Researchers at the Center for BrainHealth have identified a potential brain-based biomarker for depressive symptoms in individuals with traumatic brain injury. They found that those with TBI and depression exhibit increased brain connectivity between multiple regions, including the amygdala, which is responsible for emotional processin...
Researchers found hyperconnectivity between fronto-parietal regions and less organized flow of information in individuals with chronic moderate to severe TBI compared to healthy controls. The study suggests a causal relationship between working memory tasks and brain injury.
Consensus statements on intracranial pressure monitoring in sTBI provide a clear interpretation of clinical trial results. The statements help guide practicing physicians and researchers in managing patients with severe traumatic brain injury.
Research reveals that people with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) have difficulty judging the severity of crimes and assigning appropriate punishments. This impairment can affect their social skills, such as empathy and rational judgments, leading to poorer prognoses for resuming normal work and family life.
Studies examine effects of TBI, stroke, and repetitive stimulation on functional brain networks, revealing hyper-connectivity and reduced coherence in TBI patients. Researchers also describe remodeling of neuronal axons and myelin after stroke, as well as improvements in motor symptoms with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.