Research on brain injury and recovery. Covers sports concussion policy, age and recovery, CTE in athletes, and deep brain stimulation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A study examining the use of Actual Reality in traumatic brain injury (TBI) found that individuals with TBI had difficulty performing internet-based tasks. The results suggest that Actual Reality is a potential tool for capturing the status of everyday functional activity in this population, supporting its use in clinical assessments.
Researchers at McGill University have developed a new diagnostic tool for concussions in children, utilizing brain activation study findings. The spatial memory task has the potential to aid in assessing recovery and determining safe return to activities.
Research by Columbia University finds that glucocorticoid treatment restores BBB function within a day of primary blast injury, potentially reducing mandatory rest periods for military personnel. The study's positive results could lead to the development of targeted therapies using steroids to restore BBB integrity after blast injury.
Researchers found that early post-traumatic stress symptoms are the strongest predictors of later disability in military personnel with mild brain injuries. A study evaluated 38 patients with mild blast-related brain injury and 34 controls, showing that mental health assessments soon after injury were more predictive of long-term disab...
A recent Connecticut study found a marked increase in the number of teenagers receiving medical treatment for sports-related concussions after laws were passed in 2010. The study suggests that extending concussion laws to include summer camps, travel teams, and all-star teams could improve safety and education for all young athletes.
A new pharmacological agent, Thymosin beta-4, has shown promise in treating neurological diseases by increasing protective myelin around nerve fibers. Current standard drug therapy, like tPA, is limited and often ineffective, prompting a shift towards restorative therapies.
Researchers are advancing blood biomarker capabilities using the Simoa technology, which offers unprecedented improvement in sensitivity proteins for detecting traumatic brain injury. The technology allows for more effective measurement of low concentrations of proteins such as tau, enabling more accurate diagnosis and treatment.
A study published in Critical Care Medicine defines the prevalence, associated factors, and time course of vasospasm in children with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. The study found that children with higher Injury Severity Scores, fever at admission, and lower Glasgow Coma scores were at increased risk of developing vasospasm.
Scientists at Monash University have made a major breakthrough in understanding how the brain adapts to vision loss by discovering a second pathway for visual information. This new pathway, through the pulvinar area of the brain, plays a crucial role in rerouting visual information following injury or trauma.
Researchers at Ben Gurion University of the Negev have discovered a promising peptide called humanin that can counteract cell death caused by hypoxia. The peptide's derivatives were tested on neuronal cells and showed successful results, potentially leading to new treatments for necrosis-related diseases.
Researchers at UVA School of Medicine have identified interleukin-33 as the biological trigger for a protective immune response to spinal cord injury. This discovery holds promise for improved treatments and diagnostic tests for conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and brain trauma.
A groundbreaking study published in The Journal of Pediatrics suggests a relationship between concussions sustained by young ice hockey players and subtle changes in the cortex, indicating an early marker for brain damage. Researchers hope to further investigate the long-term effects of repeated blows to the head on young athletes.
The University of Michigan has launched a major initiative to find new ways to treat Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) thanks to a $10M gift from the Joyce and Don Massey Family Foundation. The new Emergency Critical Care Center will provide advanced care to patients with TBI, stroke, or other critical illnesses.
Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center developed a novel eye-tracking device to diagnose concussion severity, tracking pupils for over 200 seconds while watching a music video. The study found that trauma patients with normal CT scans were slightly worse at 1-2 weeks after injury and recovered about one month later.
Research finds accumulated brain damage linked to memory deficits and mood regulation in former NFL players, supporting calls for improved athlete protection from concussion. PET scans show concentrated zones of high translocator protein levels, indicating brain injury and potential long-term neurological risk.
A Northwestern University study found that family members sharing familiar stories with coma patients who wore headphones recovered consciousness faster and had improved outcomes. This 'familiar auditory sensory training' stimulated the brain's memory circuits, helping patients wake up more easily and respond to their environment.
A new study suggests that traumatic brain injury triggers long-term inflammation in the brain, causing chronic degenerative problems. The research proposes that this inflammation is a major treatable cause of brain damage after trauma.
A study by Johns Hopkins pathologists identified a unique pattern of injuries in the brains of combat veterans who survived IED blasts and later died. The honeycomb pattern of damaged nerve fibers is distinct from other types of brain injury, suggesting a possible signature of 'shell shock' or blast neurotrauma.
A new study in mice suggests that a blood-based biomarker for traumatic brain injury (TBI) may not be effective due to the complex glymphatic system. The researchers found that treatments and clinical approaches can disrupt waste removal, leading to unreliable protein levels in the blood.
The new guidance provides a six-step process for progressive activity after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), with specific recommendations for rest and activity. Patients can only progress to the next stage if they are symptom-free, with worsening symptoms requiring return to previous stages.
The article highlights the lack of injury data in youth rugby, putting junior players at risk. Creative match scheduling and preseason training can help improve safety, but a comprehensive dataset is needed to set rational policies.
A new study of over 40,000 cases of brain trauma in children reveals that falling from bikes or scooters is the leading cause of injury in kids under 12. The findings emphasize the importance of safety helmets and seatbelts to reduce severity.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that state concussion legislation is associated with a significant increase in healthcare utilization for children with concussions. Between 2008-2009 and 2011-2012, states with legislation saw a 92% rise in concussion-related healthcare usage, compared to a 75% increase in states without laws.
A University of Michigan study found a 92% increase in children seeking medical assistance for concussions in states with concussion laws. The legislation, combined with heightened public awareness, has led to significant increases in concussion treatment rates among school-age athletes.
Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center developed new technology that tracks eye movements to assess brain injuries, offering a potential biological marker for brain function and recovery. The study found abnormal eye movement ratios in patients with nerve damage or swelling in the brain, which were restored after surgery.
A patient who suffered a traumatic brain injury unexpectedly recovered full consciousness after receiving midazolam, a mild depressant drug. The administration of this medication resulted in the first reported case of an 'awakening' from a minimally-conscious state using this therapy.
A study of Ontario adults found that nearly 17% reported a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI), with those who had TBI more likely to engage in harmful behaviors such as opioid use and smoking. The study suggests a link between TBI and substance abuse, highlighting the need for preventive action against TBI.
A new study suggests that measuring glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the blood can predict the presence of intracranial lesions following mild traumatic brain injury. The study found GFAP to be a more reliable biomarker than S100β, which was not as effective in distinguishing between intracranial and extracranial lesions.
A phase III clinical trial found that treatment with progesterone after traumatic brain injury provided no significant benefits compared to placebo. The study involved 49 trauma centers and 882 patients, but was stopped early due to safety concerns.
A new study reveals that traumatic brain injury can accelerate dementia by disrupting the brain's waste removal system, specifically the glymphatic system. This impaired system allows toxic proteins to accumulate in the brain, setting the stage for neurodegenerative diseases.