Articles tagged with Brain Injuries
A team of researchers has developed a model system using fruit flies to study traumatic brain injury (TBI), revealing the genetic underpinnings of susceptibility and links to human TBI. The findings suggest that genetics play a crucial role in determining the outcome of an injury, which may explain why current TBI drugs have failed in ...
Approximately 1.4 million people suffer minor traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) each year, with falls and motor vehicle accidents being common causes. Orthopedic surgeons can play a critical role in diagnosing mTBI, ensuring patients receive proper care and referrals for management.
Researchers found a significant reduction in deaths among New York State patients with severe traumatic brain injury between 2001 and 2009. Adherence to the Guidelines for Management of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury increased over time, leading to improved outcomes.
Falls account for more than 60% of hospital stays for traumatic brain injury in seniors over age 65. Researchers found that hand impact occurred in 74% of falls, highlighting the need for exercises to strengthen upper limbs and design safer environments.
Researchers found that transplanted stem cells guide neural stem cells to the injured brain site via a neurovascular matrix, promoting functional recovery. The study presents evidence for a new concept of stem-cell mediated brain repair, offering a potential treatment for traumatic brain injury.
Denise Krch, PhD, of Kessler Foundation has been awarded a $600,000 NIDRR grant to develop a virtual reality program that targets executive functioning impairments in individuals with TBI. The project aims to improve problem-solving, mental flexibility, and divided attention in those with moderate to severe impairment.
A Vanderbilt study found that 74% of patients with respiratory failure, cardiogenic shock, or septic shock developed delirium in the hospital, leading to dementia-like brain disease even a year after discharge. Cognitive deficits persisted for up to 12 months in both older and younger patients.
A study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that environmental enrichment can help counteract brain atrophy in people with chronic moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study, led by Dr. Robin Green, suggests that increased physical, social, and cognitive stimulation can slow down brain shrinkage.
Researchers found that mild hypothermia improved behavioral scores and increased surviving neurons in rats with TBI. The treatment also reduced harmful protein levels linked to brain injury and cognitive dysfunction.
Researchers will study TSPO's role in microglia and astrocytes to understand its function in brain injury and inflammation. The goal is to discover new therapeutic targets for treating inflammation and brain injury.
A new study published in the Journal of Neurotrauma found that low-level blast explosions can cause symptoms similar to sports concussions, including neurocognitive deficits and self-reported symptoms. The research, conducted on a group of soldiers called 'breachers', identified biomarkers capable of detecting changes in this population.
The study reveals rutaecarpine's ability to improve neurological function after cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury. The mechanism involves reducing oxidative stress, providing a promising basis for rutaecarpine as an ideal drug for preventing and treating cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury.
A recent study found that olive leaf extract can protect against lead-induced brain injury by increasing antioxidant capacity and reducing apoptosis. The study published in Neural Regeneration Research reveals the action mechanism underlying olive leaf extract treatment for lead poisoning.
The study highlights the importance of autophagic and lysosomal activity in ischemic neurons, providing nutrition and energy for their survival. Upregulating cell autophagy or inhibiting autophagy may help eliminate abnormal components in cells after ischemic brain injury.
Children's National Hospital has received a five-year NIH grant to identify reliable early signs of prenatal brain injury in congenital heart disease. The study aims to develop non-invasive methods to detect high-risk cases before birth, opening windows for new treatments to prevent impaired brain development.
A review of three recent concussion guidelines highlights areas of consensus, including a definition of concussion, diagnosis, and acute care recommendations. The guidelines emphasize the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent long-term neurological consequences.
A study of 36 male athletes with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) found that the disease initially affects behavior or mood and later impacts memory and thinking abilities. The researchers discovered notable differences in symptoms between those experiencing behavior problems and those with memory and thinking issues.
Researchers found that CTE primarily affects behavior and mood, while memory and thinking abilities are also impacted. The study suggests that athletes with CTE experience symptoms at a younger age, with mood/behavior problems appearing at an average age of 35.
The University of Montana has received a $1 million grant from the US Army to further develop a drug that limits damage caused by traumatic brain injuries. The research aims to create a therapy that can be administered within hours of exposure to blast-force energy waves, potentially saving soldiers' lives.
Researchers documented irregular brain activity within hours of a concussive injury and increased brain activity weeks later, indicating the brain may compensate for the injury. The study suggests a new approach to deciding when athletes can return to play after a concussion.
A new study evaluates the accuracy of neurocognitive testing compared to self-reported symptoms of concussions in cheerleaders. Researchers found that 62% of cheerleaders reported increased symptoms after a concussion, while 33% had decreased neurocognitive performance without realizing it.
A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that observing children with minor blunt head trauma in the emergency department before ordering a CT scan can significantly reduce the need for CT scans. The study found that every hour of observation time decreased CT rates by approximately 70% on average.
Researchers discover histone H1 protein's role in neurodegenerative disease and stroke; protein can trigger immune response and drive brain cell death. The study may lead to the development of new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and stroke.
Concussions can have serious long-term health effects; therefore, it's essential to recognize and manage these injuries accurately. The article provides a 6-point protocol to help people resume activity after a concussion, emphasizing complete rest and gradual progression.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have developed a new metric called Risk Weighted Cumulative Exposure (RWE) to capture players' exposure to the risk of concussion over a football season. The study found that impact frequency was greater during games than practices, but overall exposure was greater during practices.
A study in Neurosurgery finds that most professional athletes can return to competition within a year after vertebral fusion surgery on the upper (cervical) spine. Another study analyzes variations in treatment for patients with minor head injuries seen in emergency departments versus doctors' offices.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that bodychecking rules didn't decrease concussions in elite hockey. Concussions were caused by body-checking 64% of the time, while illegal incidents accounted for only 28%. The authors suggest stricter enforcement or additional rule changes may be needed to reduce injury risk.
Research found that JNK3 expression is downregulated after traumatic brain injury, which may be associated with apoptosis of nerve cells. This downregulation could promote the recovery of neurological function following traumatic brain injury.
A study of 9,000 Ontario students found that 20% reported a traumatic brain injury in their lifetime, with sports accounting for over half the injuries. The prevalence is higher than previously thought and may be linked to mental health and substance use during adolescence.
Researchers found that people with traumatic brain injury were 30% more likely to develop a stroke than those with trauma with no brain injury. The study looked at records of adults in California who suffered a traumatic brain injury or other trauma without brain injury over five years.
A study published in JAMA found that 20.2% of adolescents in Ontario experienced traumatic brain injury, with sports injuries accounting for over half of cases. The study also identified associations between TBI and substance use, highlighting the need for improved prevention and response strategies among adolescents.
A study found that 20% of adolescents in Ontario reported having suffered a traumatic brain injury, with males and those with lower grades more likely to experience injuries during sports. The prevalence of TBI among young people is much higher than previously thought.
Researchers found a striking resemblance between white matter brain abnormalities in concussion patients and those seen in early Alzheimer's dementia. The study suggests that the true problem facing concussion patients may be their brain's response to injury, rather than the injury itself.
Researchers found that a combination of two proteins, S100B and apoA-1, helps most accurately classify head injuries. This study provides significant evidence for the potential use of blood tests in diagnosing mild traumatic brain injury.
A study published in Traffic Injury Prevention found that bicycle helmets certified to Australia's national standard significantly reduce linear and angular head accelerations and impact force. Helmet use greatly reduces the risk of head, skull and brain injury by up to 9.5 times.
Researchers found white-matter abnormalities in soccer players who headed the ball over 885-1,550 times a year, associated with cognitive impairment. Players with more than 1,800 headings per year showed poorer memory scores, suggesting frequent heading may cause brain injury.
A study published in Radiology found that frequent heading in soccer is associated with white matter microstructural changes and cognitive impairments, similar to those seen in traumatic brain injury patients. Players who headed the ball over 1,800 times per year showed poorer memory scores.
Scientists at Kessler Foundation received grants to investigate emotional processing deficits in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the effects of aerobic exercise on memory impairments. The studies aim to develop innovative rehabilitation interventions using objective data from brain imaging.
A new study finds that bright light therapy can improve sleep quality, reduce daytime sleepiness, and alleviate depressive symptoms in individuals with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). The treatment also shows changes in brain activation during cognitive tasks, suggesting potential improvements in brain function.
Traumatic brain injuries generate toxic tau oligomers that cause nerve cells to clump together and spread to other parts of the brain. These damaging protein assemblages can contribute to memory deficits, seizures, and disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle.
Researchers found significant microvascular injury in the uninjured side of the brain days after a stroke, indicating compromised blood-brain barrier integrity. This damage may lead to serious complications and is closely related to autophagy and neuronal swelling.
A new study by Dr. Tomislav Svoboda found that homeless men who are heavy drinkers have a staggering 400 times more head injuries than the general population. The study also revealed that these men experience severe and frequent brain bleeding, dizziness, memory loss, and mental health issues.
A survey of 161 military personnel found that those with multiple head injuries face a significantly higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The study's lead author says that knowing this association can provide valuable information for professionals treating wounded combat servicemen and women to help manage the risk of suicide.
Researchers at UC Berkeley developed a device using wireless signals to diagnose brain swelling or bleeding in real-time. The technology was tested in a pilot study and showed promising results, potentially becoming a cost-effective tool for medical diagnostics.
Cyclists are vulnerable road users with head injuries accounting for 75% of cycling-related deaths. Researchers found helmet legislation has a minimal impact on reducing serious head injuries among all ages, with rates falling before implementation.
The study found a significant increase in the number of older Finnish adults with fall-induced TBI from 1970 to 2011, with an age-adjusted incidence rate that rose by 289% among women and 315% among men. The total number of individuals affected also increased considerably.
A new study finds that half of high school football players would continue to play with headache symptoms, and only 54% report concussions to coaches. The study raises concerns about concussion education in adolescent athletes.
A study of 120 high school football players found that one-quarter had suffered a concussion and more than half acknowledged continuing to play with symptoms. Most players knew common signs and symptoms but were reluctant to report them to their coaches.
A study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that 92,885 children under 18 were treated for amusement ride-related injuries from 1990 to 2010. The most common injury types were soft tissue injuries and head/neck region injuries, with nearly one-third occurring on fixed-site rides.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that new astrocytes produced from stem cells after brain injury are effective in promoting recovery. These cells make their way to the injured area to form an organized scar, which stops bleeding and allows tissue recovery.
The University of Washington School of Medicine's Division of Pain Medicine is developing leading-edge technologies to improve care for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress (PTS), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and chronic pain. The grant will support provider education, clinical care guidelines, and outcomes-based research.
A multicenter study reveals that mild traumatic brain injury after blast exposure produces inflammation and oxidative stress, similar to disorders of memory processing such as Alzheimer's disease. Gene activity patterns akin to neurodegenerative diseases were also observed in the brains of rats exposed to a shock tube.
A new study has found that about 42% of veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq with blast injuries have irregular hormone levels indicative of hypopituitarism. The condition can mimic symptoms of PTSD, depression, and other conditions, but is often unrecognized and treatable by replacing deficient hormones.
Kessler Foundation participates in a multi-site NIH study to develop the TBI-CareQOL, a new tool to assess quality of life for caregivers of persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study aims to identify challenges faced by these caregivers and inform treatment and resource needs.
A study by Dr. Michael Cusimano found that newspapers have increased coverage of concussions in ice hockey, including discussions on the need for rule changes and player safety. However, many reports still perpetuate a culture that trivializes head injuries and views them as an occupational risk.
Research published in PLOS ONE found a decrease in media coverage of aggression in ice hockey in North American newspapers between 1998-2000 and 2009-2011. The shift in focus from violence to safety rules and equipment may contribute to cultural trends in the sport, influencing attitudes towards traumatic brain injuries.
Research highlights the significant impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on sexuality, including cognitive deficits, medical issues, and relationship changes. Rehabilitation strategies are crucial to address these challenges and improve sexual functioning in TBI survivors.
A $40,000 grant funded by The Consortium of MS Centers will support a 1-year pilot study investigating an emotional processing training program for individuals with multiple sclerosis. The study aims to improve emotional processing abilities and overall quality of life.
A new study out of St. Michael's Hospital found that nearly half of all traumatic brain injuries among Canadian children and youth participating in organized sports occurred in ice hockey, with most caused by body contact or being hit into the boards. The researchers also identified specific prevention tactics for various sports, inclu...
Dr. Nancy Chiaravalloti is honored for her achievements in cognitive rehabilitation and TBI research, particularly in memory retraining and processing speed. She has made significant contributions to improving quality of life for individuals with TBI.