Articles tagged with Brain Injuries
A University of New Hampshire researcher has received a $62,521 grant from NFL Charities to study the safe removal of protective equipment from injured players. The grant will allow Erik Swartz to work with high-fidelity human patient simulators at WakeMed Health and Hospitals in Raleigh, N.C.
The 2012 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting featured cutting-edge research on aging, sleep apnea, chronic rhinosinusitis, and hearing loss. Attendees could access approximately 100 miniseminars, 250 scientific sessions, and 445 posters.
A 5-year, multi-site study will investigate treatment effects on functional, psychosocial, and disability outcomes after traumatic brain injury in children aged 8-18. The study aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for parents of children with TBI.
Researchers developed an agent that blocks cardiolipin oxidation, preventing cell death and preserving function in rats with severe traumatic brain injury. The study suggests a targeted oxidation-blocker may also be beneficial in treating other neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and stroke.
Researchers found that despite similar survival rates, trauma patients in the western United States face higher treatment costs than those in the northeastern region. Analysis of national patient records revealed significant regional differences in care costs, with the west spending up to 35% more on liver injury treatments.
Research suggests racial/ethnic disparities exist in the use of cranial CT scans among children with minor blunt head trauma, particularly for those at lowest or intermediate risk. Children from white non-Hispanic backgrounds may be more likely to undergo the procedure, while those from black or Hispanic backgrounds have lower odds.
Dr. John DeLuca, VP of Research at Kessler Foundation, received the 2012 Roger G. Barker Distinguished Research Contribution Award from the American Psychological Association for his groundbreaking research on cognitive effects of brain injury and multiple sclerosis. The award recognizes his lifelong contributions to rehabilitation psy...
Researchers found that concussions and even lesser head impacts can speed up the brain's natural aging process, causing changes in gait, balance, attention, and impulse control. The study suggests a cumulative effect of repeated head impacts on the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.
A new class of drug developed at Northwestern University has shown early promise in reducing inflammation in the brain, which is a common denominator in these neurological diseases. The drug targets proinflammatory cytokines and prevents their overproduction, preventing damage to synapses and neurons.
Researchers identified two enzymes, t-PA and MMP-3, that promote injury severity following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Inhibiting these enzymes may protect the brain from TBI by blocking the activation of MMP-3, which causes damage. The study provides a promising therapeutic target for treating human TBI.
Children's recovery from pediatric brain injury extends beyond medical care to involve the entire circle of family, friends, and healthcare providers. Recent research highlights the importance of 'family-centered' approaches and innovative interventions to promote self-worth, education as rehabilitation, and community reintegration.
The American Headache Society is focusing on traumatic brain injury in its scientific conference, with experts discussing earlier detection, prompt treatment, and prevention. The conference aims to raise awareness of the issue and reduce long-term consequences for affected individuals.
Brain injury in children is a complex and unpredictable condition, with no single best approach to predicting outcomes. Advanced imaging tests are often used in adults but have not been studied for use in children. Prevention of injury and tailored approaches are key to improving outcomes.
Researchers have found that concussion victims have unique spatial patterns of brain abnormalities that change over time. DTI and EZ-MAP analysis reveal distinct patterns of low and high fractional anisotropy, suggesting a response to injury and potential compensatory mechanisms.
Researchers found an association between mild traumatic brain injury and PTSD severity using advanced imaging techniques. The study suggests that subtle brain injury can predispose soldiers to psychiatric illness when coupled with extreme chronic stress.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin developed a patented technology to reduce cerebral oedema by safely manipulating blood vessels in the brain. The technique, 'Neuronal Barrier Modulation,' has shown promising results in animal models and is planned for Phase I clinical trials.
A new study has found evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in brain tissue from blast-exposed military service personnel. Exposure to a single blast equivalent to an IED results in CTE and long-term brain impairments, similar to those seen in athletes with repetitive concussion injuries.
Researchers used CT images and MRI data to reconstruct Phineas Gage's brain injury, finding widespread white matter damage. This study provides new insight into the neural network connectivity of Gage's brain, shedding light on his reported behavioral changes after the accident.
Researchers have found evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in brain tissue from blast-exposed military service personnel. The study discovered that exposure to a single blast equivalent to an IED results in CTE and long-term brain impairments, with the blast wind leading to traumatic brain injury.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University found that mild TBI can cause structural disruption of axons and alter neuronal firing patterns. This discovery advances research on posttraumatic disorders and enables better understanding of long-lasting neurological issues following a head injury.
Research reveals female athletes performed worse on visual memory tests and reported more symptoms post-concussion. Younger athletes, particularly high school athletes, took longer to recover than collegiate athletes.
A study found that more than 80% of bike share riders in Boston and Washington D.C. do not wear helmets, putting them at risk for head injuries. The study suggests helmet use can reduce head injury by up to 88%.
Researchers developed a non-invasive monitoring technique to assess changes in brain arteries, detecting brain damage in 61 children undergoing heart repair surgery. The 'hemoglobin volume index' allowed for real-time detection of brain injury and potential adjustments to blood pressure management.
A study of Swedish boxers found elevated protein levels in brain fluid after bouts, indicating nerve cell damage. The study suggests that Olympic boxing may cause similar brain injury to Alzheimer's disease.
A study led by Dr. Joshua Gatson reveals that estrone, an estrogen hormone, promotes brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which supports cell survival after traumatic brain injury. The findings indicate a fresh avenue for future research on protective capabilities of estrogen hormones.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have developed a new device called mechanical tissue resuscitation (MTR) that uses negative pressure to reduce cell death and improve brain function after traumatic brain injury. The technology showed significant promise in reducing brain swelling and preserving more than 50% of damaged...
The study found that woodpeckers' cranial bones have a higher ultimate strength than larks, thanks to more plate-like spongy bone. This structure helps resist deformation during pecking, reducing stress on the brain. The beaks of both birds exhibit similar ultimate strengths.
Dr. John Whyte is the recipient of Kessler Foundation's 2nd Annual Joel A. DeLisa, MD Award for his contributions to rehabilitation strategies and outcomes for people with severe brain injury. The award includes a $50,000 grant for his research activities.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is funding a study to examine the effects of sports-related concussions on student-athletes over their college careers and beyond. The study aims to identify factors that contribute to later problems, such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy, in order to minimize risks.
Traumatic brain injury is rising among the elderly, particularly those over 70, due to an increase in falls. Older adults are more susceptible to worse outcomes, including bleeding in the brain, chronic diseases, medication use, and reduced brain repair capabilities with age. Early interventions can still yield positive results.
A recent study published in PloS ONE suggests that immediate skull reconstruction following traumatic brain injury can exacerbate brain damage. In contrast, delaying surgical repair for two days resulted in reduced secondary brain swelling and damage in animal models.
The February issue of NeuroRehabilitation assesses factors affecting rehab of Spanish-speaking individuals with neurological and psychiatric disorders. Cultural differences may influence the rehabilitation process, resulting in limited access to services.
Researchers argue that UK law on cycle helmets should apply only to kids due to equivocal evidence of adult protection. The authors suggest a paternalistic approach and instead recommend public health information to empower adults to make their own decisions about helmet-wearing.
A case report reveals the devastating consequences of dabigatran-induced brain hemorrhage, emphasizing the importance of rapid assessment and intervention after minor head trauma in patients taking anticoagulant medications. The study's findings underscore the need for medical providers to be aware of this high-risk complication.
A study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery found that aggressive treatment of severe traumatic brain injury results in better patient outcomes and is cost-effective across all age groups. Aggressive care outperformed routine care, while comfort care had poor outcomes and high costs.
A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers finds that aggressive treatment for severe traumatic brain injuries significantly improves outcomes and reduces long-term costs. The study suggests that invasive interventions like ICP monitoring and decompressive craniotomies are cost-effective across all patient populations, inclu...
Children with mild traumatic brain injuries are at higher risk for long-term cognitive and somatic complaints, including inattention and headaches. The study found that children with mild TBI were more likely to exhibit reliable increases in both cognitive and somatic symptoms.
A powerful new imaging technique called High Definition Fiber Tracking (HDFT) has been developed to clearly see for the first time neural connections broken by traumatic brain injury. HDFT scans have identified disruptions in neural pathways, allowing researchers to pinpoint breaks in the cables and quantify the proportion of fibers lost.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology found that physiological problems from concussions can last longer than symptoms, even after standard testing subside. MEPs showed delays in response time and smaller size, which continued until day 10, with these changes increasing as symptoms decreased.
Researchers found that clazosentan decreased the effects of TBI on blood flow by 25% at four hours and 23% at 48 hours. The drug was most effective when given at two hours post-injury and again at 24 hours after trauma.
Researchers found that traumatic brain injuries increased susceptibility to PTSD and anxiety disorders in rats, highlighting the need for precautions against stressful situations. The study suggests a mechanistic link between TBI and PTSD, with the amygdala playing a critical role.
Researchers found that padding reduced linear impact dosages, but did not eliminate rotational injury risk. They also discovered a heightened risk of brain strain injury in both boxing and MMA, despite padding, emphasizing the need for improved protective measures.
Skiers and snowboarders in Canada face inadequate protection from current helmet standards, which are less stringent than US and European ones. Health experts call for stricter regulations to ensure helmets can withstand multiple impacts and provide superior protection for various head sizes and weights.
The University of South Florida has received a $1.57 million grant to conduct research on traumatic brain injury and other battlefield-related injuries. The studies aim to improve the quality of life for military personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Pediatric Emergency Research of Canada team has made significant advances in treating childhood conditions like croup, bronchiolitis, and mild head injuries. Their research has led to substantial improvements in treatment outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
Research from CHEO Institute finds ice hockey and bicycle helmets provide better protection against head injuries during winter activities like tobogganing; alpine ski helmets have limited effectiveness. All helmets are protective, but parents should educate their children on safety measures.
Researchers found increases in brain areas compensating for the injured side and decreases in areas not being used due to the cast or sling. This study supports current trauma surgery guidelines recommending immobilization 'as short as possible, as long as necessary',
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston identified key molecular mechanisms by which implanted human neural stem cells aid recovery from traumatic axonal injury. The study found that stem cell transplantation prevents further axonal injury and promotes axonal regrowth through the secretion of glial derived ne...
The US military is using acupuncture to help wounded warriors with pain, PTSD, and mild traumatic brain injury. A special issue of Medical Acupuncture explores the potential uses of acupuncture in the military and current research activities.
A large Swedish study found that having epilepsy is not directly linked to committing violent crime, contradicting common public opinion. However, individuals with a history of traumatic brain injury were more likely to commit violent crimes after diagnosis.
The FDA approved the first handheld device to detect life-threatening brain bleeding, which could be a lifesaver for Sailors and Marines. The portable Infrascanner reveals intracranial hematomas after an injury, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment.
A research team has developed a handheld, mobile device capable of rapidly detecting brain injuries such as hematomas in patients with traumatic brain injuries. The device uses near-infrared imaging to detect changes in blood volume and can be used for quick screenings before more expensive imaging techniques.
Jordan Grafman, director of traumatic brain injury research, has received the prestigious Humboldt Research Award for his significant contributions to understanding brain function and behavior. The award recognizes his work on cognitive neuroplasticity and its applications in medicine, rehabilitation, and psychology.
A study found that high tau protein levels in fluid bathing the brain are linked to poor recovery after head trauma. Patients with higher initial tau levels had worse outcomes six to 12 months later.
A recent study published in Lancet Neurology has found that brain tsunamis, or 'killer waves,' contribute to poor outcomes in patients with major head injuries. Researchers have identified a phenomenon called cortical spreading depolarizations, which can cause further damage to the brain.
The Virginia Tech – Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences has received two new research projects from Toyota's Collaborative Safety Research Center. The projects aim to improve the understanding of traumatic brain injuries and abdominal injuries, with a focus on reducing risk in automobile impacts and foo...
Researchers found that long neuropsychological tests can induce mental fatigue in healthy, athletically active subjects. The study aims to establish a baseline measurement for concussion diagnosis and prevent re-injuries by testing athletes at the beginning of their season.
Researchers used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to study the effects of soccer 'heading' and found that frequent headers can lead to degeneration of brain cells. Brain areas responsible for attention, memory, and visual functions showed significant changes in FA values with high heading frequencies.
Researchers found that frequent soccer heading can cause brain injury and cognitive impairment, particularly in areas responsible for attention, memory, and executive functioning. A threshold level of approximately 1,000 to 1,500 heads per year was identified, with higher frequencies associated with significant injury.
Researchers at Kessler Foundation will investigate the impact of cognitive reserve on thinking, learning, and memory after traumatic brain injury. The study aims to develop strategies that reduce risk for cognitive problems in individuals with TBI.