Articles tagged with Brain Injuries
Researchers at LSUHSC have identified a naturally occurring fatty acid, 2-AG, that functions as an endogenous COX-2 inhibitor, protecting brain cells from neurodegenerative diseases. The study provides new therapeutic approaches to prevent devastating disorders like stroke and Alzheimer's.
Researchers created a new prognostic model for traumatic brain injury using patient characteristics from the IMPACT database, including age, motor component of Glasgow coma score, and pupillary reactivity. The model also includes haemoglobin and glucose measurement, providing a more comprehensive prediction of outcomes.
A study published in Pediatrics found that cerebral malaria is related to long-term cognitive impairment in African children. At six months and two years after the initial episode, 21% and 26% of children with cerebral malaria showed significant cognitive impairment compared to their healthy peers.
A study by Dartmouth researchers found that people can acquire motor skills through observation as well as practice. The Action Observation Network in the brain was activated equally when participants observed practiced and unpracticed sequences.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons are urging ATV riders to follow safety tips to reduce the incidence of ATV-related injuries. Plastic surgeons treat thousands of patients with severe head trauma, eye injuries, disfiguring lacerations, and facial fractures from ATV accidents eac...
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that giving infants and children 100% oxygen after a brain injury can cause more harm than good. The study suggests that brief exposure to 100% oxygen during resuscitation worsens white-matter injuries, leading to increased brain-cell death and coordination problems.
A study published in Journal of Neurosurgery found that early nutritional supplementation can improve survival rates for traumatic brain injury patients, with a four-fold increase in chances of survival. The researchers recommend a minimum of 25kcal/kg daily intake to achieve optimal healing.
Researchers found that administering a simple polymer, Polyethylene glycol, within four hours of a head injury can limit damage and improve behavioral tests in rats. The treatment is potentially feasible for victims of traumatic brain injury, especially when delivered at the scene of an accident.
After a motorcycle helmet law was repealed, the number of head injuries among motorcyclists increased by 32% and hospitalizations rose by 42%. The study suggests that universal helmet laws can help protect riders and lower healthcare costs.
Golf cart-related injuries have increased by over 130% between 1990 and 2006, with falls being the most common cause. The study highlights the need for stricter regulations and safety measures to prevent these types of injuries, particularly among children.
Induced hypothermia has been shown to reduce permeability of the blood-brain barrier and formation of small blood clots after injury. However, its use is underutilized in the UK and US due to lack of implementation strategies.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill found that non-white defendants are nearly twice as likely to receive severe prison sentences than white defendants. The study of North Carolina cases from 2000 and 2001 highlights the need for re-examining judicial responses to child abuse.
Researchers developed a new MRI technique that can detect diffuse axonal injury, a type of brain damage often overlooked. The test analyzed water motion in areas surrounding nerve cells and found significant links to recovery rates.
The Center for Translational Injury Research will focus on new medical technologies to improve diagnosis, care, and survival of trauma victims. Researchers aim to tackle pressing issues like brain injuries, bleeding patients, and regenerative medicine in skin replacement therapy.
Researchers have found that a common contraceptive pill ingredient, progesterone, can improve neurologic outcomes for patients with severe head injuries. Progesterone was linked to increased survival and favorable outcomes at six months after treatment, with no complications reported.
A new RAND Corporation study finds nearly 20% of returning military service members report symptoms of PTSD or major depression, with only half receiving minimally adequate treatment. The study estimates PTSD and depression among returning service members will cost the nation up to $6.2 billion in the two years following deployment.
Men with serious injuries and strong traditional masculine ideas are more likely to abuse alcohol, making it harder for them to heal and cope with their emotions. Researchers found that these individuals may struggle with a 'go it alone' mentality and suppress bad feelings by turning to alcohol.
The symposium examined the incidence of inflicted traumatic brain injury in young children and explored issues of definitions, surveillance methods, and prevention strategies. Key findings indicate that SBS is a form of intentional injury with a high mortality rate and long-term disability for survivors.
Blunt cerebrovascular injuries can be accurately diagnosed using whole-body MDCT, rivaling the effectiveness of neck MDCT angiography. The study found that both methods had comparable accuracy in detecting these injuries.
Researchers have discovered that reactive glial cells in injured brains can differentiate into new nerve cells through the activation of neural stem cells. This finding has significant implications for the development of therapies for brain injuries.
A study of traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients found that more severe injuries result in greater brain tissue loss, affecting both white and grey matter. The research provides a clue to the nature of brain damage causing disability after TBI.
A study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that more than 98,000 high school sports-related injuries were directly linked to illegal activities, with the highest rates in girls' soccer and volleyball. The research suggests that reducing illegal activity through rule enforcement and education may reduce sports-related injuries.
A new imaging study of 3000 people found that women's skulls are thicker and more resistant to injury than men's, with average thicknesses of 7.1mm for females compared to 6.5mm for males.
A pioneering Spanish study reveals that nearly half of patients with head injuries feign psycho-cognitive disorders to profit from insurance claims or sick leave. Researchers have developed reliable tools to detect these 'simulators', providing a valuable solution for healthcare professionals.
Researchers discovered that the central nervous system can reorganize itself and follow new pathways to restore cellular communication required for movement. The study, published in Nature Medicine, shows that most mice regained mobility within eight weeks after spinal cord damage was induced.
A new study found that certain brain injuries, such as damage to the amygdala and ventromedial prefrontal cortex, may reduce the likelihood of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in combat-exposed veterans. The findings suggest that drugs or pacemaker-like devices targeting these areas might be effective treatments for PTSD.
A study of Vietnam war veterans with brain injuries found that those with higher intelligence and education levels before injury experienced a slower decline in cognitive functioning. The researchers also identified genetic markers associated with cognitive recovery or decline after head injury.
According to a study published in the General Dentistry journal, mouthguards can harbor large numbers of bacteria, yeasts, and molds. This can lead to life-threatening infectious/inflammatory diseases. Proper mouthguard maintenance, including regular cleaning and storage, is crucial to prevent disease transmission.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill used high-tech helmets to measure g-force and find that hits above 80g do not always result in concussions, challenging conventional theories about mild traumatic brain injuries. The study advises against a one-size-fits-all rule for evaluating concussions.
A recent Editorial highlights the growing concern of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in soldiers returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. The condition affects an estimated 60% of all combat-injured soldiers, with over half caused by explosive devices.
Serious head injuries among alpine skiers and snowboarders have increased over the past 15 years, with faster speeds and jumping maneuvers being a major contributor. Helmet use has been shown to reduce the risk of serious brain injuries by 22-60%.
Researchers found that lead exposure in young rats hindered their ability to recover from brain injuries such as stroke. The study suggests that early lead exposure may compromise the brain's ability to compensate for injury and recover function.
Research by University of Florida scientists found that using club drugs triggers a similar chemical chain reaction in the brain as a traumatic brain injury, resulting in cell death and memory loss. The study suggests that methamphetamine use can cause irreversible brain damage.
Researchers found that individuals with severe autobiographical episodic memory loss can still understand others' emotions and intentions. This preserved ability may be linked to semantic memory, which was left intact after the injury.
Researchers found that diffusion tensor imaging can identify structural changes in the white matter of the brain, correlating to cognitive deficits even in patients with mild TBI. The study also discovered axonal damage and myelin abnormalities in more severe injuries.
A new national study found that bicycle-related injuries among children and adolescents result in nearly $200 million in hospital inpatient charges annually. The study also estimates that approximately 10,700 children are hospitalized annually for a bicycle-related injury, with an average length of stay of three days.
A new study by Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center researchers found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy improved spatial learning and memory in a model of chronic traumatic brain injury. The therapy increased vascular density in the brain and was associated with an improvement in cognitive function.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the mechanisms underlying injury and age-dependent susceptibility to glutaric acidemia type I. By using a mouse model of the disease, scientists discovered that limiting lysine uptake can substantially decrease brain damage caused by exposure to the amino acid.
A $11.5 million clinical trial is examining the effectiveness of induced hypothermia in treating brain swelling in children with severe traumatic brain injuries. The study aims to improve survival rates and outcomes for these patients.
Researchers developed a blood-flow detector software to track changes in brain blood flow in real-time, showing promise in preventing brain damage and death. The system is designed for children with head injuries, offering potential lifesaving benefits.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found increased visual processing areas in the brain of patients who underwent Vision Restoration Therapy (VRT) after stroke or traumatic brain injury. The therapy, which uses daily visual stimulation, showed enhanced activity levels one month after treatment.
Stephen A. Back, a pediatric neurology expert at Doernbecher Children's Hospital, has received the prestigious Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award for his research on white matter brain injury in premature infants. His work aims to develop therapies that can reverse brain damage and slow cognitive decline in aging adults.
A University of Pittsburgh study links changes in brain function to recovery in children and adolescents with concussions, using functional MRI scans. The findings confirm the importance of objective neuropsychological testing for safe return-to-play decisions.
A new MUHC study found that wearing soft protective headgear reduces the risk of concussions by 53% among adolescents aged 12-17 who played soccer. The research also suggests that most sports-related injuries are not reported, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures.
The University of Cincinnati has received a $1.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to research molecular treatment of brain injury. Dr. Kenneth Strauss will study eicosanoids, which can protect healthy brain cells from further damage.
Researchers found evidence of two separate networks in the brain that control voluntary behavior, such as reading a word or searching for a star. These networks work independently but toward a common purpose, and understanding their dynamics may aid in treating brain injuries.
Dr. Joseph Fins, a leading expert in medical ethics, has received the Robert Wood Johnson Investigator Award to study brain injury care and develop innovative models of treatment. The project aims to improve clinician-family communication and inform educational standards for professionals.
A recent study found that a key inflammatory regulator in the brain acts as a protector against Alzheimer's disease, helping to remove toxic clumps called plaques. The research used genetically engineered mice with pinpoint control over inflammation levels, revealing that higher IL-1beta activity actually reduced plaque buildup.
Researchers are conducting a five-year Phase III clinical trial to examine the effectiveness of induced hypothermia as a therapy for brain swelling in children with traumatic brain injuries. The study aims to enroll 340 children and assess outcomes after one year, following cooling therapy.
A study by Indiana University School of Medicine found that pediatricians and pathologists cannot agree on half the time whether a child's death from traumatic brain injury should be investigated as potential child abuse. Researchers developed a framework to help compare cases, aiming to improve uniform definitions for future studies.
Research reveals that blows to the head in amateur boxing lead to elevated levels of biochemical markers for brain injury. A particular marker for neuronal damage, neurofilament light, was found to be four times higher in boxers after a fight compared to healthy non-athletes.
A UCLA/University of Toronto team has discovered a protein called CREB controls neuron participation in memory formation, suggesting a new approach for preserving memory in people with Alzheimer's or brain injury. The study found that high levels of CREB lead to more likely storage of memories.
A recent study by Carnegie Mellon scientists found that a mouse brain can significantly compensate when limited to sensing the world through one whisker. The results provide new understanding of brain adaptability in response to sensory deprivation, which can be applied to stroke or traumatic brain injury treatment.
A UCLA study suggests that lactate may be a key fuel for the brain after traumatic injury, potentially replacing glucose. Researchers found that the brain takes up and utilizes lactate more than at any other time after injury, making it a faster and more efficient source of energy.
A study found vulnerabilities in premature infants' brains similar to those in mature brains, but also identified a significant difference that suggests different treatments are needed. Damage occurs mainly in white matter, which connects brain regions, and can lead to behavioral problems and developmental delay.
Researchers at Princeton University developed flexible electronic membranes to replicate brain injuries in the lab without damaging electrodes. The membranes enable precise measurements of cellular activity before and after traumatic brain injury, providing valuable insights into functional damage.
Researchers found that up to 36% of people with mild traumatic brain injury suffer from circadian rhythm sleep disorder, which can worsen other symptoms. The study highlights the need for improved diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders in these patients.
Researchers found a tight correlation between the severity of spatial neglect symptoms and the degree of impairment in communication within and between two brain networks. This study suggests that testing for communication breakdowns could improve clinical assessment and treatment of stroke and other brain injuries.
Researchers discovered that APOE genotypes increase susceptibility to cerebral palsy in newborns. The study found a threefold-elevated risk for children with quadriplegia/triplegia and more severe motor impairment.
Patients with low to moderate blood alcohol levels may have a reduced risk of dying after arriving at the hospital with a traumatic brain injury. In contrast, those with high blood alcohol levels are more likely to die in the hospital, highlighting a potential neuroprotective effect of alcohol.