Articles tagged with Brain Injuries
A new study from ICES and the University of Toronto found that people with a history of concussion face a 25% higher risk of severe mental health issues after childbirth. Early screening and trauma-informed care could help protect new parents’ mental health.
A four-year study funded by a $2.5 million grant will investigate the impact of spinal cord transcutaneous stimulation combined with gait training on motor recovery in individuals with traumatic brain injury. The research aims to improve clinical treatment strategies and decision-making for improved gait and functional recovery.
Scientists have identified a key driver of brain inflammation in neurological diseases, proposing a new treatment approach by neutralizing fibrin. This protein, involved in blood coagulation, triggers neurologic diseases by hijacking the immune system, resulting in damaged neurons.
Researchers found TBI increases hyperphosphorylated tau, astro- and microgliosis, synaptic dysfunction and cognitive impairments linked to developing Alzheimer’s. BAG3 overexpression ameliorates tau hyperphosphorylation, synaptic dysfunction and cognitive deficits through the enhancement of the autophagy-lysosome pathway.
A new study by Penn State researchers reveals that individuals with co-occurring depression and concussion experience more severe symptoms than those with single conditions. The study also found disrupted brain connectivity among participants with both conditions, suggesting a potential need for personalized treatment approaches.
Researchers at the University of Calgary found that girls and non-binary youth who experience teen dating violence are at an elevated risk for concussion. The study, published in Journal of Adolescent Health, analyzed data from Canadian Grade 9 and 10 students and found that one in three experienced physical, psychological, and/or cybe...
A new study suggests that many cyclists fail to wear helmets due to perceived inconvenience and discomfort, yet incentivizing them with free helmets, education, and reminders can increase helmet use. The research found that 75% of participants who received incentives wore helmets consistently after one year.
Researchers identified three key trauma features - boggy swelling to the head, abdominal bruising, and thigh swelling or deformity - that prompt immediate review and prioritized treatment. The study found children brought in by carers were seen within an average time of 58.5 minutes, highlighting the need for improved triage alerts.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have shown that transcranial near infrared light therapy can aid tissue repair after mild traumatic brain injury. The study found significant reductions in inflammatory processes and improved functional outcomes, with superior results achieved with red light.
Patients with acute brain injury who received a liberal transfusion strategy had a lower risk of unfavorable neurological outcomes compared to those on a restrictive strategy. The study found that anemia was a significant predictor of poor outcomes in these patients.
Researchers have found that ultra-short heart rate variability measures can accurately capture autonomic function in severe TBI survivors using 30-60 second recordings. The study validates the reliability of these ultra-short HRV measures, which may provide an objective marker for post-TBI autonomic health.
Researchers have discovered that COVID-19 patients experience worse cognitive function 12-18 months after hospitalization, with reduced brain volume and abnormal protein levels. This affects global cognitive deficits equivalent to twenty years of normal aging.
A new study of nearly 2,000 former NFL players shows that about one-third believe they have chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition linked to repeated head trauma. Players who believed they had CTE reported more cognitive problems and higher rates of treatable conditions such as depression and low testosterone.
A recent study published in JAMA Surgery analyzed 333 slap fighting competitions and found that more than half of sequences resulted in visible signs of concussion. The research also showed that nearly 80% of fighters demonstrated a visible sign of concussion at least once in the series of matches.
A new study published by UNM Department of Psychology Assistant Professor Jeremy Hogeveen and colleagues found that adolescents who experienced a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) showed no significant increase in depression compared to those without a history of TBI. The study, using data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Developmen...
A new study found that facemask impacts accounted for over half of high-severity head impacts in NFL players, with linemen and hybrid players most affected. The research suggests that facemask enhancements could help protect players and minimize injury risk.
Researchers have discovered a potential treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI) that prevents chronic neurodegeneration by targeting mitochondrial fission. P110, a small peptide agent, has been shown to halt the process and protect the brain from damage.
A novel study found that delayed feedback improves learning outcomes for individuals with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury. Delayed feedback may engage brain regions associated with memory retrieval and confidence, bypassing impaired pathways. The study suggests a valuable tool for improving learning in TBI individuals.
A new library of healthy participants' neuroimaging data has been created to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The Normative Neuroimaging Library consists of data from approximately 1900 individuals, providing a comprehensive dataset for clinicians and researchers.
A cross-sectional study of 170 former football players found a strong association between repeated head impacts and increased perivascular space volume, as well as worse cognitive test performance. The findings suggest that PVS volume may contribute to the link between RHI exposure and neurodegeneration.
Researchers developed a new brain-computer interface that translates brain signals into speech with up to 97% accuracy, enabling a man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to communicate with friends and family. The system was tested in real-time conversations with continuous updates, achieving high word accuracy rates.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that one-fourth of patients in a coma or vegetative state showed clear signs of cognitive function on brain scans despite being unable to move or speak. This significant frequency of undetected responsiveness suggests that many seemingly unconscious patients may be a...
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that brain scans can detect consciousness in some unresponsive patients with severe brain injury. The study, co-led by Mass General Brigham, discovered that 25% of participants with severe brain injury who appeared unresponsive responded to instructions covertly.
A new $3.5 million NIH grant will investigate the complex interplay between traumatic brain injury and genetic risk factors in the development of Alzheimer's disease. The three-year study will use rodents to assess disease progression across different age periods, providing insights into potential early intervention strategies.
A study published by University of Cambridge researchers found that advanced MRI scans can identify one in three concussion patients who experience persistent symptoms. The scans use diffusion tensor imaging to provide detailed images of brain pathways and improve prognosis accuracy.
A recent study published by Florida Atlantic University found that occasional alcohol use increases the odds of intracranial hemorrhage by double when compared to those who do not drink. Daily alcohol consumption is associated with a 150% increased risk of brain bleeds from falls.
A new study reveals that law enforcement officers experience a high prevalence of head injuries and related mental health symptoms, including PTSD and depressive symptoms. The survey found that 74% of officers reported a lifetime history of one or more head injuries.
A new study suggests that public health interventions, such as reformulating food products and introducing low emission zones, could yield significant cost savings and QALY gains in England. The interventions studied could save up to £4bn by reducing dementia rates and helping people live longer and healthier.
Viji Santhakumar, a UCR professor, has been awarded a $3.5 million NIH grant to study brain circuit function and its impact on memory formation and cognitive deficits in diseases like epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease.
A new study published in the journal Brain Connectivity reveals how psychological resilience can aid children's recovery from concussions. The research found that building resilience through supportive family environments and effective coping strategies may help young patients heal faster.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a novel, non-invasive approach to measure intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with traumatic brain injuries. The AI-powered method uses extracranial physiological waveforms to estimate ICP severity with high accuracy.
A UBC Okanagan study reveals that 98% of respondents reported experiencing intimate partner violence, with 70% showing symptoms consistent with a brain injury. The research highlights the need for tailored approaches to address IPV in queer relationships and acknowledges the intersectional nature of oppression.
Researchers created an interactive atlas that deconstructs traumatic brain injury (TBI) at the molecular level, identifying cell-specific targets for therapies. The atlas may improve treatment outcomes by allowing doctors to use precision-medicine tools to tailor treatments to individual patients.
Researchers from Jilin University provide a comprehensive overview of brain injury biomarkers, including neuron-specific enolase, ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1, and neurofilament proteins. These biomarkers can help identify brain injuries and predict disease progression.
Researchers have identified a link between tissue shrinkage and blood vessel stretching that contributes to intraventricular hemorrhage in premature newborns. Altering the activity of certain salt and water transporters may prevent this condition.
A team of researchers will study the effects of TBI on neurodegeneration to gain insight into ADRD development. They aim to uncover the underlying biological mechanisms and identify factors that increase the risk of ADRD.
A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers found that elementary age children are more likely to experience concussions during recreation and other non-sport activities. These injuries often lead to longer recovery times due to delayed specialist care. The findings highlight the need for education and awareness about co...
The West Virginia University athletic training researcher developed a new national position statement on emergency action plan development and implementation in sports. The recommendations aim to reduce catastrophic injuries by designating an emergency action plan coordinator who collaborates with other athletic staff.
A new study found that a liberal blood transfusion strategy may improve outcomes for patients with traumatic brain injury, leading to better functional independence and quality of life. Six months after the injury, patients who received more frequent blood transfusions showed higher levels of recovery and improved quality of life compa...
Researchers from Drexel University's College of Nursing and Health Professions found that traumatic life events do impact the perception of trauma-related imagery. Viewers' personal history of adversity and trauma was associated with stronger reactions to images depicting injury/trauma.
A study by University of Washington School of Medicine found that a cognitive test is an inaccurate predictor of athletes' concussions. Instead, symptom reports were the most accurate indicator of concussion. The study involved 92 NCAA Division I athletes who sustained a concussion and their teammates as matched control subjects.
Scientists at Virginia Tech have discovered that controlling the precise timing of electrical pulses can rebalance synaptic connections between nerve cells, selectively up- or down-regulating those connections. This finding suggests potential avenues for more effective treatment strategies for mild traumatic brain injuries.
A new study by Ohio University researchers shines a light on the challenges stunt professionals face regarding self-reporting of head injuries and the potential long-term consequences for their health and livelihoods. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding the emotional and psychological toll of health conditions on in...
Researchers developed a Single Data Dictionary to predict outcomes for people with TBI, combining factors like social support, health, and biological markers. The dictionary aims to provide personalized care and rehabilitation, improving quality of life for patients and reducing negative impacts on families and society.
A study by Columbia University researchers found that an injectable omega-3 emulsion can prevent brain damage in newborn rodents after oxygen deprivation near birth. The therapy, which enhances omega-3 fatty acids' ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, reduced brain damage and preserved neurologic function.
Researchers found that chronic immune suppression after mating makes female fruit flies susceptible to delayed brain deterioration following early-life head injuries. The study establishes a causal relationship between early head trauma and late-life neurodegeneration, emphasizing sex differences in injury response.
A study by researchers at the University of Arizona found that veterans paired with service dogs for three months had significantly lower self-reported PTSD symptom severity, anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. They also experienced a 66% lower odds of receiving a PTSD diagnosis.
Among Medicare enrollees, researchers found that being female, white, healthier, and wealthier was associated with a higher risk of TBI. The study also found that participants who went on to be diagnosed with TBI were less likely to have lung disease or cognitive impairment at enrollment.
A consensus has been reached by an international team of rehabilitation researchers and clinicians on the standardized labeling of spatial neglect, a common disorder following neurological injury. The panel adopted 'spatial neglect' as the standard term for the disorder, aiming to improve diagnosis, treatment, and research.
In a proof-of-concept study, USC researchers used functional ultrasound imaging to collect high-resolution brain imaging data through a transparent skull implant in a patient. The results suggest that this approach could open new avenues for patient monitoring and clinical research.
A study published in Radiology found that low-level light therapy increased resting-state functional connectivity in patients with moderate traumatic brain injuries. The treatment showed improved brain connectivity within the first two weeks, but its long-term effects are still unclear.
A new study reveals that traumatic intracranial aneurysms are more common and associated with intracerebral hematomas after civilian gunshot wounds, challenging conventional wisdom. Spontaneous resolution occurs in approximately 40% of patients.
Research finds that female brains have narrower and less dense axons, making them more prone to damage from concussion. This leads to more severe cognitive deficits in females compared to males after a head injury.
A new study published in Journal of Neurotrauma found that more than 30% of patients with traumatic brain injury who underwent withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment recovered at least partial independence. The study suggests that a lifetime in a vegetative state or severe disability is not a common outcome even after a serious injury.
Researchers analyzed data from 1,392 TBI patients and found that some who died after withdrawing life support may have survived and recovered independence. The study suggests delaying decisions on withdrawal might be beneficial for certain patients, as assumptions about poor outcomes can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Researchers from top institutions argue that 'subconcussion' is a misleading term that should be replaced with more specific alternatives to better understand the risks of brain injuries. The authors recommend using 'nonconcussive' to describe head impacts without a concussion, highlighting the importance of accurate nomenclature for e...
A recent study in Saudi Arabia assessed the effectiveness of an educational program improving epilepsy care among caregivers. The intervention showed a significant decrease in knowledge gaps, with 23.2% having sufficient knowledge post-intervention compared to 60% before.
Researchers will investigate sleep patterns in adolescents with TBI, explore behavioral changes in individuals with spatial neglect, and develop a caregiver training program for TBI care. The studies aim to improve treatment outcomes and rehabilitation experiences for individuals with traumatic brain injury.
Researchers at UMSOM identified a modified sugar molecule that enhances human neural stem cells' proliferation and transition into neurons, improving brain function and reducing anxiety and depression. The study provides a promising proof of concept for regenerative medicine in patients with cardiac-arrest induced brain injuries.
Researchers validated pediatric emergency department guidelines promoting safer CT scan use, finding both predictive rules safe and effective in minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure. The study enrolled thousands of children and adolescents nationwide, showing high accuracy in identifying cases requiring immediate intervention.