Research on brain injury and recovery. Covers sports concussion policy, age and recovery, CTE in athletes, and deep brain stimulation.
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.
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...
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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.
A national US study found that nearly a quarter of children with symptoms of brain injuries or concussions were not checked for the condition. Younger children were more likely to be overlooked. Routine checks can help ensure these children receive necessary care and support their mental and social well-being.
A new study by Loma Linda University reveals that mechanical bull riding is a real public health concern, especially for young riders. The study found that traumatic brain injuries are the most common outcome, and long-term consequences can be severe, including memory issues and learning disabilities.
Researchers found structural, functional, and neuroimmune brain alterations associated with higher blast exposure, impacting health-related quality of life. The frontal lobe's rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) was particularly sensitive to blast waves.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have identified a blood coagulation protein, fibrin, as the culprit behind toxic inflammation and neuron loss after a major head injury. This finding can inform new treatment strategies for traumatic brain injuries, which often lead to dementia, depression, and difficulty concentrating.
Scientists at Salk Institute explore the clinical potential of cannabinol (CBN) in treating traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. They identify four CBN analogs with improved neuroprotective ability and drug-like efficacy.
A new study has identified alpha-1-antichymotrypsin as a blood protein marker that can predict delayed recovery of concussion in children. The study found that children with low levels of alpha-1-antichymotrypsin were more likely to experience delayed recovery, highlighting the potential for early diagnosis and targeted treatment.
Researchers have discovered a blood protein that may aid in detecting delayed concussion recovery in children, with lower levels of alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (alpha-1-ACT) associated with prolonged symptoms. The finding holds promise for early detection and targeted treatment of long-term concussion problems.
A traumatic brain injury quadruples the risk of developing dementia and neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. USC scientists used lab-grown human brain structures called organoids to study TBI's effects. They identified a gene, KCNJ2, that helps protect nerve cells against injury.
Researchers found TDP-43 drives nerve damage after injury and blocking cell surface protein KCNJ2 can correct faulty TDP-43, curbing nerve death. The study provides insights into traumatic brain injury and potential prevention methods.
The US Army has cleared a new whole blood rapid test for traumatic brain injury assessment, allowing clinicians to obtain lab-quality results at the bedside in 15 minutes. This improvement enables faster decision-making and reduces unnecessary medical evacuations.
A new series of essays explores the ethics and social issues raised by brain research, including post-trial obligations for human participants in neural-device trials. The studies reveal that injury and illness rob individuals of personal identity, while neuromodulation can restore it.
A study of 303 early childhood children found concussion associated with more postconcussive symptoms than typical development up to three months after injury. The study used developmentally appropriate manifestations and behaviors to track postconcussive symptoms and aid in concussion diagnosis in young children.
A new study found significant reductions in total symptom score and faster return to physical activity among concussed adolescents and young adults treated with branched chain amino acid supplementation. The study's findings provide important preliminary data for a larger trial of BCAA therapy.
The study reveals that neurological conditions are the leading cause of ill health and disability globally, with 3.4 billion people affected in 2021. The analysis shows a significant increase in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) caused by these conditions over the past three decades.
A study published in Neurology found that middle-age veterans who experienced concussions from blasts had lower levels of amyloid-beta in their spinal fluid, a potential marker for Alzheimer's disease. The study also linked lower spinal fluid amyloid levels to poorer performance on memory and thinking tests at older ages.
A team of researchers from the Medical University of South Carolina has discovered a novel protective response by which the brain naturally repairs itself after traumatic brain injury. Protein p17 plays a crucial role in this process, triggering the restorative mechanism of mitophagy to remove damaged tissue and initiate healing.
Researchers found that pre-existing mental health diagnoses lead to a greater emotional burden and prolonged recovery time after a concussion. The study also discovered a 'dose-response' effect, where more mental health diagnoses correlate with increased emotional symptoms and longer recovery periods. Boys with prolonged recovery exper...
Researchers found a correlation between Parkinson's disease and freezing of gait in 20 studies, noting similar brain injury causes both symptoms. Sleep quality deteriorates when dopaminergic medication is stopped, suggesting treatment potential for freezing of gait.
Researchers identified a novel bicarbonate-sensing GPCR, GPR30, that regulates reperfusion injury in ischemic stroke. GPR30 deficiency showed significant protection against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.
A national multicenter survey found that up to one-third of children who were hospitalized due to COVID-19 did not fully recover and experienced persistent symptoms. Children who had not recovered were more likely to have neurological symptoms, including headache and weakness.
A new study published in eClinicalMedicine found that the iTalkBetter app significantly improved patients' ability to talk after six weeks of use. The app provided digital speech therapy for over 200 commonly used words, with a 13% increase in naming items and improvements in spontaneous speech.
Neural stem cells developed into nerve cells when adhering to hydrogels with high positive charge, while those on lower positively charged gels became glial cells. The ability to influence differentiation could aid in nerve and glial cell regeneration and treatment of diseases like multiple sclerosis.
A new blood test uses the biomarker BD-tau to predict functional outcomes in patients after ischemic stroke. Higher levels of BD-tau are associated with more severe outcomes.
A study of over 1.9 million US veterans found moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries associated with later brain cancer diagnoses, while mild TBI showed no link. The research highlights the need for further investigation into long-term health effects of TBI on war veterans.
Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine found that traumatic brain injuries lead to widespread changes in neural connections throughout the brain. The study used imaging technology to track neuronal activity after a brain injury, revealing new pathways formed by both hemispheres.
A narrative review article in NeuroRehabilitation addresses the medicolegal challenges of litigating cases involving patients with disorders of consciousness. Clinicians and neurolitigators must be aware of the nuances, including terminology, assessment, prognosis, treatment, and patient rights.
A new study has shown that AT2R activation alleviates blood-brain barrier leakage, inhibits proinflammatory cytokines, and benefits cardiac function after TBI. This finding suggests that activation of AT2R may serve as a feasible strategy to benefit the long-term prognosis of TBI patients.
Researchers developed a drug that targets the p17 protein to prevent brain damage after concussions. The treatment, LCL768, restores mitochondrial function and prevents secondary axonal degeneration in mouse models and human CTE cases.
Researchers found that turbans greatly reduced the risk of skull fractures in areas covered with thick fabric, while different turban styles affected head injury risk. The study recommends covering larger areas with thicker fabric and reducing friction to minimize brain injuries.