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Is high-intensity training advantageous in individuals with chronic traumatic brain injury?

A new study suggests that high-intensity training (HIT) may be beneficial for individuals with chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI), improving walking ability and potentially secondary benefits such as aerobic capacity and cognition. The study found greater increases in 6-minute walk test and peak treadmill speed during exercise testin...

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 1, 2024

CityU neuroscientists uncover the therapeutic potential of low-dose ionizing radiation for traumatic brain injury and ischemic stroke

Researchers found that low-dose X-ray irradiation reduced lesion size and reversed motor deficits in TBI and ischemic stroke mice, demonstrating its potential as a therapeutic strategy. The treatment also accelerated substantial motor function recovery and promoted brain rewiring after stroke.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2024

Contrasting characteristics and outcomes of sports-related and non–sports-related traumatic brain injury

This study found that sports-related traumatic brain injuries (TBI) result in higher rates of functional limitations six months after injury. In contrast, patients with non-sports related TBI exhibit better mental health and post-concussion symptom recovery. The findings highlight the need for a more nuanced understanding of TBI outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 24, 2024

Infusion of bone marrow mononuclear cells results in decreased intensive care needs and white matter preservation for children with severe traumatic brain injury

Researchers found that bone marrow mononuclear cell infusion in children within 48 hours of severe traumatic brain injury reduced intensive care needs and preserved white matter. The treatment also enhanced connectivity in the corpus callosum, a midline structure in the brain.

Hospitalizations for scooter injuries nearly tripled in the US between 2016 and 2020, UCLA-led research finds

Scooter-related injuries in the US nearly tripled from 2016 to 2020, resulting in more severe injuries and higher healthcare costs. The study found that scooter riders were more likely to experience long bone fractures and paralysis than bicycle riders.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 9, 2024

Using the body’s own cells to treat traumatic brain injury

Researchers at the Wyss Institute have created a new treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI) that leverages macrophages to deliver localized anti-inflammatory treatment. The approach reduced lesion size by 56% and significantly decreased local inflammation levels in pigs, offering a promising new direction for TBI treatment.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2024

Pain is a major problem for individuals with traumatic brain injury

A new study published in The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation found that approximately 60% of people living with traumatic brain injury (TBI) experience chronic pain, even up to 30 years after injury. Chronic pain can significantly worsen outcomes for individuals with TBI, and medications are often the most frequently used treatment.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateJan 3, 2024

Kessler Foundation study of cognitive fatigue across different tasks and populations provides new insights

Researchers investigated cognitive fatigue across multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and controls using two tasks, finding that fatigue was consistent across participants regardless of task. Cognitive fatigue correlated with longer response times and activation in the caudate nucleus and thalamus.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2023

Kessler Foundation study reveals spatial neglect occurs after brain injury as well as stroke

A Kessler Foundation study found that spatial neglect affects a substantial percentage of people with traumatic brain injury, with an incidence rate of 38% post-TBI. The study also revealed that right brain damage is more likely to result in spatial neglect, highlighting the need for timely treatment and screening guidelines.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalAnnals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2023

Three articles in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis uncover previously unknown drug and disease mechanisms

Researchers have identified promising treatment candidates for morphine tolerance and cancer, as well as a biomarker for kidney injury. A monoclonal antibody targeting the mu-opioid receptor has been shown to alleviate morphine tolerance and physical dependence, while inducing excessive mitochondrial fission in tumor cells. Additionall...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2023

New source of stem cells in injury-affected brains of patients

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have identified a new source of stem cells in the brains of patients with brain injuries, which could lead to improved treatments for neurological disorders. The discovery involves specific astrocyte cells that exhibit properties of neural stem cells and can be regulated by a protein called Galectin 3.

Repeated blast exposures may harm the brain health of military personnel

A study found increased brain inflammation and structural changes in special operations personnel exposed to blasts, potentially increasing the risk of long-term brain-related disease. The research suggests that repetitive exposure to low-level blasts may cause brain injuries and highlights the need for better protective measures.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 6, 2023

Research shows tennis ball concussions are rare, but possible

A study by Southern Methodist University researchers found that tennis ball head injuries can cause traumatic brain injuries, although they are rare. The study used computational modeling to simulate the impact of a tennis ball on a person's head, and found that high-speed impacts could lead to concussions or worse.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalJournal of Applied Mechanics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 6, 2023

New rule for emergency departments to safely reduce use of CTs after falls in older patients

A new decision rule has been developed to identify patients who can safely forgo a head CT scan after falling, reducing unnecessary imaging and costs. The Falls Decision Rule can be applied to all older adults who have fallen, regardless of sustaining a head injury or recalling the fall.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2023

Choice of intravenous fluid therapy could improve survival in critically ill patients

A new meta-analysis found that intravenous fluid therapy using balanced solutions can reduce the risk of in-hospital death in critically ill patients by four percent. Balanced solutions are more closely matched to human blood chemistry than commonly used saline, and may be associated with lower mortality rates.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 30, 2023

Can sound stimulation lessen long-term concussion symptoms?

Researchers found that acoustic stimulation improved postconcussive symptoms in individuals with mild traumatic brain injury, although the benefits were largely sustained. The study's results suggest that listening to acoustic stimulation based on brain electrical activity may not improve symptoms more than randomly generated sound sti...

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateNov 22, 2023

Evidence of cerebral microstructural reorganization in symptomatic children following mild traumatic brain injury

A new study found that children with persisting symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury exhibited ongoing cerebral microstructural changes. The researchers used brain MRI-based metrics to detect these changes, which were more pronounced in symptomatic individuals than healthy controls.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2023

Clustering method can better describe the pathological process in patients with traumatic brain injury

A study published in The Lancet Neurology found that monitoring brain injury biomarkers and glucose variation over the first week of hospitalization can provide a more accurate picture of the pathological process. This allows for division into different groups with distinct disease trajectories and prognoses, enabling personalized trea...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 14, 2023

Number of people in minimally conscious state after severe brain injury established for the first time

A nationwide study by Radboud University Medical Center found that approximately 32 patients in the Netherlands are in a minimally conscious state after severe brain injury. These patients were on average 45 years old and showed signs of consciousness, such as following simple commands or showing emotions.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 26, 2023

Brain injury expert says important changes still needed to law defining death despite reform pause

A brain injury expert is calling for reforms to the Uniform Determination of Death Act, citing support from 83% of medical and advocacy organizations. The expert argues that the legal definition of death should align with medical standards, including clarifying what brain functions must be lost to declare someone legally dead.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNeurocritical Care·TypeSurvey·DateOct 25, 2023

Post-COVID condition is not linked to ongoing infection or active brain damage

A recent study by the University of Gothenburg found no correlation between post-COVID condition and ongoing viral infection or active brain damage. The study analyzed 25 participants with confirmed post-COVID condition, six without residual symptoms, and 17 control subjects, revealing undetectable SARS-CoV-2 antigens in all samples.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateOct 25, 2023

Two regions of the brain critical to integrating semantic information while reading, UTHealth Houston research finds

A new study from UTHealth Houston has found that the posterior temporal cortex and inferior frontal cortex are crucial for semantic integration during reading. This discovery may help illuminate the inner dynamics of aphasia, a disorder affecting language expression and comprehension.

Electric scooter injuries increased more than 70% in youth age 18 and younger from 2020-2021

A recent study found a 71% increase in injuries associated with electric scooters among children and teens aged 18 and younger. The majority of these injuries were to the head, and nearly two-thirds of head injuries were not caused by helmet use. Electric scooters are an increasingly popular mode of transportation, but their popularity...

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 2023

Could cerebrospinal fluid leaks be a link between traumatic brain injury and dementia?

Researchers propose that cerebrospinal fluid leaks could contribute to the link between traumatic brain injury and dementia. The hypothesis suggests that treating these leaks could mitigate dementia symptoms in some patients with a history of TBI. Further research is needed to confirm this potential association.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Translational Research & Clinical Interventions·DateSep 21, 2023