Articles tagged with Brain Injuries
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.
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.
A new study found that COVID-19 infection can lead to persistent brain injury markers in the blood even months after recovery from hospitalization. Patients with neurological complications during the acute phase of the illness showed robust biomarker evidence of ongoing neuroglial injury.
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.
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.
A recent study published in EBioMedicine found that yellow fever virus causes myocardial fibrosis, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and vascular endothelium alterations, leading to cardiac conduction system disruption. The research provides new insights into the pathogenesis of YF-associated heart injury.
A NSF-funded project, MABLE, is developing a digital app using crowdsensing, AI, and robotics to empower individuals with responsive maps and turn-by-turn instructions. The app aims to improve accessibility and navigation for persons with visual or mobility impairments, such as those with low vision and wheelchair users.
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...
Researchers at George Washington University discover protein Snail plays key role in coordinating brain cell responses after injury, with potential to minimize damage and enhance recovery. Additional studies are needed to show increased Snail production could curtail injury or promote healing of the brain.
Researchers from the University of Technology Sydney have developed a portable, non-invasive system that can decode silent thoughts and turn them into text. The technology has been shown to achieve state-of-the-art performance in EEG translation, with an accuracy score of around 40% on BLEU-1.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers developed a new technique using deep brain stimulation that restored cognitive abilities in patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries. The study, published in Nature Medicine, exceeded expectations and showed promise against long-lasting impairments from brain injuries.
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.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have created a novel diagnostic device using eye-safe laser technology to detect traumatic brain injury. The device uses Raman spectroscopy to analyze biochemical and structural properties of molecules in the eye, providing information on the severity of trauma.
Researchers found high levels of a repair protein in the brains of former NFL athletes up to 12 years after they stopped playing, indicating persistent brain inflammation and long-term cognitive problems. The study suggests that repeated collision sports like football may have a direct link to long-term inflammation in the brain.
A study found that non-deployed veterans with moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) are more likely to develop epilepsy due to the 'healthy warrior effect', where good health is required for deployment. Deployed veterans also had a higher risk of epilepsy, especially those with penetrating TBI.
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...
Researchers argue that the brain does not create new functions in previously unrelated areas but instead utilizes existing latent capacities. They provide alternative explanations for observed changes in brain activity following injury or deficit.
A study found that only 60% of ED patients with fall-related head injury followed up with their PCP, while 56% adopted a fall prevention strategy. Physical therapy was the most common intervention, used by 68% of patients.
Multimodal neuromonitoring (MNM) tracks blood flow, pressure, oxygen and glucose levels in the brain to inform treatment decisions. MNM has improved clinical outcomes for patients with severe traumatic brain injuries at the University of Cincinnati.
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.
New research reveals a cocktail of approved drugs can quickly reduce brain swelling and improve outcomes in animal models of brain injury. The study suggests reopening lymph nodes as an emergency pressure release valve for the brain, addressing cerebral edema as the leading cause of TBI-related deaths.
A novel robotic system developed by USC researchers can help clinicians accurately assess a patient's rehabilitation progress. The method generates an 'arm nonuse' metric using machine learning and a socially assistive robot to track how much a patient is using their weaker arm spontaneously.
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...
UArizona researchers are conducting a four-year clinical trial to investigate the effectiveness of angiotensin 1-7 as a potential treatment for TBI. The study aims to address the underlying inflammatory reaction that drives long-term effects of TBI.
The Otago Community Head Impact Detection study and Elite Extension study used smart mouthguard technology to measure head acceleration events in over 17,000 players. These findings provide greater clarity and confidence than ever before into the benefits and safety of rugby.
Researchers at Ohio State University will investigate the role of microglia cells in chronic inflammation and neuronal dysfunction after TBI, with a focus on preventing long-term consequences. The $7.7 million award aims to develop innovative healthcare solutions for traumatic brain injury survivors.
A study of 54 former NFL players found increased levels of translocator protein (TSPO) indicating brain injury, as well as lower learning and memory abilities. Further research is needed to understand the persistence and progression of these signs over 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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers analyzed 20,335 marching band injuries from 2012-2021, finding 70% occurred in high school-age females, mostly ankle and knee injuries. Mild traumatic brain injury accounted for 6% of all encounters, highlighting the need for education on risk prevention.
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...
A Graz University of Technology study found that e-scooter helmets can reduce head injuries by up to 44% and that a speed limit can bring more safety. The study also identified the importance of banning e-scooters on pavements and footpaths, which can significantly reduce serious injuries.
Scientists at University of California San Diego School of Medicine identified a new biomarker using single-cell RNA sequencing, which can predict whether neurons will regenerate after an injury. The study found that the biomarker was consistently reliable across various parts of the nervous system and developmental stages.
Researchers found that players with visible signs of concussion experienced greater head rotational velocities. Shoulder-to-head impacts were nearly four times more common than board-to-head impacts, highlighting the need for improved rink design and protective equipment to reduce any contact to the head.
Researchers found that former football players with medical and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety are at higher risk of receiving an unverified CTE diagnosis. The study highlights the need for accurate diagnoses and access to proven treatments.
A study at Ohio State University found that a combination of ibogaine hydrochloride and 5-MeO-DMT significantly improved PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety, and cognitive functioning in special operations forces veterans. The treatment also alleviated cognitive impairment linked to traumatic brain injury.
A breakthrough technique has been developed by University of Oxford researchers to repair brain injuries using 3D printing. Neural cells can be printed to mimic the architecture of the cerebral cortex, showing structural and functional integration with host tissue.
Researchers used custom-designed headsets to evaluate headpulse biometrics among Australian Rules Football players and found brain abnormalities in 81% of those inflicted with concussion. These alterations lasted 14 days beyond expected recovery times.
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.
Researchers from Mass General Brigham find that traumatic brain injury increases risk of cardiovascular and cognitive dysfunction. Non-neurological conditions associated with TBI, such as hypertension and changes in the brain-gut connection, contribute to elevated cardiovascular risk.
Researchers at Western University developed a method to predict ICU patient survival rates after severe brain injury using fMRI and machine learning. They found an accuracy of 80%, surpassing current standards.
A multinational study of 62 patients found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) improved behavioral responses in specific subgroups, particularly those with traumatic brain injury. The study's results suggest a potential therapeutic strategy for treating consciousness disorders following severe brain injury.
A study of twins found that having a concussion early in life is tied to lower scores on tests of thinking and memory skills decades later. The twin who had a concussion showed faster decline in those scores compared to their identical twin with no history of TBI.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a 'mini-brain' that tracks the effects of concussive force on brain cells, revealing a link between head trauma and Alzheimer's disease. The study found that even hours after a hit, acrolein production leads to misfolded amyloid beta protein aggregation.
A large cohort study found that post-9/11 veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) experienced a more than 10-fold increase in suicide rates compared to the US adult population, highlighting a significant public health concern. The study also revealed that TBI exacerbates the risk of suicidal behavior among this vulnerable population.
A new study published in JAMA Neurology found that over 40% of young contact and collision sport athletes have CTE, a degenerative brain disease caused by repetitive head impacts. The study also highlighted the importance of assessing symptoms and clinical presentation of CTE in living athletes.
Research by Kessler Foundation team found that processing speed plays a role in benefit from the modified Story Memory Technique on verbal list learning but not on prose memory tasks. This suggests that treating deficits in processing speed may lead to optimal outcomes for individuals with traumatic brain injury.
Glycosaminoglycans, complex sugars in the brain's extracellular matrix, regulate neural connectivity through sulfation patterns. This discovery could lead to treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders by manipulating these patterns.
A team of New Jersey researchers reviewed the evidence on robotic exoskeleton devices for individuals with acquired brain injury, laying out a systematic framework for future research. The review highlights the need for comprehensive approaches to evaluate these devices and their role in improving mobility in individuals with acquired ...
Researchers at Kessler Foundation are conducting novel studies on identity reconstruction, physical and mental fatigue, and upper limb function to improve the lives of individuals with TBI. The studies aim to develop scalable, accessible, and effective interventions using strength-based approaches.
Researchers have identified patterns of brain injury that underlie hidden consciousness, a phenomenon where brain-injured patients appear unconscious despite having some level of awareness. The study found that all patients with hidden consciousness had intact brain structures related to arousal and command comprehension.
A new digital headset can detect subtle forces exerted on the skull as the heart contracts, revealing brain changes even in athletes whose symptoms have subsided. The device could help clinicians and coaches make more informed decisions about when athletes are ready to return to play after a concussion.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a fatty molecule in breast milk that triggers a process in which stem cells produce new white matter, reversing neurological damage. This finding holds promise for developing therapies to treat preterm babies with cerebral palsy.
A new review recommends raising the age of body contact in hockey leagues from 13 to 15 to reduce concussion rates. Studies show injury rates are four times higher for kids and teens with body checking, while eliminating it reduces concussion rates by over 50%.