Research on brain injury and recovery. Covers sports concussion policy, age and recovery, CTE in athletes, and deep brain stimulation.
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.
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.
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 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%.
A study of 860,000 soldiers found that individuals with military-related traumatic brain injury were at higher risk for new-onset mental health conditions. The research also showed a direct and indirect association between TBI history and increased suicide risk.
Researchers developed a blood test to detect nerve injury in MS and found it works for children, even when symptom-free. The test measures neurofilament light chain levels, which reflect nerve cell injury.
A new open-source software, NMSM Pipeline, enables clinicians and engineers to create personalized computer models of patient movement to optimize treatment designs. The software uses physics-based models to predict and optimize functional outcomes for patients with various mobility impairments.
Researchers have developed a new study showing that targeted electrical stimulation in patients with traumatic brain injury improved memory recall by 19%. The technology delivers the right stimulation at the right time, informed by the wiring of the individual's brain and that individual's successful memory retrieval.
A new study published in Pediatrics suggests that pediatric concussions do not impact intelligence or IQ levels. The research, which combined data from two cohort studies in Canada and the US, found no significant difference in IQ scores between children with concussion and those with orthopedic injuries.
Researchers developed a liquid nanofoam cushion that can absorb and dissipate high-force blows in collisions, reducing the risk of injury. The material is more flexible, comfortable to wear, and can be designed as lighter and smaller protective devices.
A team of scientists at Harvard Medical School has identified six chemical cocktails that can restore cellular aging and rejuvenate human cells. The study builds upon the discovery of Yamanaka factors, which can convert adult cells into induced pluripotent stem cells, raising hopes for treating age-related diseases and injuries. The im...
A significant rise in caesarean sections in late labour has led to an increase in impacted fetal head (IFH) injuries, resulting in minor damage, lifelong consequences, or even death. New devices like the Tydeman tube and training approaches aim to improve management of this obstetric emergency.
A mouse model of multiple sclerosis reveals evidence of inflammatory gene expression spilling over from the brain's barrier to grey matter. The study uses spatial transcriptomics to show a gradient of immune genes and inflammatory markers from meninges to surrounding brain tissue.
OU researchers discovered a correlation between cerebral blood flow regulation and prognosis following cardiac arrest. The study found that detecting this regulatory mechanism can improve management and optimize post-resuscitation care for individual patients.
Researchers found that obese patients with mild traumatic brain injuries had higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers and prolonged symptoms compared to those with healthy body mass indexes. The study suggests that obesity may mediate the inflammatory response and symptoms in mTBI patients.
A new study examining brain tissue from 631 former football players found that the cumulative force of hits, not just the number of concussions, was the strongest predictor of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The study suggests that reducing the force and frequency of head impacts could help prevent CTE in athletes.
A pilot study suggests that high-definition cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (HD C-tDCS) may be beneficial for acute ischemic stroke patients. In the study, patients who received HD C-tDCS showed improved blood flow and a significant rescue of threatened brain tissue, compared to those in the sham group.
A study published in Neurology found that people with TBI experience improvement and decline over time, affecting their ability to function and thinking skills. The research suggests that TBI should be recognized as a chronic condition to provide tailored care for its evolving needs.
A new study found that football players' cumulative repetitive head impact exposure was associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) status and severity. The study suggests that reducing both the number of head impacts and their force could lower CTE risk.
A study found that prazosin reduced headache frequency and severity in veterans with posttraumatic headaches. Participants who received prazosin had significantly fewer headaches than those on placebo, with an average of six days of headaches per month compared to 12 days.
Leading researchers discuss challenges associated with return to school for children and adolescents with TBI, highlighting the need for improved educator training and communication. Strategies for improving quality of life and outcomes are recommended by experts in this themed issue.
Research at University of South Australia finds that concussions can lead to a significant increased risk of future injury, even after recovery. The study suggests longer recovery times may be needed for youth athletes suffering from head trauma.
A new AI-based technique measures brain fluid flow with unprecedented accuracy, revealing pressures and three-dimensional flow rates. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for Alzheimer's, small vessel disease, strokes, and traumatic brain injuries.
Researchers have designed a helmet with liquid shock absorbers that could significantly reduce the impact of blows to the head, potentially cutting injuries. The helmet performed better than existing models, producing the lowest 'Helmet Performance Score' in key areas, including the side upper portion of the helmet.
The study found that the immune response to spinal-cord injuries is impaired in older individuals, leading to weaker cell responses and reduced recovery. The researchers identified an essential role for the meninges surrounding the spinal cord in mounting the immune response, paving the way for new therapeutic approaches.
Researchers confirm increased protein marker of inflammation in long COVID patients' brains, impacting depression and cognitive symptoms. CAMH study provides hope for new treatments using anti-inflammatory medications.
A retrospective case-matched study found prism adaptation therapy (PAT) to be beneficial for treating both right- and left-sided spatial neglect. PAT showed improvements in neglect symptoms for patients with right-sided neglect, suggesting greater potential benefits compared to those with left-sided neglect.
A new study published in The Neuroradiology Journal introduces an artificial intelligence computer program that can accurately identify changes in brain structure resulting from repeated head injury. This AI tool uses machine learning to process magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and distinguish between the brains of male athletes ...
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a new blood test that can measure biomarkers in the blood before and after neurosurgery, correlating with the extent of brain injury. The study found that high levels of certain markers may indicate damage that could cause cognitive problems for patients in the long term.
Researchers at UTHealth Houston are investigating the role of fibrin and fibrinogen in traumatic brain injury and hemorrhagic shock. The four-year grant will fund Phase II of a stem cell clinical trial evaluating whether mesenchymal stem cells reduce chronic neuroinflammatory response to traumatic brain injury.
A new standard for diagnosing concussions has been established by an international group of experts, taking into account blood tests and cognitive assessments. The new criteria aim to reduce inconsistencies in diagnosis and improve patient care, as well as facilitate apples-to-apples comparisons between studies.
A survey of over 40 experts found that many panelists infrequently use prognostic calculators and feel that improving consensus on acceptable neurological outcomes would be beneficial. Most panelists believed that a vegetative state or lower severe disability could justify withdrawing care.
A new study by sports experts at Staffordshire University explores how social identity influences concussion disclosure in elite women's rugby. The research found that brain injury is often underreported or not disclosed due to a strong sense of teamwork and obligation to play while injured.
Research published in Radiology suggests that exposure to recurrent brain trauma, such as explosions, may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Amyloid-beta protein accumulation was detected in six out of nine military instructors who were exposed to subconcussive blast injuries.
A former professional football player's life-altering cognitive decline was reversed after a comprehensive assessment revealed signs of hydrocephalus, which could be treated. The case study highlights the importance of considering alternative explanations for cognitive decline in athletes.
Researchers successfully performed the first in-utero surgery to repair a potentially deadly developmental condition called vein of Galen malformation. The procedure involved treating an aggressive vascular malformation before birth, resulting in improved cardiac output and no signs of negative effects on the brain after birth.
A new study published by Edith Cowan University found that boxing programs can improve symptoms of Parkinson's Disease, including fatigue and sleep, in early-stage patients. The program combined elements of exercise, computerized cognitive training, and socialization into a single activity.
A new pilot study suggests rhythmic auditory stimulation can improve walking speed and quality of movement in children with severe acquired brain injuries. The technique, tested for the first time in this population, has been shown to facilitate smoother and more coordinated walking patterns.
Researchers found that nearly half of patients with mild traumatic brain injury (concussion) continue to experience symptoms six months after the injury. The study suggests that increased connectivity in a specific region of the brain may be linked to poor prognosis and longer recovery times.
A major international trial concludes that surgeons should replace the removed skull section after treating a brain bleed, saving patients from further complications. The study found no significant difference in disability-related and quality-of-life outcomes between the two approaches.
Researchers found that traumatic brain injury suppresses the recycling function of both neurons and immune cells, including microglia and white blood cells. Boosting this process with a drug like rapamycin improves recovery in mice, reducing inflammation and enhancing memory function.
A new approach to trauma-informed care, CARE, has been found to improve support organizations' care for survivors by better recognizing brain injury and addressing its often long-lasting repercussions. The toolkit helps staff proactively recognize these injuries and provides information about head trauma, strangulation, and mental heal...
A new study suggests that ketamine could be a promising treatment option for children with traumatic brain injuries, particularly in reducing intracranial pressure. The research found that ketamine can lower ICP during crisis situations, which is crucial for preventing long-term neurologic impairment.
A new study found that veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) do not have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Researchers measured biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease and glucose metabolism in TBI veterans compared to those without TBI. The study suggests that other factors may contribute to the increased risk of dement...
Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that dedicated hyperbaric oxygen therapy is more effective in reducing pain and healing patients with fibromyalgia caused by traumatic brain injury. The treatment resulted in significant improvements in 2 out of 5 patients, including improved pain threshold tests and quality of life indicators.
A new Boston University study suggests that repetitive blows to the head in tackle football may lead to less white matter in the brain, potentially causing impulsive behavior and other cognitive issues. Researchers found players who start playing at a young age or play for over 11 years are at greater risk.
A new study reveals that military members with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) who identify as 'Other' are at a significantly higher risk of suicide and overdose deaths. The study found that the rates of these deaths were highest among members of this group, despite making up only 7.38% of the study sample.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine found that men over 65 are at a higher risk of developing skull fractures due to head trauma from falls. The research compared geriatric males and females, with surprising results indicating males had a significantly increased incidence of skull fracture.
Researchers have found a possible new target for therapies aimed at treating age-related neurological diseases by linking increased presence of immune cells to conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Microglia, specialized immune cells in the brain, can adopt a dysfunctional state that contributes to neurodegenerative diseases.
A new rehabilitation strategy for brain injuries is being developed by OU researcher Yuan Yang, who will use multi-modal MRI scans and electrical neural activity scans to assess changes in motor control. The goal is to reduce recovery time and healthcare costs for stroke survivors.
A study of over 350 former NFL players found that those who reported concussion symptoms performed worse on cognitive tests, particularly in episodic memory and sustained attention. Cognitive decline was not associated with diagnosed concussions or age, but rather with the presence of concussion symptoms.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a novel AI-powered approach to analyzing traumatic brain injury, using artificial intelligence to identify the most accurate model of mechanical stress on the brain. This breakthrough could lead to better understanding of when concussions lead to lasting brain damage and inspire new pro...
Researchers have developed a new 'hybrid' hydrogel that safely delivers stem cells to damaged brain tissue, repairing injuries in mice. The breakthrough solves a long-standing challenge and paves the way for potential treatments beyond the brain.
Researchers from UCL Cancer Institute found that head injuries may contribute to the development of gliomas, a type of aggressive brain tumour. Studies in mice and human populations suggest that genetic mutations acting with inflammation can change cell behavior, increasing cancer risk.
Researchers at UTHSC are working on a project to find the first therapeutic intervention to prevent frontotemporal dementia or slow its progression in a mouse model linked with the condition. They aim to use DNAzymes to target pathological tau aggregates, which cause cognitive impairment and progressive neuropathological symptoms.