Research on brain injury and recovery. Covers sports concussion policy, age and recovery, CTE in athletes, and deep brain stimulation.
A study by Stephen T. Casper examines how sports slang, such as 'punch-drunk,' influenced the conceptualization and treatment of brain injuries. The research reveals a culture that stigmatized sufferers and normalized male violence, making it difficult for medical professionals to diagnose and treat neurodegenerative disease.
A new therapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Headache (CBTH) significantly reduced related disability in veterans following a traumatic brain injury. It also showed comparable reductions in co-occurring symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with low drop-out rates and ease of use for therapists.
A new study by Ohio State University researcher Michael Betz found that fighting in the NHL does not reduce violent penalties, but rather increases them. Fights lead to more penalties, not less, contradicting league officials' arguments for keeping fighting in the game.
Researchers created a new gel that can protect fragile objects like eggs by adding starch to gelatin, reducing impact force up to 15%. The gel's flexibility and impact absorption make it suitable for sports equipment, defense materials, and packaging.
A new study published in CMAJ found that youth hockey players with more years of bodychecking experience had a significantly higher risk of concussion than those with less experience. The researchers collected data on 941 players aged 15-17 and found that concussion was the most common injury, making up over one-third of all injuries.
Researchers at Champalimaud Centre found that Wg/Wnt signaling molecule helps mount a regenerative response to brain damage. Neurons sense tissue distress, triggering dormant neural stem cells to activate and produce new neurons.
Researchers mapped neural connections throughout entire brain after TBI, finding increased connections to inhibitory neurons but disrupted relationships. Transplanted interneurons showed promise in reconnecting damaged brain regions.
Children using trampoline centers are at a higher risk of serious injuries and hospital admissions compared to those using trampolines at home. Mandatory safety standards for trampoline centers are urgently required, highlighting the need for public awareness and evidence-based safety measures.
Research reveals that healthy brain temperature varies significantly by brain region, age, sex, and time of day. Daily brain temperature cycles strongly correlate with survival in traumatic brain injury patients, suggesting potential improvements in understanding and treatment of brain injuries.
Researchers develop targeted delivery system to boost regulatory T cells, which manage inflammation and reduce brain damage. The treatment increases IL2 levels, allowing regulatory T cells to survive and reducing cognitive impairment.
A team of researchers, backed by a $8 million US Department of Defense grant, aims to identify potential treatment options and ways to block brain inflammation caused by repetitive blast exposures. They will use advanced brain imaging and blood sampling to understand the role of neuroinflammation in TBI.
Researchers at FAU's Schmidt College of Medicine are conducting a two-year study to investigate emergency department-based prevention strategies for high-risk older patients. The project aims to identify effective fall prevention strategies that target limited resources to improve patient outcomes, safety, and reduce healthcare costs.
Researchers will investigate neural mechanisms during learning in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) with and without clinical depression. The study aims to identify new knowledge about the effect of depression on the injured brain, which may lead to interventions for rehabilitation.
A novel preclinical drug has been developed to inhibit the kinase enzyme Cdk5, which is implicated in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions. The drug, 25-106, is brain-permeable and shows promise in altering neurobehavior in mice with anxiety-like behavior.
A new study suggests that oxidative stress overactivates a glucose metabolism enzyme in the developing hippocampus, impairing learning and memory. However, inhibiting this enzyme can reverse cognitive deficits, paving the way for treatment of neonatal brain injuries.
A recent study suggests that concussion symptoms in children may be caused by multiple types of brain damage, leading to varying sets of symptoms. The research found complex relationships between brain damage and symptoms, which could lead to improved treatments for individual patients.
Researchers found signs of concussions and head trauma in the brains of deceased headbutting muskoxen and bighorn sheep. The study provides insights into human injuries and opens the possibility that studying these animals could help researchers understand and reduce traumatic brain injuries.
A new study by McGill University researchers has shed light on the complex relationships between concussion symptoms and brain damage in children. The findings suggest that certain combinations of brain injury can lead to specific symptoms, such as attention difficulties and sleep problems.
A team of researchers has developed a novel method using infrared imaging to assess glymphatic function, which is crucial for understanding neurological conditions. The technique allows for the measurement of temporal dynamics of glymphatic functions and provides insights into brain fluid exchange and clearance.
A new study published in Neurology found that people hospitalized for major traumatic brain injury (TBI) may have a higher risk of developing dementia. After adjusting for other relevant dementia risk factors, researchers found a 1.5 times greater risk of dementia among those with major TBI compared to those without.
A study from Edith Cowan University reveals that electrical stimulation on specific nerves and relaxation techniques can reduce neural amplification in the spinal cord, which may help alleviate involuntary muscle spasms. These methods could provide a non-pharmacological alternative to current treatment options.
Researchers discovered a link between traumatic brain injuries and changes in the gut microbiome, suggesting a potential diagnostic tool for concussions. The study found two bacterial species that dropped significantly after concussions, indicating a correlation with traumatic brain injury-linked proteins in the blood.
A new study in mice suggests that forcing the turnover of specific immune cells called microglia can reverse cognitive and behavior problems associated with concussions. The findings provide a potential pathway for developing post-concussion therapies to ward off long-term mental health issues.
Researchers developed a new method using actigraphy to monitor sleep-wake cycles in children with brain injury during inpatient rehabilitation. The study found lower rest-activity ratios, suggesting poorer sleep-wake regulation and lower functional status.
Astrocytes, comprising nearly half of all brain cells, have been found to perform an electrically active function that influences neurotransmitter release and brain disease pathology. This discovery opens new avenues for neuroscience research and potential treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's and epilepsy.
A team of researchers developed a prognostic model using automated brain scans and machine learning to predict survival and recovery in severe TBI patients. The model accurately predicted risk of death and unfavorable outcomes at six months after the injury, potentially improving clinical decision-making and patient care.
Researchers investigated the use of intranasal human milk as a stem cell therapy for preterm infants with intraventricular hemorrhage. The study found that preterm infants could tolerate nasal milk therapy without major safety events, paving the way for further research on long-term outcomes.
Researchers identified two genes associated with recovery within the first 24 hours after stroke, linking neuronal excitability to stroke outcomes. Genetic evidence suggests that calming overexcited neurons may protect the brain after a stroke.
Dr. Aaron Phillips received the 2021 Turnbull-Tator Award for his innovative research on neuroprosthetic baroreflex controls after spinal cord injury. He aims to develop a widely available therapy to improve blood pressure stability and quality of life for those affected.
A new study suggests that people with epilepsy linked to head injuries are more likely to experience depression, PTSD, back pain, and other health conditions. Those with drug-resistant epilepsy associated with a head injury reported the lowest quality of life scores.
Researchers developed new method to visualize CNS fibroblasts and their intercellular interactions in the CNS. The technique provides a detailed picture of CNS fibroblasts, including their location, size, morphology, and gene/protein expression patterns.
A Rutgers study suggests the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) overestimates concussions and incorrectly identifies symptoms caused by intense exercise. The researchers found that players without a head impact exhibited similar symptoms to those with a concussion, highlighting the need for further studies on better assessing conc...
A new study found that some symptoms commonly used to diagnose concussions, such as fatigue and neck pain, can be caused by intense exercise rather than a brain injury. The research highlights the need to consider these factors when assessing concussion in athletes on the field.
A clinical study from Lund University found that athletes with prolonged concussion symptoms have damaged nerves in the inner ear, particularly the vestibular nerve. This impairment leads to balance problems, dizziness, and difficulty focusing, affecting daily life.
Researchers have discovered a significant association between acute kidney injury and an increased risk of developing dementia in patients hospitalized with AKI. Early detection and monitoring may lead to improved outcomes for this high-risk population.
Researchers found severe brain inflammation and injury in COVID-19 patients, with neuron damage and death also present. The study suggests that nonhuman primates can serve as a proxy for understanding human neurological consequences of COVID-19.
This year's Experimental Biology 2022 meeting features groundbreaking studies on COVID-19 vaccine-associated symptoms in non-menstruating people, a plant compound showing promise for alleviating food allergies, and the potential of omega-3s to boost immunotherapy's cancer-fighting power. Researchers also explore the safety of using CBD...
A study found that 25.3% of children with mild head injuries continue to suffer from persistent post-concussion syndrome for years, often misdiagnosed as ADHD or sleep disorders. The syndrome causes chronic symptoms like forgetfulness, memory problems, and sensitivity to light and noise.
A global study examining surgical management of traumatic brain injuries reveals regional disparities in causes, treatment, and patient outcomes. Hospitals in low-HDI settings often delay surgery and lack postoperative monitoring equipment.
A new study by Weill Cornell Medicine and colleagues found that most COVID patients regain consciousness after removal of respiratory support, but may take weeks to recover. The study also showed that patients who experienced low blood oxygen levels during treatment took longer to recover consciousness.
A study published in the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation found that service members who sustained combat-related traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at high risk of long-term disability. The odds of being on a trajectory of worse long-term outcome were 49 times higher for those with blast TBI compared to those with no blast exposure.
A study of 448,000 children aged 5-18 found that sustaining a concussion increased the risk of mental health issues, psychiatric hospitalization, and self-harm. The research highlights the potential long-term effects of concussions on young people's mental well-being.
The National Athletic Trainers' Association has updated its position statement to reduce intentional head-first contact behavior in American football players. The new recommendations address education and administration, skill development and behavior modification, rules and regulations, and technology and scientific research.
Researchers at MUSC and University of Florida successfully visualize the complete human brain lymphatic system in living humans using a new non-invasive MRI technique. This breakthrough enhances our understanding of brain function and may provide insights into neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) relieves PTSD symptoms in treatment-resistant veterans, improving brain function and microstructure. The breakthrough study provides new hope for PTSD sufferers, offering an objective diagnostic tool and potential long-term improvements.
Research finds that subconcussive head impacts in youth football can impair cognitive brain function, particularly in attention and processing sensitivity. The study used brain vital signs to track changes in brain function over time, providing a predictive relationship between head impact exposure and cognitive impairment.
A UTSA-led study found that post-9/11 military veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at higher risk of chronic disease, mortality, and mental health issues compared to the general population. The study estimates excess deaths among a large cohort of veterans and highlights the need for better methods of intervening.
A new study published in Neurology found that people with mild traumatic brain injuries are more likely to have cognitive impairment and cognitive decline one year after their injury. Researchers also discovered a link between poor cognitive outcomes and other symptoms like anxiety and lower life satisfaction.
A new study using blood samples from professional soccer players reveals that headers affect brain activity by altering microRNAs, which can serve as biomarkers for brain injury. The research also explores the effects of accidental head impacts and high-intensity exercise on microRNA levels.
Researchers will test the effectiveness of WeCAN, a group-based treatment designed to teach long-lasting management skills to individuals with traumatic brain injury and dementia. The study aims to identify behavioral, neuroimaging, and blood biomarkers that correlate with treatment efficacy.
Researchers developed a user-centered virtual reality system to engage stroke survivors with spatial neglect in intensive therapy, showing promising results. The system uses head-mounted displays and hand-tracking technology to deliver standardized treatment in an engaging environment.
This study of 2.5 million military veterans found a significant association between traumatic brain injury and increased mortality rates compared to the general US population. The study highlights the long-term health risks faced by veterans who served after 9/11.
Researchers discovered that inhibiting the breakdown of a neuroprotective molecule called 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in astrocytes promotes recovery from traumatic brain injury. The study suggests that targeting this molecule could lead to the development of new therapies for TBI-induced disease.
A study of over 2,000 participants found that traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients reported an average of 3.5 problematic symptoms after a year, with physical symptoms declining and cognitive symptoms remaining constant. The research highlights the importance of addressing TBI-related symptoms in patients' daily lives.
Researchers developed a waterproof biosensor that can accurately detect changes in potassium and sodium ion levels important in TBI. The chip features electronic components that produce an electrical signal when sensing chemicals, and the team successfully tested it in artificial cerebrospinal fluid and human blood serum.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered how 'polyglot' neurons encode and decode sensorimotor chatter, enabling the differentiation between motor and sensory signals. This breakthrough has vital applications in brain-computer interfaces and neuroprosthetics, where accurate decoding is crucial.
The US healthcare system is failing to provide adequate care for traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors, experts warn. A recent report recommends using a comprehensive classification system that incorporates the Glasgow Coma Scale score, CT scans, and blood tests to better assess the severity of TBI.
A recent study suggests that the 30-second single-leg stance is an effective task for identifying balance deficits in children and teens who have sustained a concussion. This assessment may help clinicians distinguish symptomatic children from those who have clinically recovered better and faster.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that adults with disabilities have poorer COVID-19 outcomes, with longer hospital stays and higher readmission rates. The study highlights the need for accommodations and support for patients with disabilities during the pandemic.
Researchers found that moderate aerobic cycling improved auditory verbal learning and processing speed, as well as increased volumes of the hippocampus and cerebellar cortex. The study suggests exercise interventions may be an attractive option for improving cognitive function in individuals with traumatic brain injury.