Articles tagged with Brain Injuries
A portable optical sensor system could diagnose traumatic brain injury severity in the field from a single drop of blood, potentially reducing costs and improving treatment outcomes
Researchers found subtle and chronic changes in the brains of young athletes with a history of concussions, including sharper declines in blood flow and microstructural changes. These findings suggest that athletes with a concussion history should be closely watched for worsening effects from repeated injuries.
Researchers investigated high schools' safety policies to protect student-athletes from heat, cardiac arrests, traumatic brain injuries and more. Thirty-eight states have adopted legislative changes improving safety for student-athletes, including West Virginia.
Researchers found that pituitary hormone ß-endorphin and Arg-vasopressin contribute to movement impairments on the opposite side of the body after a brain injury. Blocking these hormones may help treat movement problems following stroke or injury, targeting left and right sides differently.
A recent study from University of Gothenburg found that all participants achieved normalization of CNS injury biomarkers, regardless of previous disease severity or persistent neurological symptoms. This suggests that post-COVID-19 neurological sequelae are not due to active brain injury, contradicting previous findings.
Researchers found that high-dose gait training using a robotic exoskeleton can restore functional ambulation in individuals with moderate to severe hemiplegia caused by stroke. The study showed improvements in walking distance, speed, balance, and endurance, with no complications or falls reported.
A study of 44 elite rugby players found significant changes in white matter and volume over time. The research suggests that professional rugby participation may be associated with structural changes in the brain that could have long-term implications for player health.
Researchers followed 484 patients with moderate-to-severe TBI and found that among those in a vegetative state, 1 in 4 regained orientation within 12 months. This challenges early predictions of poor outcome and highlights the importance of considering long-term recovery possibilities.
Russian scientists have synthesized chemical compounds that activate intracellular mechanisms to combat neurodegenerative pathologies. These substances increase the survival of neuronal cells in cellular models of Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain injury, offering a breakthrough treatment for brain diseases.
A new NIH-funded study found that certain patterns on CT scans after mild traumatic brain injury can predict outcomes and guide treatment. The research identified three distinct sets of patterns, including bleeding into brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid, associated with various short- and long-term outcomes.
Researchers at UC Riverside's Brain Injury Lab have received significant federal funding to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic epilepsy. Two graduate students, Laura Dovek and Susan Nguyen, have each won prestigious fellowships to study the role of immune receptors in the developme...
A new signaling pathway has been identified in fruit flies that causes neural cells to divide after damage, a process similar to what occurs in Alzheimer's Disease. Researchers hope to apply this knowledge to prevent abnormal cell division and neuronal death in humans.
A recent study published in the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation found that two-thirds of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) remain married to their spouse 10 years after the injury. The study analyzed data from 1,423 patients and found that marital stability was higher for those who were older, female, and had no problema...
A recent study of over 3,500 participants found that traumatic brain injuries are increasing in the over-65 age group, with falls as the most common cause. The study highlights the need for prevention measures, such as training programs for safe walking and redesigning homes to remove tripping hazards.
Researchers discovered a novel interaction between proteins hevin and calcyon, which promotes synaptic contacts and reorganization in the brain. This interaction helps to improve recovery from brain injury, particularly in adults, by reducing neuroinflammatory response-induced proteases and promoting early stages of recovery.
A consensus statement by a US expert panel suggests that strict rest after a sports-related concussion can slow recovery and prolong symptoms. Most athletes will recover fully within 2-4 weeks, but factors such as previous concussions, loss of consciousness, and underlying conditions may complicate recovery.
A study analyzing e-scooter injuries in Berlin found that most incidents occur on weekends, at night, and are caused by loss of control or kerb jumping. The researchers advocate for stricter regulations, including helmet use, age limits, and technical modifications to reduce injury risk.
A new international study has identified a drug that can halt the progression of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in sportspeople who sustain repeated head injuries. The treatment was successfully tested in animal models and shows promise for preventing neurological problems associated with CTE, which affects cognition and behavior.
A recent study by Oregon Health & Science University found that people of color are more than twice as likely to die after a traumatic brain injury compared to white patients. The researchers analyzed over a decade of data and attributed the disparity to underlying social determinants such as diet, lifestyle, and access to healthcare.
A study in fruit flies and rat models reveals that traumatic brain injury disrupts nuclear transport machinery, leading to protein build-up and neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers identify a key enzyme and molecule involved in the process, highlighting a potential target for new treatments.
A new $2.3 million grant will support a five-year research project at UC Riverside, led by Viji Santhakumar, exploring the relationship between inflammation and abnormal neuron connections after brain injury. The study aims to identify potential early therapies to prevent epilepsy and memory issues following traumatic brain injury.
A study published in Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation found that prism adaptation treatment improves functional and cognitive independence scores for stroke survivors with spatial neglect. The treatment, which involves wearing goggles with optical prisms to shift motor movements, results in higher scores on ...
A recent study found that four out of five women in prison in Scotland have a history of head injury, mostly sustained through domestic violence. Women who had such injuries were more likely to engage in violent criminal behavior and had longer prison sentences.
A study published in the journal Concussion reveals that the use of cooling technology with PolarCap System hastened safe return to play for players of top Swedish hockey league teams. The treatment showed a median time to return to play of 7 days, compared to 12 days without cooling.
Biomarker concentrations were elevated among personnel with longer duration of service, particularly without a diagnosed brain injury or concussion. Repeated exposure to low levels of blast has been linked to symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and tinnitus.
Researchers at UTA are combining nanoparticles and light waves to treat traumatic brain injuries on the battlefield. The goal is to create a synergistic effect with improved healing outcomes.
A new University of Michigan study reveals that nearly 1 in 4 adolescents reported at least one concussion in 2020, up from 20% in 2016. Concussion rates increased among Hispanic and non-Hispanic youth who participated in sports, contradicting emergency department data showing a decline in sports-related traumatic brain injuries.
A third of children and adolescents experience mental health problems after a concussion, which can persist for several years post-injury. The review emphasizes the importance of evaluating mental health as part of standard pediatric concussion assessment and management.
A new study by researchers at the VA Portland Health Care System found that morning bright light therapy improved physical and mental symptoms for veterans with traumatic brain injury. The therapy showed significant benefits in cognitive function, sleep, depression, and neuropsychiatric trauma symptoms.
A new tool called PhenoBench standardizes data analysis for traumatic brain injury (TBI), enabling researchers to identify patient subgroups for personalized care. The study aims to provide tailored treatments that improve recovery and reduce long-term consequences of TBI.
A new study finds that traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) share similar degenerative changes in the brain as Alzheimer's disease, particularly in memory and decision-making areas. The research identified comparable patterns of gray and white matter degradation after TBI, which may help predict Alzheimer's risk.
A new study from the VA, Regenstrief Institute, and IUPUI analyzed healthcare utilization among TBI patients and found that a quarter were super-utilizers. The research also identified disparities in care based on health insurance and residency status.
A new visio-vestibular examination (VVE) has been found to enhance concussion diagnosis and management in young athletes. The VVE involves brief eye movement and balance tests identifying deficits in brain function involving the visual and vestibular systems.
Researchers developed an ultrasensitive assay to measure cathepsin B in blood, detecting the biomarker for a range of disease states. This breakthrough aims to improve diagnosis and treatment strategies for conditions such as traumatic brain injury.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have developed a hydrogel, known as 'brain glue,' that mimics the composition and mechanics of the brain. The gel has been shown to protect against loss of brain tissue after severe TBI and may aid in functional neural repair.
Researchers have identified distinct chemical signatures for concussion in the spit of elite male rugby players, suggesting a potential non-invasive diagnostic test. The findings could help diagnose concussions at all levels of participation, particularly at grass-roots levels where medical assessments are not readily available.
A University of Birmingham-led study has identified a method to accurately diagnose concussion using saliva, providing a new laboratory-based non-invasive salivary biological concussion test. The test uses biomarkers that can indicate if a player has been concussed and provide insights into the body's response to injury.
Researchers have developed a highly sensitive pressure sensor cap that can help reveal whether a helmet is a perfect fit for an individual player's head. The device uses fabric-based sensors that map pressure in real-time, providing valuable information on helmet fit and potentially reducing the severity of sports-related head injuries.
A Northwestern Medicine pilot study found that high levels of progesterone during the menstrual cycle can reduce stress after a concussion and speed recovery. Increased blood flow to the brain is also linked to lower stress symptom levels, providing new insights into how female athletes may recover from concussions.
Researchers found that poor sleep leads to increased signs of brain waste and post-concussive symptoms among veterans with traumatic brain injuries. A new technique developed at OHSU measures the brain's waste-clearance system through MRIs.
Researchers found that drinking pomegranate juice daily during pregnancy reduced the risk of brain injury in infants with intrauterine growth restriction. The study suggests that polyphenols in pomegranate juice may provide neuroprotection, and further studies are planned to confirm these findings.
A recent study published in Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology found that head injuries in people under 50 can lead to lower cognitive scores at age 70. The researchers discovered a small but significant impact on brain health and thinking skills, potentially accelerating the normal aging process.
A new Penn Medicine research reveals that a single head injury can lead to dementia later in life, with the risk further increasing with more head injuries. Women and white participants are at higher risk of dementia after head injury compared to men and black participants.
Researchers at UTA are investigating smart protective helmets that can sense head and brain injuries, allowing for rapid medical treatment. The project aims to improve the well-being of soldiers in combat by detecting brain trauma and preventing further damage.
A new study found that self-paced physical and cognitive activity after a concussion does not hasten or prolong recovery in children and teens. Increased daily step count was associated with early symptom resolution, but the association was not statistically significant.
Researchers found that complement inhibition can reverse mental losses after traumatic brain injury, even when treatment is delayed until two months post-injury. The study showed that blocking complement interrupted neurodegeneration and improved cognitive function.
Researchers have identified 40 genes that suppress axon regeneration in central nervous system cells, hindering recovery from brain and spinal cord injuries. By editing out one gene, they restored axons in mouse models with glaucoma, suggesting a potential new approach to treating neural damage.
A new study identifies a potential link between blast exposure and Alzheimer's disease in soldiers. Researchers found that even healthy neurons with subtle synaptic pathology may be an early indicator of Alzheimer's-type pathogenesis.
A recent CT scan study of the mummy of Pharaoh Seqenenre-Taa-II provides new insights into his death, revealing that he was executed by multiple attackers and that embalmers skillfully concealed some head wounds. The study also suggests that Seqenenre was about 40 years old at the time of his death.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland has identified two potential biomarkers, miR-9a-3p and miR-136-3p, which could serve as diagnostic biomarkers for mild traumatic brain injury. These microRNAs were found to be elevated in both animal models and human patients, suggesting their potential use in diagnosing the condition....
The new guidelines cover patient triage, imaging, observation versus admission, transfer, discharge and follow-up to help clinicians diagnose and treat children's head injuries. They aim to reduce unnecessary exposure to radiation from CT scans while ruling out bleeding disorders.
Researchers find that using metformin can restore a healthier balance between immune cell subtypes, inhibiting chronic inflammation and improving outcomes in traumatic brain injury patients. The study suggests a potential new therapy approach to reduce TBI damage and promote recovery.
A new study found that between 11% to 27% of healthy college athletes reported symptoms meeting criteria for post-concussion syndrome, with lack of sleep, pre-existing mental health problems, and stress being the most likely predictors. The research suggests that baseline symptoms may help interpret recovery scores and that individuali...
Researchers found that rotational deceleration causes tremendous egg yolk deformation, shedding light on brain deformation during impacts. This finding suggests that rotational impact is more harmful to brain matter than direct translational impact.
Researchers discovered myelomonocytic cells that enter the brain too quickly and cause devastating damage, while a slower subset helps repair damaged vessels. Administering treatment within six hours of injury can reduce swelling and improve outcomes.
Research estimates that one in three women experience intimate partner violence and up to 90% suffer head trauma. However, data is scarce on the cognitive and psychological effects of this trauma. A new international effort aims to understand the ramifications of injuries and develop personalized treatment strategies.
A UMass Lowell researcher has received a $700,000 NIH grant to explore the effectiveness of virtual reality-based rehabilitation for young people with traumatic brain injuries. The therapy aims to improve cognitive functioning and enhance quality of life for these patients.
A NIH-supported workshop reveals gaps in knowledge about the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in women, including sex-based differences in outcomes and responses to treatment. Research opportunities include imaging studies, examination of brain tissue, and longitudinal studies on military-related TBI in female servicemembers.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a link between gut disease and brain injury in premature infants. The study found that an immune system cell called CD4+ T cells travels from the gut to the brain and attacks healthy cells, leading to severe brain injury.
A new study suggests that a bedside EEG test can aid in prognosis for unresponsive brain injury patients by measuring their response to speech. The strength of these responses is correlated with the patient's outcome and can help clinicians make effective treatment decisions.