TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

This pilot study tested whether adding a special type of electrical stimulation to standard wound care helps heal chronic pressure injuries (bedsores) in people with spinal cord or brain injuries. Twenty adults with stage II-IV pressure sores that hadn't healed after four weeks o…

This study looked at whether a ketogenic or modified Atkins diet can help people recover from moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. The diet aims to change how the brain uses energy, potentially improving function. Twenty-one participants were enrolled, and researchers measu…

This study tested whether stem cells taken from a patient's own fat and given by IV are safe and might help the brain heal after a traumatic brain injury. 24 adults with long-term brain damage received the treatment. Researchers checked vital signs and measured inflammation marke…

This study tested whether adding two drugs—cerebrolysin and amantadine sulfate—to standard care helps people with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury recover in the ICU. 150 adults aged 18-70 took part. Researchers measured consciousness, disability, and recovery over 6 wee…

This study looked at whether measuring two proteins in the blood (GFAP and UCH-L1) can help doctors safely avoid CT scans in children with mild traumatic brain injury. Over 1,500 children across Europe participated. The goal was to see if these blood tests are accurate enough to …

This study tested whether a special ultrasound of the eye's main artery can help doctors diagnose increased pressure inside the skull. Researchers measured blood flow in the central retinal artery of 66 patients with stroke or traumatic brain injury. The goal was to see if change…

This study tested whether an ultrasound of the optic nerve sheath (the lining around the nerve connecting the eye to the brain) can accurately detect dangerously high pressure inside the skull in children. Researchers measured the nerve sheath diameter in 230 children with brain …

This study tested whether a portable goggle system with eye-tracking technology can accurately diagnose mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in community settings like emergency rooms. Researchers enrolled 120 adults aged 18-50 who had a head injury with symptoms. The goal was to s…

This pilot study tested a non-invasive device that stimulates the vagus nerve (nVNS) in patients hospitalized with mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury. The goal was to see if adding nVNS to standard care could prevent severe lung inflammation and the need for a breathing mach…

This study tested whether a 3-month home exercise program on an elliptical machine and 3 months of bright light therapy could improve movement, balance, and mood in adults with traumatic brain injury. Thirty-four participants (including healthy volunteers) were enrolled. The goal…

This study looked at whether a 12-week treadmill exercise program can improve cardiorespiratory fitness, reduce fatigue, and boost mood in people with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Thirteen physically inactive adults with TBI walked on a treadmill three times a week for 30 minute…

This study tested whether a guided, telehealth-based aerobic walking program could improve thinking, mood, and quality of life in people who had a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Researchers enrolled 112 participants and measured changes in brain blood flow, walking ability, and me…

This study tested whether guided emotional and sensory stimulation from family members could help coma patients with traumatic brain injury recover. 120 patients were split into two groups: one received standard care, the other added structured family interaction like talking, ge…

This small pilot study looked at whether a single yoga-based physical therapy session could improve heart rate variability (a measure of stress resilience) in people with traumatic brain injury. Thirteen adults participated in three different activities on separate days: yoga the…

This study tested whether giving N-Acetylcysteine (a supplement) along with multivitamins and minerals can help older adults (60+) recover from a traumatic brain injury. The goal was to see if it reduces thinking, emotional, and physical symptoms like headaches or memory problems…

This small study tested whether shining special LED lights on the head could help veterans with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) and PTSD think more clearly and feel better. Eight veterans received the noninvasive light treatment, and researchers measured changes in memory, atte…

This study tested a structured cognitive rehabilitation program in 77 veterans and active-duty personnel who had mild traumatic brain injury from blasts. The program aimed to improve thinking skills and quality of life. Participants were aged 21 to 50 and had brief loss of consci…

This study tested whether buspirone (Buspar), a drug used for anxiety, can reduce irritability and aggression in people who have had a traumatic brain injury. 81 adults with a closed head injury at least 6 months prior took either buspirone or a placebo for 91 days. The goal was …

This study tested a gentle electric current (tDCS) on the brain to see if it could help people with a past traumatic brain injury find words more easily. Fourteen adults with long-term word-finding problems took part. They received either real or fake stimulation while doing memo…

This small study tested whether a gentle electric current applied to the scalp (tDCS) could improve word-finding in 5 civilians who had a traumatic brain injury more than a year ago. Participants received both real and sham stimulation to see if the real treatment boosted verbal …

This study tested a personalized magnetic brain stimulation therapy called MeRT for people with PTSD. 158 adults received either real or sham treatment. The goal was to see if MeRT could safely reduce PTSD symptoms. The approach tailors the stimulation to each person's brain wave…

This study tested whether giving lidocaine as a mist before suctioning the breathing tube can prevent dangerous spikes in brain pressure in children with severe traumatic brain injury. Ten children in the pediatric ICU received either nebulized lidocaine, lidocaine dripped into t…

This study tested whether a device that delivers a very mild electrical current to the scalp could improve memory in 26 older adults with mild cognitive impairment and a past traumatic brain injury. Participants received ten sessions of either real or fake stimulation to a brain …

This small study tested a technique called acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) — breathing low-oxygen air for short periods — to see if it could improve swallowing safety in people with chronic mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI). Five adults completed the study, which com…

This study tested whether taking branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) can improve sleep and thinking in veterans who have had a mild traumatic brain injury. 160 veterans were randomly assigned to receive different doses of BCAAs or a placebo for 12 weeks. The main goal was to see i…

This study tested a program called ABC ANSWERS for veterans with Alzheimer's disease or traumatic brain injury and their informal caregivers (family or friends). The program added extra support and education to regular primary care. Researchers measured changes in quality of life…

This study tested a nerve block (stellate ganglion block) combined with either dexmedetomidine or low-dose ketamine to treat 'neurostorm' — a dangerous overreaction of the body's stress system after a traumatic brain injury. The goal was to calm symptoms like high blood pressure,…

This study tested a distance-learning program for family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's dementia or traumatic brain injury. The goal was to reduce care-resistant behaviors like agitation and aggression, and improve quality of life for both patients and families. 88 caregiv…

This study tested whether using a touch screen device (BITS) can improve visual field awareness in people recovering from a stroke or brain injury. 37 adults in inpatient rehab were assigned to either standard pen-and-paper vision exercises or exercises on the BITS touch screen. …

This study tested whether virtual reality (VR) exercises can improve memory and thinking in adults aged 65 and older who had a mild traumatic brain injury. Thirty participants used VR at home for six weeks. The goal was to see if VR could help with attention, memory, and visual s…

This study tested a short talk therapy called behavioral activation for veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and depression. About 46 veterans took part, with some receiving the therapy plus usual care and others only usual care. The goal was to see if the therapy was pract…

This study tested whether adding ear acupuncture (auricular thumbtack needle therapy) to standard care and nerve stimulation could help people with traumatic brain injury regain consciousness. Sixty patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 4-8 were randomly assigned to receive…

This completed study tested two different anesthetic drugs—dexmedetomidine and sufentanil—in 28 people having surgery for traumatic brain injury. The goal was to see which one keeps the brain's oxygen levels more stable during and after the operation. Researchers measured oxygen …

This study tested a 12-session telemedicine support group for people with brain injuries and their caregivers. The group taught coping skills and emotional support to improve confidence and well-being. Only 13 people took part, so the results are preliminary but suggest remote su…

This study tested a free service called Resource Facilitation for people with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Participants worked one-on-one with a specialist to set goals and connect with services. The goal was to see if this support improves quality of life and reduces disability…

This study tested a 12-week telemedicine coping skills group for brain injury survivors and their caregivers. Participants learned strategies to manage stress, depression, and communication challenges. The goal was to see if a virtual format could be as effective as in-person ses…

This study tested whether a high-intensity exercise program, run by physical therapy students, can help people with neurologic disabilities move better in everyday life. Fifteen participants with conditions like cerebral palsy, stroke, or spinal cord injury completed the program.…

This study tested a workshop called STEP-Home for 221 post-9/11 Veterans who had trouble reintegrating into civilian life. The workshop taught skills like emotional control, problem solving, and attention to improve daily function and reduce anger. It was designed as a non-stigma…

This study tested an experimental drug called AVP-786 in 168 people with traumatic brain injury who had symptoms like aggression, agitation, and irritability. The goal was to see if the drug could safely reduce these difficult behaviors. Participants received either the drug or a…

This study tested whether a program that combines talk therapy, brain training, and healthy lifestyle advice is practical and helpful for people with conditions like mild traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, long COVID, or mild cognitive impairment. Fifteen participants we…

This study tested a one-day life skills workshop for veterans with mild traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, and mental health conditions like PTSD and depression. The workshop taught coping strategies to reduce distress and improve reintegration into civilian life. 176 veterans…

This study tested whether playing an immersive video game called Bandit the Dolphin could improve thinking and movement in adults who had a traumatic brain injury years ago. The game involves moving your arms to control a dolphin in an ocean environment, combining physical and me…

This study tested a 12-week exercise program set to music for adults with physical disabilities like spinal cord injury, stroke, or Parkinson's disease. Participants exercised three times a week via video calls, doing movements adapted to their ability. The goal was to see if the…

This study tested whether sitting in front of a bright lightbox for an hour each morning could improve sleep, reduce pain, and boost quality of life in 77 veterans with chronic mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Participants used either a lightbox or a negative ion generator (pl…

This study looked at whether teaching military members to train service dogs can improve symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and concussion. 156 participants spent one hour twice a week working with professional dog trainers. Researchers measured changes in stress, mood, sleep…

This study did not test any treatment. Instead, it screened over 1,300 adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI) or post-concussive symptoms to create a database for future research. Participants provided medical history, blood samples, MRI scans, and brain function tests. The goa…

This study looked at 886 adults with suspected traumatic brain injury to better understand how the brain changes after injury. Participants had MRI scans, blood tests, and thinking tests within 48 hours of injury, with optional follow-ups up to a year. The goal was to find better…

This study looked at blood and saliva samples from 260 people, including those with traumatic brain injuries, to find protein markers that appear before dangerous pressure builds up inside the skull. The goal is to see if a simple blood test could warn doctors early. No treatment…

This study looked for protein markers in the blood and saliva of 96 people with long-term traumatic brain injury (TBI). Researchers compared samples from blast injury and non-penetrating injury patients to find common changes. The goal is to better understand the lasting effects …

This study looked at how different amounts of mannitol, a medicine used to reduce brain swelling, change blood osmolarity (a measure of blood thickness) in people with traumatic brain injury. Researchers observed 64 patients aged 18-40 with mild to moderate head injuries. The goa…

This study looked at how heading a soccer ball changes the brain and whether wearing a mouthguard makes a difference. Twenty-one male soccer players did 10 headers in two sessions—once with a mouthguard and once without. Before and after, they had brain scans, cognitive tests, an…

This small pilot study tested whether a non-invasive eye scan called OCTA can detect changes in the brain related to stroke and other neurological conditions. Researchers compared eye scans from 7 people with brain diseases and healthy volunteers. The goal was to gather early dat…

This study developed and tested a program to help nurses better support relatives of patients with acquired brain injury or malignant brain tumors. The program included nurse training, a dialog tool, a peer support list, videos, and documentation guidelines. Researchers tested it…

This study looked at 98 people with severe traumatic brain injury who needed a breathing tube. Researchers compared two ways of giving nutrition: a new method called Intermittent Oro-esophageal Tube Feeding (IOE) versus the standard Nasogastric Tube Feeding. They measured blood n…

This pilot study tested a web-based tool designed to improve communication and decision-making between doctors and families of patients with severe acute brain injuries, such as stroke or traumatic brain injury. The tool helps prepare families for their role as decision-makers an…

This study looked at 29 children with brain injuries to test two new methods for checking how well the brain controls its own blood flow. The goal was to see if these methods could help doctors better understand and treat brain injuries. The study did not test a treatment, but ai…

This study looked at whether a portable brain scanner called fNIRS can safely and effectively measure brain activity in people with chronic traumatic brain injury while they walk on a treadmill with virtual reality. Eight participants completed the session, and researchers checke…

This study tracked 69 older adults (age 40 and up) with traumatic brain injury to learn more about their health, frailty, and recovery. Researchers collected data on medications, injuries, and outcomes to find better ways to manage care. No new treatments were tested—the goal was…

This study observed how breathing machines (mechanical ventilation) are used in 2,299 brain-injured patients in intensive care units worldwide. Researchers collected data on different ventilation strategies and their link to patient recovery. No new treatments were tested; the go…

This study looked at swallowing problems in 34 patients with severe traumatic brain injury who are minimally conscious. Researchers used a special X-ray test called videofluoroscopy to see how swallowing works. The goal was to better understand these swallowing disorders, which c…

This study tested whether the sedative dexmedetomidine can lower C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, in 25 adults with traumatic brain injury undergoing emergency or planned skull surgery. Patients received either dexmedetomidine or a standard sedative during surg…

This small pilot study looked at whether a ketogenic diet (a high-fat, low-carb diet) is safe and possible for children who have had a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. Seven children took part, and the main goal was to see if they could stay on the diet for 14 days with…

This study looked at whether planning, reminders, and small rewards can help older adults who had a mild or moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) walk more. 57 participants wore a Fitbit and received weekly calls for 12 weeks. The goal was to see if these simple tools could incre…

This study tested a phone app called MEMI designed to help adults with chronic traumatic brain injury improve their memory. Forty participants used the app to practice remembering words through spaced retrieval exercises. The main goal was to see if the app was easy to use and ac…

This study looked at 68 adults with traumatic brain injury who also have fatigue and trouble thinking. Researchers used machine learning to search for specific genetic markers linked to these symptoms. The goal was to better understand why some people develop these problems after…

This study looked at whether special electrodes placed on the brain or scalp can detect abnormal brain waves called spreading depolarizations in people with traumatic brain injury. Researchers monitored 147 adults in intensive care to see if these methods could work without major…

This study looked back at data from 50 patients with severe brain injuries (from trauma or bleeding) who were treated in the ICU. Researchers analyzed brain blood flow, oxygen levels, and scans to understand how treatments affect the brain and body. The goal is to develop more pe…

This study uses MRI to measure how the brain moves inside the skull during gentle head motions, like turning your head while swimming. Researchers will scan 90 healthy adults aged 18-65 as they perform small, repeated head movements. The goal is to develop a fast imaging method t…

This study gathered brain monitoring data from 162 patients with serious brain injuries, such as traumatic brain injury or stroke. Using a noninvasive ultrasound device, researchers recorded blood flow signals to build a database. The goal is to develop algorithms that could one …

This study looked at two community-based wellness programs for adults with disabilities like spina bifida, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury. Researchers measured changes in health, mood, quality of life, and healthcare costs over up to 24 months. The…

This study looked at whether a single session of moderate cycling, done in a lab, with a non-immersive virtual reality screen, or with a full immersive virtual reality headset, could improve thinking speed and multitasking in 24 adults with traumatic brain injury. Participants co…