TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

This small pilot study tested a non-invasive device that stimulates the vagus nerve (a key nerve in the neck) in people hospitalized with mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury. The goal was to see if adding this stimulation to standard care could reduce severe breathing problem…

This study looked at 98 people with severe traumatic brain injury who needed a breathing tube. Researchers compared two ways of giving nutrition: a tube through the nose into the stomach, or a tube through the mouth into the esophagus. They checked blood markers, weight, and how …

This study tested whether a person's own stem cells (called HB-adMSC) are safe and can help improve brain function after a traumatic brain injury. Twenty-four adults with long-term brain damage received infusions of their own stem cells. The main goals were to check safety and se…

This study tested whether a ketogenic (high-fat, low-carb) diet could improve brain function and recovery in people with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. Twenty-one participants were enrolled within 2-30 days of their injury. The diet aims to change how the brain uses e…

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

This study tested whether a portable goggle system (I-PAS) can accurately diagnose mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in community settings like urgent care or emergency rooms. Researchers enrolled 120 adults aged 18-50 who had a head injury with symptoms like loss of consciousne…

This small study tested whether a low-level electric current applied to a memory-related brain area could improve word-finding in 5 civilians who had a traumatic brain injury at least a year prior. Participants received both real and fake stimulation to compare effects. The goal …

This study tested a telemedicine version of a coping skills support group for people with brain injuries and their caregivers. 49 participants joined from home to learn adaptive strategies and improve their confidence in managing daily challenges. The goal was to see if the onlin…

This study tested a 12-week exercise program set to music for 108 adults with physical disabilities like spinal cord injury, stroke, or Parkinson's disease. Participants were split into two groups: one did the music-based exercise, the other waited. The goal was to see if this fu…

This study looked at whether a 3-month home exercise program or bright light therapy could improve movement, balance, mood, and thinking in adults with traumatic brain injury. 34 people with TBI and healthy volunteers took part. Participants did either exercise on an elliptical m…

This study looked at whether certain treatments can help control irritability and aggression in people who have had a traumatic brain injury (TBI). It included 81 adults aged 18 to 70 who had a closed head injury at least 6 months earlier and whose irritability was new or worse t…

This study tested a workshop called STEP-Home for 221 post-9/11 Veterans who had trouble readjusting to civilian life. The workshop taught practical skills like managing emotions, solving problems, and focusing attention. The goal was to help Veterans feel more connected to their…

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

This study tested whether doing virtual reality (VR) exercises at home could improve memory and thinking in older adults (65+) who had a mild traumatic brain injury. Thirty participants used VR cognitive games for six weeks. The goal was to see if these exercises help with attent…

This study tested whether morning bright light therapy could improve sleep, reduce pain, and enhance quality of life in 77 veterans with chronic mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Participants had ongoing sleep problems and moderate to severe pain. The goal was to see if a simpl…

This study tested a free service called Resource Facilitation for people who have had a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Participants worked one-on-one with a specialist to set and achieve personal goals. The study included 90 adults with documented TBI, and compared those who recei…

This study tested whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called HD-tDCS could improve memory in 26 older adults with mild cognitive impairment and a history of traumatic brain injury. Participants received ten sessions targeting a brain region linked to memory. The re…

This study tested whether a touch screen system (BITS) could improve visual field awareness in 37 adults recovering from stroke or brain injury. Participants did either standard pen-and-paper vision exercises or used the interactive touch screen. The goal was to see if the touch …

This study tested whether adding ear acupuncture (with tiny press needles) to standard care and nerve stimulation could help people with severe brain injury wake up faster. Sixty patients with a low level of consciousness were split into two groups. Both got usual treatments, but…

This study tested a noninvasive LED light treatment on 8 veterans with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) from blast exposure. The goal was to see if the light could improve thinking, memory, mood, and sleep. The treatment is painless and does not require surgery or medication.

This small pilot study tested whether adding electrical stimulation to standard wound care helps heal chronic pressure injuries (bedsores) in 20 adults with spinal cord or brain injuries. Participants received either standard care alone or standard care plus electrical pulses aro…

This study tested whether taking branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) can help veterans with mild traumatic brain injury sleep better and think more clearly. 160 veterans took either the supplement or a placebo for several months. The main goal was to see if the treatment was pract…

This study tested whether a 12-session telemedicine support group could help brain injury survivors and their caregivers learn coping skills and feel more confident. Thirteen participants joined from home. The goal was to see if the online format was practical and helpful for emo…

This small study tested whether breathing low-oxygen air in short bursts (acute intermittent hypoxia) can boost the brain's ability to improve swallowing safety in people with chronic mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury. Five adults completed the study, which compared the low…

This study looked at whether giving lidocaine as a spray into the breathing tube could prevent dangerous rises in brain pressure during suctioning in children with severe traumatic brain injury. Ten children in the intensive care unit were enrolled. The goal was to see if the spr…

This study tested whether a low-level electric stimulation technique called tDCS could help people with chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI) recall words more easily. Fourteen civilians with TBI and word-finding difficulties received either real or fake (sham) stimulation to a br…

This study tested a short therapy called behavioral activation for veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and depression. The therapy helps people set goals and do meaningful activities to improve mood. About 46 veterans took part, with some getting the therapy plus usual car…

This study tested a distance-learning program that trains family caregivers to reduce care-resistant behaviors in people with Alzheimer's dementia or traumatic brain injury. The program aimed to improve quality of life for both patients and their families. Researchers enrolled 88…

This study looked at whether giving N-Acetylcysteine (an antioxidant) plus multivitamins to adults over 60 with a traumatic brain injury could help reduce symptoms like headaches, confusion, and emotional issues. 92 participants were treated within 3 hours of injury and followed …

This study tested a one-day life skills workshop for veterans with mild traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, and mental health issues like PTSD and depression. The goal was to see if the workshop could reduce distress and help veterans readjust to civilian life. 176 veterans too…

This study tested a structured rehabilitation program to help veterans and active-duty personnel who had a mild traumatic brain injury from a blast. The goal was to see if the program could improve thinking skills and quality of life. 77 participants took part in the study, which…

This study tested whether a high-intensity exercise program, run by Doctor of Physical Therapy students, helps people with neurologic disabilities (like cerebral palsy, stroke, or spinal cord injury) move better in daily life. Fifteen participants aged 8 to 99 completed the progr…

This study looked at whether learning to train a future service dog, along with usual care, can improve symptoms of post-traumatic stress (PTS), anxiety, depression, and pain in military members and veterans. 156 participants with PTSD or mild traumatic brain injury took part. Re…

This study looked at whether a 12-week treadmill walking program could boost physical fitness, reduce fatigue, and improve mood in people with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Thirteen adults with TBI who were not physically active took part. They exercised three times a week, and r…

This study tested a program designed to help veterans with Alzheimer's disease or traumatic brain injury and the family or friends who care for them. The goal was to see if the program could improve quality of life and reduce caregiver burden. About 236 veterans and their caregiv…

This study tested a personalized magnetic therapy called MeRT for people with PTSD. 158 adults received either real or fake (sham) treatment to see if it safely reduces symptoms. The main goal was to measure changes in PTSD symptoms using a standard checklist.

This study tested two sedatives, dexmedetomidine and sufentanil, in 28 adults with traumatic brain injury undergoing surgery. The goal was to see which drug better maintained brain oxygen levels during and after the operation. Researchers measured oxygen using a non-invasive fore…

This study looked at whether exercising in different settings (like indoors vs. outdoors) can improve thinking skills in people with traumatic brain injury. Twenty-four adults with a past TBI did a single session of moderate cycling. Researchers measured changes in multitasking, …

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 (TBI). Researchers aimed to develop less invasive ways to monitor these brain events. The study invo…

This small study looked at whether a special high-fat, low-carb diet (ketogenic diet) is safe and possible for children who have had a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. Seven children took part. The main goal was to see if they could stay on the diet for 14 days without …

This study used MRI scans to measure how the brain moves inside the skull during gentle head movements, like turning or nodding. Researchers studied 90 healthy adults aged 18 to 65 to create a detailed map of brain deformation. The goal was to develop a new imaging method that co…

This study looked at 25 adults with traumatic brain injury who had brain surgery. Researchers measured a blood marker of inflammation (C-reactive protein) to see if giving the sedative drug dexmedetomidine during surgery lowered inflammation compared to not giving it. The goal wa…

This small study tested whether a portable brain scanner (fNIRS) can safely measure brain activity in people with traumatic brain injury while they walk on a treadmill with virtual reality. Eight people took part. The goal was to see if the approach is feasible and safe, not to t…

This study looked at whether community-based wellness programs can improve health, quality of life, and care experience while lowering costs for adults with disabilities like spina bifida, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, or traumatic brain injury. Researchers enrolled 130 peo…

This study tested whether simple behavioral tools like planning, reminders, and small rewards can increase walking in older adults who had a mild or moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI). Fifty-seven participants wore a Fitbit and received weekly calls over 12 weeks. The goal was…

This study tested a phone app called MEMI designed to help adults with chronic traumatic brain injury improve their memory. Researchers wanted to see if the app was easy and acceptable to use, and if it helped people remember things better. The study included 40 adults, some with…

This study looked at swallowing problems in 34 patients who were minimally conscious after a severe traumatic brain injury. Researchers used a special X-ray video to see how well patients could swallow. The goal was to better understand these swallowing issues and how they relate…

This study aims to find and evaluate people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) or post-concussive syndrome to see if they can join future research projects. Participants will have medical history taken, physical exams, blood draws, MRI scans, and brain function tests. No treatment…

This study looked at two new methods to check how well the brain controls its blood flow after a serious injury in children. Researchers monitored 29 kids in the intensive care unit to see if these methods could give better information than current tools. The goal was to find a m…

This study looks back at data from 50 patients with severe brain injuries (from trauma or bleeding) who were monitored closely in the ICU. The goal is to learn how different treatments affect blood flow and oxygen in the brain, and to find better ways to detect complications. No …

This study collected brain signals from 162 patients with serious brain injuries to help develop new ways to measure pressure inside the skull without surgery. Researchers used an ultrasound device to record blood flow while also tracking standard pressure readings. The goal was …

This study looked at 68 adults with a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) who also had ongoing fatigue and trouble thinking. Researchers used machine learning to search for specific genetic markers that might make some people more likely to have these symptoms. The goal was t…

This study tested a program to help nurses better support relatives of people with serious brain injuries or brain tumors. The program included a dialogue tool, training for nurses, and videos for families. The goal was to see if this approach could improve how involved and suppo…

This study tested a new web-based tool designed to help families of patients with severe brain injuries (like stroke or traumatic brain injury) communicate with doctors and make decisions about care goals. The study enrolled 50 family decision-makers to see if the tool was easy t…

This study gathered information from 69 older adults (age 40 and up) who had a traumatic brain injury (TBI) confirmed by CT scan. Researchers looked at patients' health history, frailty, and treatments to find patterns that lead to better recovery. No new treatments were tested—t…

This study looked at whether playing an immersive computer game that mixes physical movement with mental challenges can improve thinking, memory, and brain structure in adults aged 40 and older who had a traumatic brain injury (TBI) years ago. 23 participants completed the 12-wee…

This study looked at people who had a recent head injury to learn more about how traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects the brain over time. Researchers used MRI scans and thinking tests to track changes for up to three months after the injury. The goal was to find better ways to d…