Sample records for paediatric traumatic brain

  1. Reduced N400 Semantic Priming Effects in Adult Survivors of Paediatric and Adolescent Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Knuepffer, C.; Murdoch, B. E.; Lloyd, D.; Lewis, F. M.; Hinchliffe, F. J.

    2012-01-01

    The immediate and long-term neural correlates of linguistic processing deficits reported following paediatric and adolescent traumatic brain injury (TBI) are poorly understood. Therefore, the current research investigated event-related potentials (ERPs) elicited during a semantic picture-word priming experiment in two groups of highly functioning…

  2. Traumatic brain injuries in children: A hospital-based study in Nigeria.

    PubMed

    Udoh, David O; Adeyemo, Adebolajo A

    2013-01-01

    Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Our previous studies showed a high frequency of motor vehicle accidents among neurosurgical patients. However, there is a dearth of data on head injuries in children in Nigeria. To determine the epidemiology of paediatric traumatic brain injuries. This is a prospective analysis of paediatric head trauma at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, a major referral centre for all traumatic brain injuries in Nigeria between October 2006 and September 2011. We studied the demographic, clinical and radiological data and treatment outcomes. Data was analysed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) 16.0. We managed 127 cases of paediatric head injuries, 65 boys and 62 girls representing 13% of all head injuries managed over the 5-year period. They were aged 3 months to 17 years. The mean age was 7.4 years (median 7 years) with peak incidence occurring at 6-8 years i.e. 31 (24.4%) cases. Motor vehicle accidents resulted in 67.7%, falls 14% and violence 7%. The most frequent computed tomography finding was intracerebral haemorrhage. Mean duration of hospitalization was 18 days (median 11 days). Eleven patients died, mortality correlating well with severity and the presence of intracerebral haematoma. Head injuries in children are due to motor vehicle and motor vehicle-related accidents. Hence, rational priorities for prevention of head injuries in children should include prevention of vehicular, especially pedestrian, accidents in developing countries.

  3. The role of 99Tcm-HMPAO brain SPET in paediatric traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Goshen, E; Zwas, S T; Shahar, E; Tadmor, R

    1996-05-01

    Twenty-eight paediatric patients suffering from chronic sequelae of traumatic brain injury (TBI) were examined by EEG, radionuclide imaging with 99Tcm-hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime (99Tcm-HMPAO), computed tomography (CT) and, when available, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the results of which were evaluated retrospectively. Our findings indicate that neuro-SPET (single photon emission tomography) with 99Tcm-HMPAO is more sensitive than morphological or electrophysiological tests in detecting functional lesions. In our group, 15 of 32 CT scans were normal, compared with 3 of 35 SPET studies. SPET identified approximately 2.5 times more lesions than CT (86 vs 34). SPET was found to be particularly sensitive in detecting organic abnormalities in the basal ganglia and cerebellar regions, with a 3.6:1 detection rate in the basal ganglia and a 5:1 detection rate in the cerebellum compared with CT. In conclusion, neuro-SPET appears to be very useful when evaluating paediatric post-TBI patients in whom other modalities are not successful.

  4. The relation between Glasgow Coma Scale score and later cerebral atrophy in paediatric traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Ghosh, Alokananda; Wilde, Elisabeth A; Hunter, Jill V; Bigler, Erin D; Chu, Zili; Li, Xiaoqi; Vasquez, Ana C; Menefee, Deleene; Yallampalli, Ragini; Levin, Harvey S

    2009-03-01

    To examine initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score and its relationship with later cerebral atrophy in children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) using Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (QMRI) at 4 months post-injury. It was hypothesized that a lower GCS score would predict later generalized atrophy. As a guide in assessing paediatric TBI patients, the probability of developing chronic cerebral atrophy was determined based on the initial GCS score. The probability model used data from 45 paediatric patients (mean age = 13.6) with mild-to-severe TBI and 41 paediatric (mean age = 12.4) orthopaedically-injured children. This study found a 24% increase in the odds of developing an abnormal ventricle-to-brain ratio (VBR) and a 27% increase in the odds of developing reduced white matter percentage on neuroimaging with each numerical drop in GCS score. Logistic regression models with cut-offs determined by normative QMRI data confirmed that a lower initial GCS score predicts later atrophy. GCS is a commonly used measure of injury severity. It has proven to be a prognostic indicator of cognitive recovery and functional outcome and is also predictive of later parenchymal change.

  5. An overview of attention deficits after paediatric traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Ginstfeldt, Tim; Emanuelson, Ingrid

    2010-01-01

    Attention could be categorized into sustained, selective, shifting, divided and attention span. The primary objective was to evaluate the type of attention deficits that occurs after paediatric traumatic brain injury. Keywords were used such as 'attention', 'child', 'traumatic', 'brain' and 'injury' on MEDLINE articles published in 1991-2009. Articles found through MEDLINE were manually cross-referenced. Out of the examined categorizes, divided and sustained attention seem to be the most vulnerably, frequently displaying deficits in the children with TBI. Attention span seemed to be the most resistant and the shifting and selective categories falling somewhere in between. Most of the recovery is expected within the first year post-injury, even if some individuals continue to improve for years, and deficits often persist into adulthood. The attention domains are not affected to the same extent by TBI and this should be taken into consideration when evaluating a child. The commonly used tests also seem to differ in how sensitive they are in detecting deficits. The definition of attention domains and TBI would benefit to be stricter and agreed upon, to further facilitate research and rehabilitation programmes.

  6. Survey of Oxygen Delivery Practices in UK Paediatric Intensive Care Units

    PubMed Central

    Peters, Mark J.

    2016-01-01

    Purpose. Administration of supplemental oxygen is common in paediatric intensive care. We explored the current practice of oxygen administration using a case vignette in paediatric intensive care units (PICU) in the united kingdom. Methods. We conducted an online survey of Paediatric Intensive Care Society members in the UK. The survey outlined a clinical scenario followed by questions on oxygenation targets for 5 common diagnoses seen in critically ill children. Results. Fifty-three paediatric intensive care unit members from 10 institutions completed the survey. In a child with moderate ventilatory requirements, 21 respondents (42%) did not follow arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) targets. In acute respiratory distress syndrome, cardiac arrest, and sepsis, there was a trend to aim for lower PaO2 as the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) increased. Conversely, in traumatic brain injury and pulmonary hypertension, respondents aimed for normal PaO2 even as the FiO2 increased. Conclusions. In this sample of clinicians PaO2 targets were not commonly used. Clinicians target lower PaO2 as FiO2 increases in acute respiratory distress syndrome, cardiac arrest, and sepsis whilst targeting normal range irrespective of FiO2 in traumatic brain injury and pulmonary hypertension. PMID:27516901

  7. Anosmia and olfactory outcomes following paediatric traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Bakker, Kathleen; Catroppa, Cathy; Anderson, Vicki

    2016-01-01

    Research into olfactory dysfunction (OD) following paediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) is limited. The current study investigated the frequency of OD following paediatric TBI and the relationship between OD and injury characteristics including severity, site of impact and cause of injury. It was hypothesized that children with moderate/severe TBI would demonstrate greater OD than those with mild TBI. Thirty-seven children aged 8-16 with TBI were recruited to a prospective longitudinal study at a metropolitan children's hospital. Olfactory assessment, using the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test, was completed at 0-3 months post-injury. Nineteen per cent of participants demonstrated impaired olfaction, while a small number (5%) were anosmic. A significant relationship between OD and severity of injury was found. No other injury variables demonstrated a significant relationship with olfactory outcomes. OD was relatively common in this paediatric TBI cohort and the hypothesized relationship with severity of injury was supported. It is recommended that information about OD after TBI be routinely provided to children and families. Further research is needed in larger cohorts to support the implementation of routine clinical assessment, understand the relationship between OD and other injury characteristics, determine the functional implications of OD and document recovery trajectories.

  8. Visualizing the pressure and time burden of intracranial hypertension in adult and paediatric traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Güiza, Fabian; Depreitere, Bart; Piper, Ian; Citerio, Giuseppe; Chambers, Iain; Jones, Patricia A; Lo, Tsz-Yan Milly; Enblad, Per; Nillson, Pelle; Feyen, Bart; Jorens, Philippe; Maas, Andrew; Schuhmann, Martin U; Donald, Rob; Moss, Laura; Van den Berghe, Greet; Meyfroidt, Geert

    2015-06-01

    To assess the impact of the duration and intensity of episodes of increased intracranial pressure on 6-month neurological outcome in adult and paediatric traumatic brain injury. Analysis of prospectively collected minute-by-minute intracranial pressure and mean arterial blood pressure data of 261 adult and 99 paediatric traumatic brain injury patients from multiple European centres. The relationship of episodes of elevated intracranial pressure (defined as a pressure above a certain threshold during a certain time) with 6-month Glasgow Outcome Scale was visualized in a colour-coded plot. The colour-coded plot illustrates the intuitive concept that episodes of higher intracranial pressure can only be tolerated for shorter durations: the curve that delineates the duration and intensity of those intracranial pressure episodes associated with worse outcome is an approximately exponential decay curve. In children, the curve resembles that of adults, but the delineation between episodes associated with worse outcome occurs at lower intracranial pressure thresholds. Intracranial pressures above 20 mmHg lasting longer than 37 min in adults, and longer than 8 min in children, are associated with worse outcomes. In a multivariate model, together with known baseline risk factors for outcome in severe traumatic brain injury, the cumulative intracranial pressure-time burden is independently associated with mortality. When cerebrovascular autoregulation, assessed with the low-frequency autoregulation index, is impaired, the ability to tolerate elevated intracranial pressures is reduced. When the cerebral perfusion pressure is below 50 mmHg, all intracranial pressure insults, regardless of duration, are associated with worse outcome. The intracranial pressure-time burden associated with worse outcome is visualised in a colour-coded plot. In children, secondary injury occurs at lower intracranial pressure thresholds as compared to adults. Impaired cerebrovascular autoregulation reduces the ability to tolerate intracranial pressure insults. Thus, 50 mmHg might be the lower acceptable threshold for cerebral perfusion pressure.

  9. Variations in the quality of inpatient rehabilitation care to facilitate school re-entry and cognitive and communication function for children with TBI.

    PubMed

    Ennis, Stephanie K; Rivara, Frederick P; Mangione-Smith, Rita; Konodi, Mark A; Mackenzie, Ellen J; Jaffe, Kenneth M

    2013-01-01

    To examine variations in processes of paediatric inpatient rehabilitation care related to school re-entry and management of cognitive and communication impairments after traumatic brain injury. Retrospective cohort study. Adherence to care processes recommended for children (aged 0-17) with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury and admitted for inpatient rehabilitation was assessed. Quality-of-care indicators for processes supporting school re-entry and cognitive and communication rehabilitation were applied to measure variations in care delivered to 174 children across nine facilities using medical record review. Adherence rates (the number of times recommended care was delivered or attempted divided by the number of times care was indicated) were calculated, revealing substantial variations in care within and between facilities. Overall, children received 51.3% (95% CI = 31.9-70.7) and 72.3% (95% CI = 61.1-83.5), of the care recommended for school re-entry and cognitive and communication rehabilitation, respectively. Substantial variations exist in the delivery of paediatric inpatient rehabilitation care processes for managing school re-entry and cognitive and communication impairments after traumatic brain injury. Measures of association of these care processes with patient outcomes are necessary. Reduction in this variation is essential to improving quality of care.

  10. Uncovering the neuroanatomical correlates of cognitive, affective and conative theory of mind in paediatric traumatic brain injury: a neural systems perspective

    PubMed Central

    Catroppa, Cathy; Beare, Richard; Silk, Timothy J.; Hearps, Stephen J.; Beauchamp, Miriam H.; Yeates, Keith O.; Anderson, Vicki A.

    2017-01-01

    Abstract Deficits in theory of mind (ToM) are common after neurological insult acquired in the first and second decade of life, however the contribution of large-scale neural networks to ToM deficits in children with brain injury is unclear. Using paediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a model, this study investigated the sub-acute effect of paediatric traumatic brain injury on grey-matter volume of three large-scale, domain-general brain networks (the Default Mode Network, DMN; the Central Executive Network, CEN; and the Salience Network, SN), as well as two domain-specific neural networks implicated in social-affective processes (the Cerebro-Cerebellar Mentalizing Network, CCMN and the Mirror Neuron/Empathy Network, MNEN). We also evaluated prospective structure–function relationships between these large-scale neural networks and cognitive, affective and conative ToM. 3D T1- weighted magnetic resonance imaging sequences were acquired sub-acutely in 137 children [TBI: n = 103; typically developing (TD) children: n = 34]. All children were assessed on measures of ToM at 24-months post-injury. Children with severe TBI showed sub-acute volumetric reductions in the CCMN, SN, MNEN, CEN and DMN, as well as reduced grey-matter volumes of several hub regions of these neural networks. Volumetric reductions in the CCMN and several of its hub regions, including the cerebellum, predicted poorer cognitive ToM. In contrast, poorer affective and conative ToM were predicted by volumetric reductions in the SN and MNEN, respectively. Overall, results suggest that cognitive, affective and conative ToM may be prospectively predicted by individual differences in structure of different neural systems—the CCMN, SN and MNEN, respectively. The prospective relationship between cerebellar volume and cognitive ToM outcomes is a novel finding in our paediatric brain injury sample and suggests that the cerebellum may play a role in the neural networks important for ToM. These findings are discussed in relation to neurocognitive models of ToM. We conclude that detection of sub-acute volumetric abnormalities of large-scale neural networks and their hub regions may aid in the early identification of children at risk for chronic social-cognitive impairment. PMID:28505355

  11. Uncovering the neuroanatomical correlates of cognitive, affective and conative theory of mind in paediatric traumatic brain injury: a neural systems perspective.

    PubMed

    Ryan, Nicholas P; Catroppa, Cathy; Beare, Richard; Silk, Timothy J; Hearps, Stephen J; Beauchamp, Miriam H; Yeates, Keith O; Anderson, Vicki A

    2017-09-01

    Deficits in theory of mind (ToM) are common after neurological insult acquired in the first and second decade of life, however the contribution of large-scale neural networks to ToM deficits in children with brain injury is unclear. Using paediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a model, this study investigated the sub-acute effect of paediatric traumatic brain injury on grey-matter volume of three large-scale, domain-general brain networks (the Default Mode Network, DMN; the Central Executive Network, CEN; and the Salience Network, SN), as well as two domain-specific neural networks implicated in social-affective processes (the Cerebro-Cerebellar Mentalizing Network, CCMN and the Mirror Neuron/Empathy Network, MNEN). We also evaluated prospective structure-function relationships between these large-scale neural networks and cognitive, affective and conative ToM. 3D T1- weighted magnetic resonance imaging sequences were acquired sub-acutely in 137 children [TBI: n = 103; typically developing (TD) children: n = 34]. All children were assessed on measures of ToM at 24-months post-injury. Children with severe TBI showed sub-acute volumetric reductions in the CCMN, SN, MNEN, CEN and DMN, as well as reduced grey-matter volumes of several hub regions of these neural networks. Volumetric reductions in the CCMN and several of its hub regions, including the cerebellum, predicted poorer cognitive ToM. In contrast, poorer affective and conative ToM were predicted by volumetric reductions in the SN and MNEN, respectively. Overall, results suggest that cognitive, affective and conative ToM may be prospectively predicted by individual differences in structure of different neural systems-the CCMN, SN and MNEN, respectively. The prospective relationship between cerebellar volume and cognitive ToM outcomes is a novel finding in our paediatric brain injury sample and suggests that the cerebellum may play a role in the neural networks important for ToM. These findings are discussed in relation to neurocognitive models of ToM. We conclude that detection of sub-acute volumetric abnormalities of large-scale neural networks and their hub regions may aid in the early identification of children at risk for chronic social-cognitive impairment. © The Author (2017). Published by Oxford University Press.

  12. Knowledge and training in paediatric medical traumatic stress and trauma-informed care among emergency medical professionals in low- and middle-income countries

    PubMed Central

    2018-01-01

    ABSTRACT Background: Provision of psychosocial care, in particular trauma-informed care, in the immediate aftermath of paediatric injury is a recommended strategy to minimize the risk of paediatric medical traumatic stress. Objective: To examine the knowledge of paediatric medical traumatic stress and perspectives on providing trauma-informed care among emergency staff working in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Method: Training status, knowledge of paediatric medical traumatic stress, attitudes towards incorporating psychosocial care and barriers experienced were assessed using an online self-report questionnaire. Respondents included 320 emergency staff from 58 LMICs. Data analyses included descriptive statistics, t-tests and multiple regression. Results: Participating emergency staff working in LMICs had a low level of knowledge of paediatric medical traumatic stress. Ninety-one percent of respondents had not received any training or education in paediatric medical traumatic stress, or trauma-informed care for injured children, while 94% of respondents indicated they wanted training in this area. Conclusions: There appears to be a need for training and education of emergency staff in LMICs regarding paediatric medical traumatic stress and trauma-informed care, in particular among staff working in comparatively lower income countries. PMID:29760867

  13. Knowledge and training in paediatric medical traumatic stress and trauma-informed care among emergency medical professionals in low- and middle-income countries.

    PubMed

    Hoysted, Claire; Babl, Franz E; Kassam-Adams, Nancy; Landolt, Markus A; Jobson, Laura; Van Der Westhuizen, Claire; Curtis, Sarah; Kharbanda, Anupam B; Lyttle, Mark D; Parri, Niccolò; Stanley, Rachel; Alisic, Eva

    2018-01-01

    Background : Provision of psychosocial care, in particular trauma-informed care, in the immediate aftermath of paediatric injury is a recommended strategy to minimize the risk of paediatric medical traumatic stress. Objective : To examine the knowledge of paediatric medical traumatic stress and perspectives on providing trauma-informed care among emergency staff working in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Method : Training status, knowledge of paediatric medical traumatic stress, attitudes towards incorporating psychosocial care and barriers experienced were assessed using an online self-report questionnaire. Respondents included 320 emergency staff from 58 LMICs. Data analyses included descriptive statistics, t -tests and multiple regression. Results : Participating emergency staff working in LMICs had a low level of knowledge of paediatric medical traumatic stress. Ninety-one percent of respondents had not received any training or education in paediatric medical traumatic stress, or trauma-informed care for injured children, while 94% of respondents indicated they wanted training in this area. Conclusions : There appears to be a need for training and education of emergency staff in LMICs regarding paediatric medical traumatic stress and trauma-informed care, in particular among staff working in comparatively lower income countries.

  14. Post-concussion symptoms in mild traumatic brain injury: findings from a paediatric outpatient clinic.

    PubMed

    Dillard, Charles; Ditchman, Nicole; Nersessova, Karine; Foster, Nicola; Wehman, Paul; West, Michael; Riedlinger, Brendalin; Monasterio, Eugenio; Shaw, Bill; Neblett, Julie

    2017-03-01

    Purpose Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is common among children and is associated with a range of symptomatology and clinical presentations. This study uses data from a paediatric outpatient TBI clinic to (1) investigate characteristics associated with more severe post-concussive symptoms and (2) examine differences in the proportion of individuals endorsing specific post-concussion symptoms based on group (e.g., sex, type of injury, and psychiatric history). Methods Data from the Children's Hospital of Richmond's TBI outpatient programme were analysed (N = 157). Results Gender and sports injury were associated with severity of symptoms. In addition, females endorsed a greater number of overall symptoms than males. A number of specific symptoms were found to be endorsed to a greater extent based on psychiatric history and type of injury; however, overall total number of symptoms endorsed did not differ based on these characteristics. Conclusions Findings from this study provide further evidence that mTBI affects a wide range of youth and that associated symptomatology can indeed be varied. Moreover, results revealed differences in endorsement of specific symptoms and symptom severity based on patient and injury characteristics which have implications for concussion assessment and treatment. Implications for Rehabilitation Symptoms following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in children and adolescents can have varied presentation, ranging from minimal to severe. Females and those with non-sports-related injuries are more likely to endorse greater symptoms following concussion. Symptom evaluation is an essential component of the concussion assessment and treatment of paediatric patients following mTBI, and clinicians should be aware of patient characteristics associated with increased symptoms, especially when baseline symptom data are not available.

  15. Family environment influences emotion recognition following paediatric traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Schmidt, Adam T; Orsten, Kimberley D; Hanten, Gerri R; Li, Xiaoqi; Levin, Harvey S

    2010-01-01

    This study investigated the relationship between family functioning and performance on two tasks of emotion recognition (emotional prosody and face emotion recognition) and a cognitive control procedure (the Flanker task) following paediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) or orthopaedic injury (OI). A total of 142 children (75 TBI, 67 OI) were assessed on three occasions: baseline, 3 months and 1 year post-injury on the two emotion recognition tasks and the Flanker task. Caregivers also completed the Life Stressors and Resources Scale (LISRES) on each occasion. Growth curve analysis was used to analyse the data. Results indicated that family functioning influenced performance on the emotional prosody and Flanker tasks but not on the face emotion recognition task. Findings on both the emotional prosody and Flanker tasks were generally similar across groups. However, financial resources emerged as significantly related to emotional prosody performance in the TBI group only (p = 0.0123). Findings suggest family functioning variables--especially financial resources--can influence performance on an emotional processing task following TBI in children.

  16. [How can we determine the best cerebral perfusion pressure in pediatric traumatic brain injury?].

    PubMed

    Vuillaume, C; Mrozek, S; Fourcade, O; Geeraerts, T

    2013-12-01

    The management of cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) is the one of the main preoccupation for the care of paediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI). The physiology of cerebral autoregulation, CO2 vasoreactivity, cerebral metabolism changes with age as well as the brain compliance. Low CPP leads to high morbidity and mortality in pediatric TBI. The recent guidelines for the management of CPP for the paediatric TBI indicate a CPP threshold 40-50 mmHg (infants for the lower and adolescent for the upper). But we must consider the importance of age-related differences in the arterial pressure and CPP. The best CPP is the one that allows to avoid cerebral ischaemia and oedema. In this way, the adaptation of optimal CPP must be individual. To assess this objective, interesting tools are available. Transcranial Doppler can be used to determine the best level of CPP. Other indicators can predict the impairment of autoregulation like pressure reactivity index (PRx) taking into consideration the respective changes in ICP and CPP. Measurement of brain tissue oxygen partial pressure is an other tool that can be used to determine the optimal CPP. Copyright © 2013 Société française d’anesthésie et de réanimation (Sfar). Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.

  17. Plasma D-dimer as a Prognostic Marker in ICU Admitted Egyptian Children with Traumatic Brain Injury.

    PubMed

    Foaud, Hala Mohamed Amin; Labib, John Rene; Metwally, Hala Gabr; El-Twab, Khaled Mohamed Abd

    2014-09-01

    Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children. This study aimed at evaluation of the D-dimer blood levels as a new marker to predict prognosis and outcome of traumatic brain injuries among children. This case control study was conducted at the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Alharm Hospital in Giza, Egypt during 2012-2013, on 46 Paediatric cases admitted to ICU with head injury and 20 normal age-matched controls. Clinical data and venous blood samples were prospectively collected at 1(st), 3(rd) and 14(th) day of admission, in addition to examination finding as Glasgow coma scale (GCS), cranial brain computed tomography (CT), routine laboratory investigations (CBC, CRP, SGOT, SGPT, urea, creatinine, random blood glucose, Na, K and arterial blood gases) plasma D-dimer, INR, PT, aPTT and PC. Data analysis was carried out accordingly and ROC curve was performed to explore the discriminating ability of D-dimer through estimation of its accuracy in differentiating temporal survivorship of those with TBI. Cases were classified according to outcome into survivors and non-survivors. Significant difference was observed between cases and controls and between survivors and non-survivors during 1(st), 3(rd) and 14(th) day of the follow up including GCS, blood levels of D-dimer, PT and aPTT. ROC curve analysis for D-dimer showed decline in both sensitivity from 89.5% to 73.7% and specificity from 100% to 81.5% along the study days respectively. D-dimer time measurements showed significant decline among survivors from 4.2 to 0.7, while in the non survivor group this decline was much higher from 27.9 to 1.4. Low plasma D-dimer suggests the absence of brain injury, and good prognosis.

  18. MMPI-2 profiles 23 years after paediatric mild traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Hessen, Erik; Anderson, Vicki; Nestvold, Knut

    2008-01-01

    Research suggest that post-concussive syndrome after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is more common than chronic cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to investigate very long-term outcome of subjective complaints after paediatric mTBI. The study was a follow-up 23 years after a prospective head injury study at a general hospital in Norway. Forty-one patients were assessed with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) 23 years after sustaining mTBI as children. A good overall outcome was found with scores close to the normative mean, average length of education and normal employment rate. However, the children that sustained complicated mTBI showed slightly more pathological scores, typical for mild post-concussive syndrome. The most important predictors of poor outcome were skull fracture and a combination of post-traumatic amnesia > 30 minutes and EEG pathology within 24 hours after TBI. No influence of pre- and post-injury risk factors on current MMPI-2 profiles was evident. The results give support for the notion of potentially differential impact of uncomplicated vs complicated mTBI. The findings suggest that children and adolescents sustaining complicated mTBI may be at risk of developing subtle chronic symptoms typical of post-concussive syndrome.

  19. Family environment influences emotion recognition following paediatric traumatic brain injury

    PubMed Central

    SCHMIDT, ADAM T.; ORSTEN, KIMBERLEY D.; HANTEN, GERRI R.; LI, XIAOQI; LEVIN, HARVEY S.

    2011-01-01

    Objective This study investigated the relationship between family functioning and performance on two tasks of emotion recognition (emotional prosody and face emotion recognition) and a cognitive control procedure (the Flanker task) following paediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) or orthopaedic injury (OI). Methods A total of 142 children (75 TBI, 67 OI) were assessed on three occasions: baseline, 3 months and 1 year post-injury on the two emotion recognition tasks and the Flanker task. Caregivers also completed the Life Stressors and Resources Scale (LISRES) on each occasion. Growth curve analysis was used to analyse the data. Results Results indicated that family functioning influenced performance on the emotional prosody and Flanker tasks but not on the face emotion recognition task. Findings on both the emotional prosody and Flanker tasks were generally similar across groups. However, financial resources emerged as significantly related to emotional prosody performance in the TBI group only (p = 0.0123). Conclusions Findings suggest family functioning variables—especially financial resources—can influence performance on an emotional processing task following TBI in children. PMID:21058900

  20. Clinical progression and outcome of dysphagia following paediatric traumatic brain injury: a prospective study.

    PubMed

    Morgan, Angela; Ward, Elizabeth; Murdoch, Bruce

    2004-04-01

    To provide a preliminary clinical profile of the resolution and outcomes of oral-motor impairment and swallowing function in a group of paediatric dysphagia patients post-traumatic brain injury (TBI). To document the level of cognitive impairment parallel to the return to oral intake, and to investigate the correlation between the resolution of impaired swallow function versus the resolution of oral-motor impairment and cognitive impairment. Thirteen children admitted to an acute care setting for TBI. A series of oral-motor (Verbal Motor Production Assessment for Children, Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment, Schedule for Oral Motor Assessment) and swallowing (Paramatta Hospital's Assessment for Dysphagia) assessments, an outcome measure for swallowing (Royal Brisbane Hospital's Outcome Measure for Swallowing), and a cognitive rating scale (Rancho Level of Cognitive Functioning Scale). Across the patient group, oral-motor deficits resolved to normal status between 3 and 11 weeks post-referral (and at an average of 12 weeks post-injury) and swallowing function and resolution to normal diet status were achieved by 3-11 weeks post-referral (and at an average of 12 weeks post-injury). The resolution of dysphagia and the resolution of oral-motor impairment and cognitive impairment were all highly correlated. The provision of a preliminary profile of oral-motor functioning and dysphagia resolution, and data on the linear relationship between swallowing impairment and cognition, will provide baseline information on the course of rehabilitation of dysphagia in the paediatric population post-TBI. Such data will contribute to more informed service provision and rehabilitation planning for paediatric patients post-TBI.

  1. Hypertonic saline in paediatric traumatic brain injury: a review of nine years' experience with 23.4% hypertonic saline as standard hyperosmolar therapy.

    PubMed

    Piper, B J; Harrigan, P W

    2015-03-01

    We describe the protocolised use of 23.4% hypertonic saline solution (HTS) for intracranial hypertension in the context of traumatic brain injury in the paediatric population. This study represents the largest published data on the use of 23.4% HTS in the paediatric population. In this retrospective cohort, we focus on the efficacy, biochemical and metabolic consequences of 23.4% HTS administration in a Level 1 paediatric trauma centre. Mortality in the first seven days was 6% (2/32) with a mean intensive care unit length-of-stay of ten days (range 2 to 25, standard deviation [SD] 6). All-cause hospital mortality was 6%, with no deaths after the seven-day study period. Mean intracranial pressure (ICP) response to HTS was 10 mmHg (range 1 to 30, SD 8). For biochemistry data, the mean highest daily serum sodium was 148 mmol/l (139 to 161, SD 6), mean highest serum chloride was 115 mmol/l (range 101 to 132, SD 8) with matched mean serum base excess of -1.5 mmol/l (range 2 to -8, SD 3) and mean peak serum creatinine was 73 mmol/l (range 32 to 104, SD 32). Glasgow outcome scores of >3 (independent function) were achieved in 74% of patients. We describe the use of 23.4% HTS, demonstrating it to be a practical and efficacious method of delivering osmoles and may be advantageous in minimising total fluid volume. Thus, the bolus versus infusion debate may best be served via combining both approaches.

  2. Educational skills: long-term outcome and predictors following paediatric traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Catroppa, Cathy; Anderson, Vicki A; Muscara, Frank; Morse, Sue A; Haritou, Flora; Rosenfeld, Jeffrey V; Heinrich, Liesl M

    2009-10-01

    Given that reading, spelling and arithmetic skills are acquired through childhood, their development may be compromised following a childhood traumatic brain injury (TBI). The present study examined educational skills (reading accuracy, spelling and arithmetic) at a mean follow-up interval of 6.8 years post-injury in children who had sustained a mild, moderate, or severe TBI at two ages: 'Young' (age at injury: 3-7 years, n = 48) and 'Old': (age at injury: 8-12 years, n = 36). Comparisons between the young and old TBI groups resulted in inconsistent findings. While a dose-response relationship for severity was evident for the young group, this was not always the case for the old group. Significant predictors of outcome included both severity and acute intellectual function.

  3. Parenting a child with a traumatic brain injury: experiences of parents and health professionals.

    PubMed

    Brown, Felicity L; Whittingham, Koa; Sofronoff, Kate; Boyd, Roslyn N

    2013-01-01

    To qualitatively explore the experiences, challenges and needs of parents of children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in order to inform future intervention research through incorporation of participant knowledge and experience. Parents of children with TBI (n = 10) and experienced health professionals in paediatric rehabilitation (n = 5) took part in focus groups or individual interviews. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and an inductive thematic analysis performed. Participants reported that, beyond the impact of the injury on the child, TBI affects the entire family. Parents need to adjust to and manage their child's difficulties and can also experience significant emotional distress, relationship discord and burden of care, further adding to the challenges of the parenting role. Parents can feel isolated and the importance of empowerment, support and information was emphasized. Coping styles of disengagement and avoidance were often reported, despite acknowledgement that these were not beneficial. Parenting interventions may provide essential support for parents in adjusting to and managing their child's difficulties and the efficacy of existing programmes needs evaluation. Addressing parent emotional adjustment and coping strategies is vital following paediatric TBI, given the impact on parent well-being and the potential negative effects on child outcomes through reduced parenting effectiveness. Group programmes may enable connection and support.

  4. Factors related to fatigue after paediatric acquired brain injury (ABI).

    PubMed

    van Markus-Doornbosch, F; de Kloet, A J; Berger, M A M; Lambregts, S A M; Wolterbeek, R; Vliet Vlieland, T P M

    2016-01-01

    To assess the degree of fatigue in children and youth after traumatic and non-traumatic brain injury (TBI and NTBI) and related factors. Follow-up study including patients with a hospital-based diagnosis of acquired brain injury (ABI), aged 4-20 years at onset and their parents. Parents and children (dependent on age) completed the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ Multidimensional Fatigue Scale (PedsQL™ MFS), which measures general fatigue (GF), sleep/rest fatigue (SRF) and cognitive fatigue (CF). Additional assessments included the Child & Family Follow-up Survey (CFFS) and PedsQL™ 4.0 General Core Scales and sociodemographic and disease characteristics. Eighty-eight parents completed the PedsQL™ MFS 24-30 months after diagnosis, with 49/88 patients (56%) completing the child version. The median age of the patients was 11 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 7). There were 69 patients with TBI (16% moderate/severe TBI) and 19 patients with NTBI (16% moderate/severe NTBI). The median parent-reported and child-reported PedsQL™ MFS Total Scale Scores were 76.5 (SD = 16.4) and 78.5 (12.9), respectively (Spearman r = 0.450, p = 0.001). Apart from NTBI, increasing age and a single-parent household were significantly associated with more fatigue according to the parent-reported PedsQL™ MFS Total Score (and/or one or more sub-scale scores). Two years after onset, in particular, the parent-reported fatigue after NTBI was considerable. Moreover, older children and children from a single-parent household were found to have higher fatigue levels.

  5. Post-traumatic stress symptoms in children and adolescents with chronic pain: A topical review of the literature and a proposed framework for future research

    PubMed Central

    Holley, A.L.; Wilson, A.C.; Noel, M.; Palermo, T.M.

    2018-01-01

    Background and objective The co-occurrence of chronic pain and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has gained increasing research attention. Studies on associations among pain and PTSS or PTSD in youth have largely been conducted in the context of acute injury or trauma. Less is known about the risk for co-occurrence with paediatric chronic pain. In this review, we (1) propose a conceptual framework to outline factors salient during childhood that may be associated with symptom severity, co-occurrence and mutual maintenance, (2) present relevant literature on PTSS in youth with acute and chronic pain and identify research gaps and (3) provide recommendations to guide paediatric research examining shared symptomatology. Databases and data treatment Electronic databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) were used to identify relevant articles using the search terms ‘child, adolescent, paediatric, chronic pain, acute pain, post-traumatic stress symptoms and post-traumatic stress disorder’. Studies were retrieved and reviewed based on relevance to the topic. Results Our findings revealed that existing biobehavioural and ecological models of paediatric chronic pain lack attention to traumatic events or the potential development of PTSS. Paediatric studies are also limited by lack of a conceptual framework for understanding the prevalence, risk and trajectories of PTSS in youth with chronic pain. Conclusions Our new developmentally informed framework highlights individual symptoms and shared contextual factors that are important when examining potential associations among paediatric chronic pain and PTSS. Future studies should consider bidirectional and mutually maintaining associations, which will be aided by prospective, longitudinal designs. PMID:27275585

  6. Hypothalamo-hypophysial dysfunction after traumatic brain injury in children and adolescents: a preliminary retrospective and prospective study.

    PubMed

    Einaudi, S; Matarazzo, P; Peretta, P; Grossetti, R; Giordano, F; Altare, F; Bondone, C; Andreo, M; Ivani, G; Genitori, L; de Sanctis, C

    2006-05-01

    With two study protocols, one retrospective and the other prospective, we evaluated hypothalamo-hypophysial dysfunction (HHD) in paediatric patients treated for traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the neurosurgical or intensive care department at our hospital. The retrospective group comprised 22 patients who had experienced TBI 0.7-7.25 years before the study. The prospective group included 30 patients assessed at TBI (T0), 26 of 30 after 6 months (T6), and 20 of 26 after 12 months (T12). Auxological and hormonal basal parameters of hypothalamo-hypophysial function were evaluated at recall in the retrospective group, and at T0, T6 and T12 in the prospective group. Basal data and standard dynamic tests in selected patients revealed one with precocious puberty, one with total anterior hypopituitarism, one with central hypogonadism, and one with growth hormone (GH) deficiency in the retrospective group; three patients with cerebral salt-wasting syndrome, one with diabetes insipidus and seven with low T3 syndrome at T0 (all transient), one with hypocorticism at T6 confirmed at T12, and one with GH deficiency at T12 in the prospective group. The results of our study show that post-TBI HHD in our paediatric cohort is not uncommon. Of the 48 patients who underwent a complete evaluation (22 retrospective study patients and 26 prospective study patients evaluated at T6) five (10.4%) developed HHD 6 months or more after TBI. HHD was newly diagnosed in one previously normal patient from the prospective group at 12 months after TBI. GH deficiency was the most frequent disorder in our paediatric cohort.

  7. Brain biomarkers and pre-injury cognition are associated with long-term cognitive outcome in children with traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Wilkinson, Amy A; Dennis, Maureen; Simic, Nevena; Taylor, Margot J; Morgan, Benjamin R; Frndova, Helena; Choong, Karen; Campbell, Craig; Fraser, Douglas; Anderson, Vicki; Guerguerian, Anne-Marie; Schachar, Russell; Hutchison, Jamie

    2017-07-24

    Children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are frequently at risk of long-term impairments of attention and executive functioning but these problems are difficult to predict. Although deficits have been reported to vary with injury severity, age at injury and sex, prognostication of outcome remains imperfect at a patient-specific level. The objective of this proof of principle study was to evaluate a variety of patient variables, along with six brain-specific and inflammatory serum protein biomarkers, as predictors of long-term cognitive outcome following paediatric TBI. Outcome was assessed in 23 patients via parent-rated questionnaires related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and executive functioning, using the Conners 3rd Edition Rating Scales (Conners-3) and Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) at a mean time since injury of 3.1 years. Partial least squares (PLS) analyses were performed to identify factors measured at the time of injury that were most closely associated with outcome on (1) the Conners-3 and (2) the Behavioural Regulation Index (BRI) and (3) Metacognition Index (MI) of the BRIEF. Higher levels of neuron specific enolase (NSE) and lower levels of soluble neuron cell adhesion molecule (sNCAM) were associated with higher scores on the inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity and executive functioning scales of the Conners-3, as well as working memory and initiate scales of the MI from the BRIEF. Higher levels of NSE only were associated with higher scores on the inhibit scale of the BRI. NSE and sNCAM show promise as reliable, early predictors of long-term attention-related and executive functioning problems following paediatric TBI.

  8. The impact of early hyperglycaemia on children with traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Fu, Yue-Qiang; Chong, Shu-Ling; Lee, Jan Hau; Liu, Cheng-Jun; Fu, Sheng; Loh, Tsee Foong; Ng, Kee Chong; Xu, Feng

    2017-01-01

    Hyperglycaemia is common amongst children with traumatic brain injury (TBI). We aim to investigate the association between early hyperglycaemia and poor clinical outcomes in children with moderate to severe TBI. We performed a retrospective study in a tertiary paediatric hospital between May 2012 and October 2014 of all patients with TBI who were aged <16 years with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of ≤13. The primary outcome was death. Secondary outcomes were 14 ventilation-free, 14 paediatric intensive care unit (PICU)-free and 28 hospital-free days. We defined hyperglycaemia as glucose >11.1 mmol/L (200 mg/dL). There were 109 patients with a median age of 54 months [inter-quartile range (IQR): 17-82]. Median glucose on arrival was 6.1 mmol/L (IQR: 5.2-9.8). Median GCS in our cohort was 8 (IQR: 6-12). Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that initial hyperglycaemia [odds ratio (OR): 15.23; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.74-62.00; P < 0.001], and GCS <8 (OR: 13.02; 95% CI: 2.31-73.33; P = 0.004) were risk factors for mortality. Multivariate linear regression showed that initial hyperglycaemia was a risk factor for reduced ventilation-free, PICU-free and hospital-free days. Early hyperglycaemia predicts for in-hospital mortality, reduced ventilation-free, PICU-free and hospital-free days in children with moderate to severe TBI.

  9. Ten-year outcome of early childhood traumatic brain injury: Diffusion tensor imaging of the ventral striatum in relation to executive functioning.

    PubMed

    Faber, J; Wilde, E A; Hanten, G; Ewing-Cobbs, L; Aitken, M E; Yallampalli, R; MacLeod, M C; Mullins, S H; Chu, Z D; Li, X; Hunter, J V; Noble-Haeusslein, L; Levin, H S

    2016-01-01

    The long-term effects of TBI on verbal fluency and related structures, as well as the relation between cognition and structural integrity, were evaluated. It was hypothesized that the group with TBI would evidence poorer performance on cognitive measures and a decrease in structural integrity. Between a paediatric group with TBI and a group of typically-developing children, the long-term effects of traumatic brain injury were investigated in relation to both structural integrity and cognition. Common metrics for diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were used as indicators of white matter integrity. Using DTI, this study examined ventral striatum (VS) integrity in 21 patients aged 10-18 years sustaining moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) 5-15 years earlier and 16 demographically comparable subjects. All participants completed Delis-Kaplan Executive Functioning System (D-KEFS) sub-tests. The group with TBI exhibited lower fractional anisotropy (FA) and executive functioning performance and higher apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). DTI metrics correlated with D-KEFS performance (right VS FA with Inhibition errors, right VS ADC with Letter Fluency, left VS FA and ADC with Category Switching). TBI affects VS integrity, even in a chronic phase, and may contribute to executive functioning deficits.

  10. Fluid bolus therapy in critically ill children: a survey of practice among paediatric intensive care doctors in Australia and New Zealand.

    PubMed

    Gelbart, Ben; Schlapbach, Luregn; Ganeshalingham, Anusha; Ganu, Subodh; Erickson, Simon; Oberender, Felix; Hoq, Monsurul; Williams, Gary; George, Shane; Festa, Marino

    2018-06-01

    Fluid bolus therapy (FBT) is a widely used intervention in paediatric critical illness. The aim of this study was to describe the attitudes and practices towards FBT of paediatric intensive care doctors in Australia and New Zealand. An internet-based survey of paediatric intensive care doctors in Australia and New Zealand between 7 and 30 November 2016. Paediatric intensive care units with greater than 400 admissions annually. Paediatric intensive care specialists and junior medical staff. Preferences for FBT and markers of fluid responsiveness. There were 106/175 respondents (61%); 0.9% saline and 4% albumin are used frequently or almost always by 86% and 57% of respondents respectively. The preferred volume and duration were 10 mL/kg in less than 10 minutes. The highest rated markers of fluid responsiveness were heart rate and blood pressure - rated as "good" or "very good" by 75% and 58% of respondents respectively. Central venous saturations and serum lactate were the highest rated biochemical markers. The most frequently expected magnitude of change for heart rate and blood pressure was 6-15% by 89% and 76% of respondents respectively. The preferred fluid composition for sepsis, trauma, traumatic brain injury and acute lung injury was 0.9% saline, and 4% albumin for post-operative cardiac surgery. Paediatric intensive care doctors prefer 0.9% saline and 4% albumin for FBT. Heart rate and blood pressure are the most preferred markers to assess fluid responsiveness. Preferences for FBT in specific conditions exist.

  11. Paediatric and adolescent traumatic gastrointestinal injuries: results of a European multicentre analysis.

    PubMed

    Fischerauer, E E; Zötsch, S; Capito, C; Bonnard, A; Sárközy, S; Berndt, J; Hosie, S; Beltra Pico, R; Steinau, G; Wiejek, A; Czauderna, P; Çelik, A; Lain Fernandez, A; Ibanez, V M; Esposito, C; Saxena, A K

    2013-10-01

    Paediatric gastrointestinal injuries (GIIs) are rare, and the aim of this multicentre study was to evaluate their outcomes in a large cohort. Hospital databases of 10 European paediatric surgical centres were reviewed for paediatric traumatic GIIs managed between 2000-2010. Ninety-seven patients with a median age of 9 years (0-17 years) were identified, with 72 blunt and 25 penetrating GIIs. Initial diagnostics in 90 patients led to correct diagnosis in 71%. Diagnostics were delayed in 26 patients (median 24 h). Eighty-two patients required surgery (67 laparotomy, 12 laparoscopy and three other approaches). There was a 50% conversion in the laparoscopic group. Median hospital stay was 10 days (range 1-137 days), with longer duration influenced by associated injuries (n = 41). Diagnosis <24 h was associated with significantly shorter hospital stay compared to more than 24 h (p = 0.011). In one-third of patients, morbidities were not related to a diagnostic delay or type of injury. There were five lethal outcomes, four due to associated injuries. Initial diagnostics in traumatic paediatric GIIs provide false negatives in one-third of patients. Diagnostic delay <24 h is associated with a significantly shorter hospital stay. Although laparoscopy is associated with a conversion rate of 50%, it can be used for diagnosis in suspected cases to avoid nontherapeutic laparotomy. ©2013 Foundation Acta Paediatrica. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  12. Intranasal Nerve Growth Factor administration improves cerebral functions in a child with severe traumatic brain injury: A case report.

    PubMed

    Chiaretti, Antonio; Conti, Giorgio; Falsini, Benedetto; Buonsenso, Danilo; Crasti, Matteo; Manni, Luigi; Soligo, Marzia; Fantacci, Claudia; Genovese, Orazio; Calcagni, Maria Lucia; Di Giuda, Daniela; Mattoli, Maria Vittoria; Cocciolillo, Fabrizio; Ferrara, Pietro; Ruggiero, Antonio; Staccioli, Susanna; Colafati, Giovanna Stefania; Riccardi, Riccardo

    2017-01-01

    Nerve growth factor (NGF) promotes neural recovery after experimental traumatic brain injury (TBI) supporting neuronal growth, differentiation and survival of brain cells and up-regulating the neurogenesis-associated protein Doublecortin (DCX). Only a few studies reported NGF administration in paediatric patients with severe TBI. A four-year-old boy in a persistent unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS) was treated with intranasal murine NGF administration 6 months after severe TBI. The patient received four cycles of intranasal NGF (0.1 mg/kg, twice a day for 10 consecutive days). NGF administration improved functional [Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT); Single photon emission/Computed Tomography (SPECT/CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)] assessment, electrophysiological [Electroencephalogram (EEG) and Visual Evoked Potential (VEP)] studies and clinical conditions. He showed improvements in voluntary movements, facial mimicry, phonation, attention and verbal comprehension, ability to cry, cough reflex, oral motility, feeding capacity, and bowel and urinary functions. After NGF administration, raised levels of both NGF and DCX were found in the cerebrospinal fluid of the patient. No side effects were reported. Although further studies are needed for better understanding the neuroprotective role of this neurotrophin, intranasal NGF administration appears to be a promising and safe rescuing strategy treatment in children with neurological impairment after TBI.

  13. Incidence and clinical presentation of dysarthria and dysphagia in the acute setting following paediatric traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Morgan, A T; Mageandran, S-D; Mei, C

    2010-01-01

    A lack of data on dysarthria and dysphagia outcomes for children following traumatic brain injury (TBI) limits our clinical evidence base, and poses daily challenges for the speech language pathologist (SLP) managing this group. The present study aimed to examine dysarthria and dysphagia incidence and the clinical presentation of children with these disorders in the acute phase following TBI. Incidence and characteristics were determined via a comprehensive retrospective medical chart review of children consecutively referred to a tertiary paediatric hospital over an 8-year period. Cases (n= 22 dysarthria, n= 72 dysphagia) and matched controls were compared across ancillary variables (e.g. age, severity of TBI, motor impairment). Incidence across the entire cohort was low [i.e. dysarthria (1.2%, 22/1895), dysphagia (3.8%, 72/1895)], but was markedly higher for the sub-category of children with severe TBI [e.g. dysphagia (76%, 63/83)]. Speech deficits were reported across respiration, phonation, resonance, articulation and prosody. Swallowing deficits included reduced lip closure, delayed swallow initiation, wet voice and coughing. Language and swallowing deficits were often co-morbid with dysarthria. Motor impairment was frequently co-morbid with both dysarthria and dysphagia. Cases had longer periods of hospitalization, ventilation and supplementary feeding compared with controls. Despite the low incidence of dysarthria and dysphagia across the entire TBI cohort, this sub-group may place longer-term burden on SLP services, having prolonged periods of ventilation, extended periods of hospitalization and a complex co-morbid clinical presentation compared with controls. The prevalence of co-morbid communication and swallowing impairments suggests a need for integrated rather than single discipline (i.e. dysphagia stream only) SLP services.

  14. Development and preliminary validation of the Paediatric Awareness Questionnaire for children and adolescents with traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Lloyd, Owen; Ownsworth, Tamara; Fleming, Jennifer; Zimmer-Gembeck, Melanie J

    2018-07-01

    There is a lack of validated measures for assessing self-awareness of deficits after pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI). The current study aimed to develop and examine the psychometric properties of the Paediatric Awareness Questionnaire (PAQ), and investigate factors related to self-awareness. The PAQ was administered to 32 children aged 8-16 years with mild to severe TBI (72% male, M age = 11.75, SD = 2.9), their parents, and treating clinicians, and to 32 age- and gender-matched typically developing controls and their parents. Children with TBI and their parents also completed the Knowledge of Injury Checklist (KIC), and parents completed the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale 21. The PAQ was found to have fair to excellent (α = .79-.97) internal consistency for all versions across both groups and good concordance between parent and clinician total scores (ICC = .78). There was also evidence of convergent validity between the PAQ and KIC for both child (r = -.45, p < .05) and parent ratings (r = -.66, p < .001). Poorer self-awareness was significantly related to younger age at injury for the TBI group and lower parental education for the total sample. ANCOVA identified that children with TBI demonstrated significantly poorer awareness than controls after controlling for parental education. Children with TBI typically overestimated their functioning compared to their parents, whereas typically developing children tended to rate their functioning lower than their parents. These findings provide preliminary support for the reliability and validity of the PAQ for assessing self-awareness after pediatric TBI.

  15. Music therapy as a non-pharmacological anxiolytic for paediatric radiotherapy patients.

    PubMed

    O'Callaghan, C; Sexton, M; Wheeler, G

    2007-04-01

    Outpatient radiotherapy treatment in the paediatric cancer patient can be a traumatic and an anxiety-provoking experience for both the patient and the family. Music therapy has been widely reported to have psychosocial, educational and physical benefits for the paediatric cancer patient. Using individual case reports, this paper shows the successful use of music therapy as a non-pharmacological anxiolytic in the paediatric radiotherapy, outpatient waiting room setting, by providing the patient and the family with a means of communication, self-expression and creativity.

  16. Mild traumatic brain injury in children: management practices in the acute care setting.

    PubMed

    Kool, Bridget; King, Vivienne; Chelimo, Carol; Dalziel, Stuart; Shepherd, Michael; Neutze, Jocelyn; Chambers, Nikki; Wells, Susan

    2014-08-01

    Accurate diagnosis, treatment and follow up of children suffering mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) is important as post-concussive symptoms and long-term disability might occur. This research explored the decisions clinicians make in their assessment and management of children with MTBI in acute care settings, and identified barriers and enablers to the delivery of best-practice care. A purposeful sample of 29 clinicians employed in two metropolitan paediatric EDs and one Urgent Care clinic was surveyed using a vignette-based questionnaire that also included domains of guideline awareness, attitudes to MTBI care, use of clinical decision support systems, and knowledge and skills for practising evidence-based healthcare. Overall, the evaluation and management of children presenting acutely with MTBI generally followed best-practice guidelines, particularly in relation to identifying intracranial injuries that might require surgical intervention, observation for potential deterioration, adequate pain management and the provision of written head injury advice on discharge. Larger variation emerged in regard to follow-up care and referral pathways. Potential barriers to best- practice were lack of guideline awareness, attitudes to MTBI, and lack of time or other priorities. Opportunities exist to improve care for children who present in acute care settings following mild traumatic brain injury. These include having up-to-date guidelines that are consistent across acute care settings; providing clearer pathways for referral and follow up; targeting continuing medical education towards potential complications; and providing computerised decision support so that assessment and management are conducted systematically. © 2014 Australasian College for Emergency Medicine and Australasian Society for Emergency Medicine.

  17. An online positive parenting skills programme for paediatric traumatic brain injury: feasibility and parental satisfaction.

    PubMed

    Antonini, Tanya N; Raj, Stacey P; Oberjohn, Karen S; Wade, Shari L

    2012-09-01

    We examined the feasibility of and parental satisfaction with a training programme for parents with children who had suffered traumatic brain injury (TBI). Families who did not have a home computer and/or webcam were loaned the necessary equipment. Skype was used for videoconferencing. After the initial treatment session in the family's home, the remaining nine sessions were conducted online. Each session had two parts: (1) a self-guided web session with information about a particular skill; (2) a videoconference session with the therapist. Three of the 20 families (15%) dropped out prior to the final 6-month follow-up visit. Of the remaining 17 families, 13 (65% of those enrolled) completed 9-14 sessions. Almost all of the caregivers (87%) said that the Skype sessions were helpful compared to a conventional office visit. Almost all parents were satisfied with the programme and the technology that was used. Parental satisfaction with the programme was not influenced by prior computer ownership or comfort with technology. The programme appears to be feasible for a wide range of parents of children with TBI and provides an alternative to conventional office-based sessions that may not be accessible to all families.

  18. Paediatric traumatic cardiac arrest: a Delphi study to establish consensus on definition and management.

    PubMed

    Rickard, Annette C; Vassallo, James; Nutbeam, Tim; Lyttle, Mark D; Maconochie, Ian K; Enki, Doyo G; Smith, Jason E

    2018-04-28

    Paediatric traumatic cardiac arrest (TCA) is associated with low survival and poor outcomes. The mechanisms that underlie TCA are different from medical cardiac arrest; the approach to treatment of TCA may therefore also need to differ to optimise outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore the opinion of subject matter experts regarding the diagnosis and treatment of paediatric TCA, and to reach consensus on how best to manage this group of patients. An online Delphi study was conducted over three rounds, with the aim of achieving consensus (defined as 70% agreement) on statements related to the diagnosis and management of paediatric TCA. Participants were invited from paediatric and adult emergency medicine, paediatric anaesthetics, paediatric ICU and paediatric surgery, as well as Paediatric Major Trauma Centre leads and representatives from the Resuscitation Council UK. Statements were informed by literature reviews and were based on elements of APLS resuscitation algorithms as well as some concepts used in the management of adult TCA; they ranged from confirmation of cardiac arrest to the indications for thoracotomy. 73 experts completed all three rounds between June and November 2016. Consensus was reached on 14 statements regarding the diagnosis and management of paediatric TCA; oxygenation and ventilatory support, along with rapid volume replacement with warmed blood, improve survival. The duration of cardiac arrest and the lack of a response to intervention, along with cardiac standstill on ultrasound, help to guide the decision to terminate resuscitation. This study has given a consensus-based framework to guide protocol development in the management of paediatric TCA, though further work is required in other key areas including its acceptability to clinicians. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

  19. The impact of the introduction of PECARN head CT rules on the utilisation of head CT scans in a private tertiary hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa.

    PubMed

    Kobe, Isaac O; Qureshi, Mahmoud M; Hassan, Saidi; Oluoch-Olunya, David L

    2017-12-01

    The decision to order head CT scans to rule out clinically significant traumatic brain injury in mild head injury in children is made on the basis of clinical decision rules of which the Paediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) CT head rules have been found to be most sensitive. The purpose of this study is to determine the proportion of head CT scans done for children with mild head injury and to determine disposition of patients from casualty after the introduction of PECARN head CT rules compared to the period before. The research question is "will introduction of the PECARN CT head rules reduce the proportion of head CT scans requested for children under 18 years with mild head injury at the AKUHN?" A before and after quasi experimental study with a study population including all children under 18 years presenting to the AKUHN with mild head injury and a Glasgow coma scale of 14 and above on presentation. Sample size was 85. A total of 42 patients files were analysed in the before study while 43 patients were selected for the after study. The median age was 5 years. The proportion of head CT scans reduced from 56% in the before group to 33% in the after group with no missed clinically significant traumatic brain injury. More patients were discharged home after evaluation in the after group (81%) than in the before group (58%). The number of head CT scans ordered reduced without missing any clinically significant traumatic brain injury.

  20. Improving child and parenting outcomes following paediatric acquired brain injury: a randomised controlled trial of Stepping Stones Triple P plus Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

    PubMed

    Brown, Felicity L; Whittingham, Koa; Boyd, Roslyn N; McKinlay, Lynne; Sofronoff, Kate

    2014-10-01

    Persistent behavioural difficulties are common following paediatric acquired brain injury (ABI). Parents and families also experience heightened stress, psychological symptoms and burden, and there is evidence of a reciprocal relationship between parent and child functioning, which may be mediated by the adoption of maladaptive parenting practices. Despite this, there is currently a paucity of research in family interventions in this population. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of Stepping Stones Triple P: Positive Parenting Program (SSTP), with an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) workshop, in improving child outcomes and parenting practices following paediatric ABI. Fifty-nine parents of children (mean age 7 years, SD 3 years, 1 month; 35 males, 24 females) with ABI (Traumatic injuries 58%, Tumour 17%, Encephalitis or meningitis 15%, Cardiovascular accident 7%, Hypoxia 3%) who were evidencing at least mild behaviour problems were randomly assigned to treatment or care-as-usual conditions over 10 weeks. Mixed-model repeated-measures linear regression analyses were conducted to compare conditions from pre- to postintervention on child behavioural and emotional functioning (Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) and dysfunctional parenting style (Parenting Scale). Assessment of maintenance of change was conducted at a 6-month follow-up. The trial was registered on Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ID: ACTRN12610001051033, www.anzctr.org.au). Significant time-by-condition interactions were identified on number and intensity of child behaviour problems, child emotional symptoms and parenting laxness and overreactivity, indicating significant improvements in the treatment condition, with medium-to-large effect sizes. Most improvements were maintained at 6 months. Group parenting interventions incorporating Triple P and ACT may be efficacious in improving child and parenting outcomes following paediatric ABI. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. © 2014 Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health.

  1. Sudden death in paediatrics as a traumatic experience for critical care nurses.

    PubMed

    Lima, Lígia; Gonçalves, Sandra; Pinto, Cândida

    2018-01-01

    Research shows that nurses working in critical care units and in particular, paediatric units, are at risk of developing symptoms of secondary traumatic stress (STS). However, little attention has been given to this phenomenon when associated with situations of sudden death in paediatrics. This study aimed to examine the impact of sudden death in paediatrics on nurses working in paediatrics critical care units and to explore nurses' experiences of this event. This study used a mixed-methods design. The Impact of Event Scale - Revised was used for investigating the presence of STS symptoms. In addition, an interview was conducted with six nurses. Fifty-seven percent of nurses responded to the surveys and six nurses were interviewed. The results showed that the sudden death of children and adolescents is an event that elicits symptoms of STS in nurses. The quantitative assessment, revealed that 19·4% presented total scores indicating high impact. The participants interviewed described experiences of subjective distress, such as intrusive thoughts, avoidance and hyperarousal. Other factors were also reported as influencing the experience of the sudden death of a child/adolescent, namely, the child's age, the cause of death and the family's reaction to the loss. According to the participants, the emotional impact was also determined by parenthood, previous training and professional experience. Sudden death in paediatric critical care units is one of the most difficult situations in nursing practice and elicits STS symptoms, which may severely impact the physical and psychological health of nurses and ultimately affect the quality of the provided care. This study emphasizes the need for promoting better conditions for professional practice, namely, with regard to emotional support, as well as training programmes for skills development in the area of management of traumatic situations and of communication with clients. © 2017 British Association of Critical Care Nurses.

  2. Parents and teachers reporting on a child's emotional and behavioural problems following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI): the moderating effect of time.

    PubMed

    Silberg, Tamar; Tal-Jacobi, Dana; Levav, Miriam; Brezner, Amichai; Rassovsky, Yuri

    2015-01-01

    Gathering information from parents and teachers following paediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) has substantial clinical value for diagnostic decisions. Yet, a multi-informant approach has rarely been addressed when evaluating children at the chronic stage post-injury. In the current study, the goals were to examine (1) differences between parents' and teachers' reports on a child's emotional and behavioural problems and (2) the effect of time elapsed since injury on each rater's report. A sample of 42 parents and 42 teachers of children following severe TBI completed two standard rating scales. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine whether time elapsed since injury reliably distinguished children falling above and below clinical levels. Emotional-behavioural scores of children following severe TBI fell within normal range, according to both teachers and parents. Significant differences were found between parents' reports relatively close to the time of injury and 2 years post-injury. However, no such differences were observed in teachers' ratings. Parents and teachers of children following severe TBI differ in their reports on a child's emotional and behavioural problems. The present study not only underscores the importance of multiple informants, but also highlights, for the first time, the possibility that informants' perceptions may vary across time.

  3. Surveillance of paediatric traumatic brain injuries using the NEISS: choosing an appropriate case definition.

    PubMed

    Thompson, Meghan C; Wheeler, Krista K; Shi, Junxin; Smith, Gary A; Groner, Jonathan I; Haley, Kathryn J; Xiang, Huiyun

    2014-01-01

    To evaluate the definition of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) and compare TBI case ascertainment using NEISS vs. ICD-9-CM diagnosis coding. Two data samples from a NEISS participating emergency department (ED) in 2008 were compared: (1) NEISS records meeting the recommended NEISS TBI definition and (2) Hospital ED records meeting the ICD-9-CM CDC recommended TBI definition. The sensitivity and positive predictive value were calculated for the NEISS definition using the ICD-9-CM definition as the gold standard. Further analyses were performed to describe cases characterized as TBIs in both datasets and to determine why some cases were not classified as TBIs in both datasets. There were 1834 TBI cases captured by the NEISS and 1836 TBI cases captured by the ICD-9-CM coded ED record, but only 1542 were eligible for inclusion in NEISS. There were 1403 cases classified as TBIs by both the NEISS and ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes. The NEISS TBI definition had a sensitivity of 91.0% (95% CI = 89.6-92.4%) and positive predictive value of 76.5% (95% CI = 74.6-78.4%). Using the NEISS TBI definition presented in this paper would standardize and improve the accuracy of TBI research using the NEISS.

  4. Neuropsychological Differences between Survivors of Supratentorial and Infratentorial Brain Tumours

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Patel, S. K.; Mullins, W. A.; O'Neil, S. H.; Wilson, K.

    2011-01-01

    Background: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between brain tumour location and core areas of cognitive and behavioural functioning for paediatric brain tumour survivors. The extant literature both supports and refutes an association between paediatric brain tumour location and neurocognitive outcomes. We examined…

  5. Measurement of height velocity is an useful marker for monitoring pituitary function in patients who had traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Bellone, S; Einaudi, S; Caputo, M; Prodam, F; Busti, A; Belcastro, S; Parlamento, S; Zavattaro, M; Verna, F; Bondone, C; Tessaris, D; Gasco, V; Bona, G; Aimaretti, G

    2013-12-01

    To assess the incidence of abnormal neuroendocrine function post-traumatic brain injuriy (TBI) in a large group of paediatric patients and its correlations with clinical parameters (Glasgow coma scale-GCS, Glasgow outcome scale-GOS, TC marshall scale, height velocity). We evaluated 70 patients [58 M, 12 F; age at the time of TBI (mean ± SEM) 8.12 ± 4.23 years] previously hospitalized for TBI at the "Regina Margherita" Hospital, in Turin and "Maggiore della Carità Hospital" in Novara, Italy, between 1998 and 2008. All patients included underwent: auxological, clinical, hormonal and biochemical assessments at recall (after at least 1 year from TBI to T0); auxological visit after 6 months (T6) and hormonal assessments at 12 months (T12) in patients with height velocity (HV) below the 25th centile. At T0, 4 cases of hypothalamus-pituitary dysfunction had been diagnosed; At T6 20/70 patients had an HV <25th centile, but no one had HV < the 3rd centile limit. At T12, among the 20 patients with HV <25th centile, in 13 patients the HV was below the 25th centile and GHRH + Arginine test has been performed. Four subjects demonstrated an impaired GH peak and were classified as GH deficiency (GHD). Of these 4 subjects, 3 subjects showed isolated GHD, while one patient showed multiple hypopituitarism presenting also secondary hypocortisolism and hypothyroidism. The GCS at admission and GOS do not correlate with the onset of hypopituitarism. A simple measurement of the height velocity at least 1 year after the TBI, is enough to recognize patients with a pituitary impairment related to GH deficiency. We suggest to follow-up paediatric population who had TBI with auxological evaluations every 6 months, limiting hormonal evaluation in patients with a reduction of height velocity below the 25th centile limit.

  6. Advancing Concussion Assessment in Pediatrics (A-CAP): a prospective, concurrent cohort, longitudinal study of mild traumatic brain injury in children: study protocol

    PubMed Central

    Beauchamp, Miriam; Craig, William; Doan, Quynh; Zemek, Roger; Bjornson, Bruce H; Gravel, Jocelyn; Mikrogianakis, Angelo; Goodyear, Bradley; Abdeen, Nishard; Beaulieu, Christian; Dehaes, Mathieu; Deschenes, Sylvain; Harris, Ashley; Lebel, Catherine; Lamont, Ryan; Williamson, Tyler; Barlow, Karen Maria; Bernier, Francois; Brooks, Brian L; Emery, Carolyn; Freedman, Stephen B; Kowalski, Kristina; Mrklas, Kelly; Tomfohr-Madsen, Lianne; Schneider, Kathryn J

    2017-01-01

    Introduction Paediatric mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a public health burden. Clinicians urgently need evidence-based guidance to manage mTBI, but gold standards for diagnosing and predicting the outcomes of mTBI are lacking. The objective of the Advancing Concussion Assessment in Pediatrics (A-CAP) study is to assess a broad pool of neurobiological and psychosocial markers to examine associations with postinjury outcomes in a large sample of children with either mTBI or orthopaedic injury (OI), with the goal of improving the diagnosis and prognostication of outcomes of paediatric mTBI. Methods and analysis A-CAP is a prospective, longitudinal cohort study of children aged 8.00–16.99 years with either mTBI or OI, recruited during acute emergency department (ED) visits at five sites from the Pediatric Emergency Research Canada network. Injury information is collected in the ED; follow-up assessments at 10 days and 3 and 6 months postinjury measure a variety of neurobiological and psychosocial markers, covariates/confounders and outcomes. Weekly postconcussive symptom ratings are obtained electronically. Recruitment began in September 2016 and will occur for approximately 24 months. Analyses will test the major hypotheses that neurobiological and psychosocial markers can: (1) differentiate mTBI from OI and (2) predict outcomes of mTBI. Models initially will focus within domains (eg, genes, imaging biomarkers, psychosocial markers), followed by multivariable modelling across domains. The planned sample size (700 mTBI, 300 OI) provides adequate statistical power and allows for internal cross-validation of some analyses. Ethics and dissemination The ethics boards at all participating institutions have approved the study and all participants and their parents will provide informed consent or assent. Dissemination will follow an integrated knowledge translation plan, with study findings presented at scientific conferences and in multiple manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals. PMID:28710227

  7. Time to cranial computerised tomography for acute traumatic brain injury in paediatric patients: Effect of the shorter stays in emergency departments target in New Zealand.

    PubMed

    Jones, Peter G; Kool, Bridget; Dalziel, Stuart; Shepherd, Michael; Le Fevre, James; Harper, Alana; Wells, Susan; Stewart, Joanna; Curtis, Elana; Reid, Papaarangi; Ameratunga, Shanthi

    2017-07-01

    Timely access to computerised tomography (CT) for acute traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) facilitates rapid diagnosis and surgical intervention. In 2009, New Zealand introduced a mandatory target for emergency department (ED) stay such that 95% of patients should leave ED within 6 h of arrival. This study investigated whether this target influenced the timeliness of cranial CT scanning in children who presented to ED with acute TBI. We retrospectively reviewed a random sample of charts of children <15 years with acute TBI from 2006 to 2012. Cases were identified using International Classification of Disease 10 codes consistent with TBI. General linear models investigated changes in time to CT and other indicators before and after the shorter stays in ED target was introduced in 2009. Among the 190 cases eligible for study (n = 91 pre-target and n = 99 post-target), no significant difference was found in time to CT scan pre- and post-target: least squares mean (LSM) with 95% confidence interval = 68 (56-81) versus 65 (53-78) min, respectively, P = 0.66. Time to neurosurgery (LSM 8.7 (5-15) vs. 5.1 (2.6-9.9) h, P = 0.19, or hospital length of stay (LSM: 4.9 (3.9-6.3) vs. 5.2 (4.1-6.7) days, P = 0.69) did not change significantly. However, ED length of stay decreased by 45 min in the post-target period (LSM = 211 (187-238) vs. 166 (98-160) min, P = 0.006). Implementation of the shorter stays in ED target was not associated with a change in the time to CT for children presenting with acute TBI, but an overall reduction in the time spent in ED was apparent. © 2017 Paediatrics and Child Health Division (The Royal Australasian College of Physicians).

  8. Non-traumatic limping in Paediatric Emergencies: Epidemiology, evaluation and results.

    PubMed

    Lázaro Carreño, M I; Fraile Currius, R; García Clemente, A

    Non-traumatic limping is a common reason for consultation in paediatric emergencies. Although transient synovitis of the hip (TS) is the most frequent diagnosis, there are cases of limping secondary to serious pathologies. The aim of this review is to describe the variables related to non-traumatic limp that come to the paediatric emergency department to establish the best management protocol, making the most of resources and speeding up emergency care. A prospective study was conducted, selecting all children less than 15 years old who consulted aspaediatric emergencies for non-traumatic limping during the 2014. Clinical variables, complementary examinations and diagnoses were collected in the emergency room consultation and 6 months after the consultation RESULTS: During 2014, 146 patients (0.69% of the emergencies) were included in the non-traumatic limping study. Four cases of severe limping were diagnosed: 2 leukaemias, 1 septic arthritis and 1 acetabular bone tumour. The most frequent diagnosis was TS (53.16%). At 6 months, 135 children (92.4%) had resolved lameness. The diagnosis was changed in 9 children (6.1%). Children with TS had fewer days of evolution, and 77% were between 3 and 10 years old. Children with a final diagnosis of severe pathology had a limp for longer, fever and did not weight bear on ambulation. In limping of probable hip origin, at the ages of between 3 and 10, without fever or systemic symptoms and of less than one week's onset, it is possible to make a clinical diagnosis of TS limiting the use of complementary examinations. Copyright © 2017 SECOT. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  9. Concussion in Motor Vehicle Accidents: The Concussion Identification Index

    ClinicalTrials.gov

    2016-08-03

    Motor Vehicle Accidents; TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury); Brain Contusion; Brain Injuries; Cortical Contusion; Concussion Mild; Cerebral Concussion; Brain Concussion; Accidents, Traffic; Traffic Accidents; Traumatic Brain Injury With Brief Loss of Consciousness; Traumatic Brain Injury With no Loss of Consciousness; Traumatic Brain Injury With Loss of Consciousness

  10. Attenuated traumatic axonal injury and improved functional outcome after traumatic brain injury in mice lacking Sarm1.

    PubMed

    Henninger, Nils; Bouley, James; Sikoglu, Elif M; An, Jiyan; Moore, Constance M; King, Jean A; Bowser, Robert; Freeman, Marc R; Brown, Robert H

    2016-04-01

    Axonal degeneration is a critical, early event in many acute and chronic neurological disorders. It has been consistently observed after traumatic brain injury, but whether axon degeneration is a driver of traumatic brain injury remains unclear. Molecular pathways underlying the pathology of traumatic brain injury have not been defined, and there is no efficacious treatment for traumatic brain injury. Here we show that mice lacking the mouse Toll receptor adaptor Sarm1 (sterile α/Armadillo/Toll-Interleukin receptor homology domain protein) gene, a key mediator of Wallerian degeneration, demonstrate multiple improved traumatic brain injury-associated phenotypes after injury in a closed-head mild traumatic brain injury model. Sarm1(-/-) mice developed fewer β-amyloid precursor protein aggregates in axons of the corpus callosum after traumatic brain injury as compared to Sarm1(+/+) mice. Furthermore, mice lacking Sarm1 had reduced plasma concentrations of the phophorylated axonal neurofilament subunit H, indicating that axonal integrity is maintained after traumatic brain injury. Strikingly, whereas wild-type mice exibited a number of behavioural deficits after traumatic brain injury, we observed a strong, early preservation of neurological function in Sarm1(-/-) animals. Finally, using in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy we found tissue signatures consistent with substantially preserved neuronal energy metabolism in Sarm1(-/-) mice compared to controls immediately following traumatic brain injury. Our results indicate that the SARM1-mediated prodegenerative pathway promotes pathogenesis in traumatic brain injury and suggest that anti-SARM1 therapeutics are a viable approach for preserving neurological function after traumatic brain injury. © The Author (2016). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Guarantors of Brain. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  11. [Prognosis in pediatric traumatic brain injury. A dynamic cohort study].

    PubMed

    Vázquez-Solís, María G; Villa-Manzano, Alberto I; Sánchez-Mosco, Dalia I; Vargas-Lares, José de Jesús; Plascencia-Fernández, Irma

    2013-01-01

    traumatic brain injury is a main cause of hospital admission and death in children. Our objective was to identify prognostic factors of pediatric traumatic brain injury. this was a dynamic cohort study of traumatic brain injury with 6 months follow-up. The exposition was: mild or moderate/severe traumatic brain injury, searching for prognosis (morbidity-mortality and decreased Glasgow scale). Relative risk and logistic regression was estimated for prognostic factors. we evaluated 440 patients with mild traumatic brain injury and 98 with moderate/severe traumatic brain injury. Morbidity for mild traumatic brain injury was 1 %; for moderate/severe traumatic brain injury, 5 %. There were no deaths. Prognostic factors for moderate/severe traumatic brain injury were associated injuries (RR = 133), fractures (RR = 60), street accidents (RR = 17), night time accidents (RR = 2.3) and weekend accidents (RR = 2). Decreased Glasgow scale was found in 9 %, having as prognostic factors: visible injuries (RR = 3), grown-up supervision (RR = 2.5) and time of progress (RR = 1.6). there should be a prognosis established based on kinetic energy of the injury and not only with Glasgow Scale.

  12. Substance P Mediates Reduced Pneumonia Rates After Traumatic Brain Injury

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Sung; Stepien, David; Hanseman, Dennis; Robinson, Bryce; Goodman, Michael D.; Pritts, Timothy A.; Caldwell, Charles C.; Remick, Daniel G.; Lentsch, Alex B.

    2014-01-01

    Objectives Traumatic brain injury results in significant morbidity and mortality and is associated with infectious complications, particularly pneumonia. However, whether traumatic brain injury directly impacts the host response to pneumonia is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the nature of the relationship between traumatic brain injury and the prevalence of pneumonia in trauma patients and investigate the mechanism of this relationship using a murine model of traumatic brain injury with pneumonia. Design Data from the National Trauma Data Bank and a murine model of traumatic brain injury with postinjury pneumonia. Setting Academic medical centers in Cincinnati, OH, and Boston, MA. Patients/Subjects Trauma patients in the National Trauma Data Bank with a hospital length of stay greater than 2 days, age of at least 18 years at admission, and a blunt mechanism of injury. Subjects were female ICR mice 8–10 weeks old. Interventions Administration of a substance P receptor antagonist in mice. Measurements and Main Results Pneumonia rates were measured in trauma patients before and after risk adjustment using propensity scoring. In addition, survival and pulmonary inflammation were measured in mice undergoing traumatic brain injury with or without pneumonia. After risk adjustment, we found that traumatic brain injury patients had significantly lower rates of pneumonia compared to blunt trauma patients without traumatic brain injury. A murine model of traumatic brain injury reproduced these clinical findings with mice subjected to traumatic brain injury demonstrating increased bacterial clearance and survival after induction of pneumonia. To determine the mechanisms responsible for this improvement, the substance P receptor was blocked in mice after traumatic brain injury. This treatment abrogated the traumatic brain injury–associated increases in bacterial clearance and survival. Conclusions The data demonstrate that patients with traumatic brain injury have lower rates of pneumonia compared to non–head-injured trauma patients and suggest that the mechanism of this effect occurs through traumatic brain injury–induced release of substance P, which improves innate immunity to decrease pneumonia. PMID:25014065

  13. Substance P mediates reduced pneumonia rates after traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Yang, Sung; Stepien, David; Hanseman, Dennis; Robinson, Bryce; Goodman, Michael D; Pritts, Timothy A; Caldwell, Charles C; Remick, Daniel G; Lentsch, Alex B

    2014-09-01

    Traumatic brain injury results in significant morbidity and mortality and is associated with infectious complications, particularly pneumonia. However, whether traumatic brain injury directly impacts the host response to pneumonia is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the nature of the relationship between traumatic brain injury and the prevalence of pneumonia in trauma patients and investigate the mechanism of this relationship using a murine model of traumatic brain injury with pneumonia. Data from the National Trauma Data Bank and a murine model of traumatic brain injury with postinjury pneumonia. Academic medical centers in Cincinnati, OH, and Boston, MA. Trauma patients in the National Trauma Data Bank with a hospital length of stay greater than 2 days, age of at least 18 years at admission, and a blunt mechanism of injury. Subjects were female ICR mice 8-10 weeks old. Administration of a substance P receptor antagonist in mice. Pneumonia rates were measured in trauma patients before and after risk adjustment using propensity scoring. In addition, survival and pulmonary inflammation were measured in mice undergoing traumatic brain injury with or without pneumonia. After risk adjustment, we found that traumatic brain injury patients had significantly lower rates of pneumonia compared to blunt trauma patients without traumatic brain injury. A murine model of traumatic brain injury reproduced these clinical findings with mice subjected to traumatic brain injury demonstrating increased bacterial clearance and survival after induction of pneumonia. To determine the mechanisms responsible for this improvement, the substance P receptor was blocked in mice after traumatic brain injury. This treatment abrogated the traumatic brain injury-associated increases in bacterial clearance and survival. The data demonstrate that patients with traumatic brain injury have lower rates of pneumonia compared to non-head-injured trauma patients and suggest that the mechanism of this effect occurs through traumatic brain injury-induced release of substance P, which improves innate immunity to decrease pneumonia.

  14. Prevalence of traumatic brain injury in incarcerated groups compared to the general population: a meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Farrer, Thomas J; Hedges, Dawson W

    2011-03-30

    Traumatic brain injury can cause numerous behavioral abnormalities including aggression, violence, impulsivity, and apathy, factors that can be associated with criminal behavior and incarceration. To better characterize the association between traumatic brain injury and incarceration, we pooled reported frequencies of lifetime traumatic brain injury of any severity among incarcerated samples and compared the pooled frequency to estimates of the lifetime prevalence of traumatic brain injury in the general population. We found a significantly higher prevalence of traumatic brain injury in the incarcerated groups compared to the general population. As such, there appears to be an association between traumatic brain injury and incarceration. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. [Traumatic asphyxia or Perthe's syndrome. About two paediatric cases].

    PubMed

    El koraichi, A; Benafitou, R; Tadili, J; Rafii, M; El Kharaz, H; Al Haddoury, M; El Kettani, S

    2012-03-01

    The traumatic asphyxia or Perthes' syndrome is a condition characterized by a classic triad involving head and neck cyanosis, subconjonctival bleeding, and petechiae. The pathophysiology of traumatic asphyxia is different in children compared to adults, because of the greater elasticity of the thorax in children. The purpose of this paper is to describe through two cases of traumatic asphyxia in young children the characteristics of this disease in children. Copyright © 2011 Société française d’anesthésie et de réanimation (Sfar). Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.

  16. 45 CFR 1308.16 - Eligibility criteria: Traumatic brain injury.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 45 Public Welfare 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Eligibility criteria: Traumatic brain injury. 1308... DISABILITIES Health Services Performance Standards § 1308.16 Eligibility criteria: Traumatic brain injury. A child is classified as having traumatic brain injury whose brain injuries are caused by an external...

  17. 45 CFR 1308.16 - Eligibility criteria: Traumatic brain injury.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 45 Public Welfare 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Eligibility criteria: Traumatic brain injury. 1308... DISABILITIES Health Services Performance Standards § 1308.16 Eligibility criteria: Traumatic brain injury. A child is classified as having traumatic brain injury whose brain injuries are caused by an external...

  18. 45 CFR 1308.16 - Eligibility criteria: Traumatic brain injury.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 45 Public Welfare 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Eligibility criteria: Traumatic brain injury. 1308... DISABILITIES Health Services Performance Standards § 1308.16 Eligibility criteria: Traumatic brain injury. A child is classified as having traumatic brain injury whose brain injuries are caused by an external...

  19. 45 CFR 1308.16 - Eligibility criteria: Traumatic brain injury.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 45 Public Welfare 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Eligibility criteria: Traumatic brain injury. 1308... DISABILITIES Health Services Performance Standards § 1308.16 Eligibility criteria: Traumatic brain injury. A child is classified as having traumatic brain injury whose brain injuries are caused by an external...

  20. 45 CFR 1308.16 - Eligibility criteria: Traumatic brain injury.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 45 Public Welfare 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Eligibility criteria: Traumatic brain injury. 1308... DISABILITIES Health Services Performance Standards § 1308.16 Eligibility criteria: Traumatic brain injury. A child is classified as having traumatic brain injury whose brain injuries are caused by an external...

  1. Gait and Glasgow Coma Scale scores can predict functional recovery in patients with traumatic brain injury☆

    PubMed Central

    Bilgin, Sevil; Guclu-Gunduz, Arzu; Oruckaptan, Hakan; Kose, Nezire; Celik, Bülent

    2012-01-01

    Fifty-one patients with mild (n = 14), moderate (n = 10) and severe traumatic brain injury (n = 27) received early rehabilitation. Level of consciousness was evaluated using the Glasgow Coma Score. Functional level was determined using the Glasgow Outcome Score, whilst mobility was evaluated using the Mobility Scale for Acute Stroke. Activities of daily living were assessed using the Barthel Index. Following Bobath neurodevelopmental therapy, the level of consciousness was significantly improved in patients with moderate and severe traumatic brain injury, but was not greatly influenced in patients with mild traumatic brain injury. Mobility and functional level were significantly improved in patients with mild, moderate and severe traumatic brain injury. Gait recovery was more obvious in patients with mild traumatic brain injury than in patients with moderate and severe traumatic brain injury. Activities of daily living showed an improvement but this was insignificant except for patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Nevertheless, complete recovery was not acquired at discharge. Multiple regression analysis showed that gait and Glasgow Coma Scale scores can be considered predictors of functional outcomes following traumatic brain injury. PMID:25624828

  2. Determinants of Glasgow outcome scale in patients with severe traumatic brain injury for better quality of life

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dharmajaya, R.; Sari, D. K.; Ganie, R. A.

    2018-03-01

    Primary and secondary brain injury may occur with severe traumatic brain injury. Secondary traumatic brain injury results in a more severe effect compared to primary traumatic brain injury. Therefore, prevention of secondary traumatic brain injury is necessary to obtain maximum therapeutic results and accurate determination of prognosis and better quality of life. This study aimed to determine accurate and noninvasive prognostic factors in patients with severe traumatic brain injury. It was a cohort study on 16 subjects. Intracranial pressure was monitored within the first 24 hours after traumatic brain injury. Examination of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and S100B protein were conducted four times. The severity of outcome was evaluated using Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) three months after traumatic brain injury. Intracranial pressure measurement performed 24 hours after traumatic brain injury, low S100B protein (<2μg/L) 120 hours after injury and increased BDNF (>6.16pg/ml) 48 hours after injury indicate good prognosis and were shown to be significant predictors (p<0.05) for determining the quality of GOS. The conclusion is patient with a moderate increase in intracranial pressure Intracranial pressure S100B protein, being inexpensive and non-invasive, can substitute BDNF and intracranial pressure measurements as a tool for determining prognosis 120 hours following traumatic brain injury.

  3. Ethanol-induced hyponatremia augments brain edema after traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Katada, Ryuichi; Watanabe, Satoshi; Ishizaka, Atsushi; Mizuo, Keisuke; Okazaki, Shunichiro; Matsumoto, Hiroshi

    2012-04-01

    Alcohol consumption augments brain edema by expression of brain aquaporin-4 after traumatic brain injury. However, how ethanol induces brain aquaporin-4 expression remains unclear. Aquaporin-4 can operate with some of ion channels and transporters. Therefore, we hypothesized that ethanol may affect electrolytes through regulating ion channels, leading to express aquaporin-4. To clarify the hypothesis, we examined role of AQP4 expression in ethanol-induced brain edema and changes of electrolyte levels after traumatic brain injury in the rat. In the rat traumatic brain injury model, ethanol administration reduced sodium ion concentration in blood significantly 24 hr after injury. An aquaporin-4 inhibitor recovered sodium ion concentration in blood to normal. We observed low sodium ion concentration in blood and the increase of brain aquaporin-4 in cadaver with traumatic brain injury. Therefore, ethanol increases brain edema by the increase of aquaporin-4 expression with hyponatremia after traumatic brain injury.

  4. Paediatric traumatic brain injury in South Africa: some thoughts and considerations.

    PubMed

    Levin, Karen

    2004-03-04

    This paper endeavours to describe the socio-political and economic backdrop to the assessment and management of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children in South Africa. The argument put forward is that huge disparities in socio-economic status, diverse socio-cultural influences, and widely differing educational systems and educational attainment which characterize the country's population, render the management of TBI different from approaches adopted in developed countries. The main causes of TBI can be attributed to the high rates of violence in the country, as well as an inordinately high incidence of motor vehicle accidents. Compensation through existing national legislative and insurance agencies is unavailable to most of the population, and markedly insufficient in many cases. The access to medical care and rehabilitation is inadequate for the majority of South African children, although there are valiant efforts on the part of professionals working within the primary health care model to provide the support to the children and their families not offered by existing educational and school structures. The impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic on the clinical picture of children and their families is profound and guides many of the decisions that are made by health care professionals. Given this bleak scenario, a re-focus on the strengths of existing structures and the creation of new possibilities is suggested, as a positive and constructive approach to prevention, rehabilitation, and education.

  5. Risk of traumatic brain injuries in children younger than 24 months with isolated scalp hematomas.

    PubMed

    Dayan, Peter S; Holmes, James F; Schutzman, Sara; Schunk, Jeffrey; Lichenstein, Richard; Foerster, Lillian A; Hoyle, John; Atabaki, Shireen; Miskin, Michelle; Wisner, David; Zuspan, SallyJo; Kuppermann, Nathan

    2014-08-01

    We aimed to determine the association between scalp hematoma characteristics and traumatic brain injuries in young children with blunt head trauma who have no other symptoms or signs suggestive of traumatic brain injuries (defined as "isolated scalp hematomas"). This was a secondary analysis of children younger than 24 months with minor blunt head trauma from a prospective cohort study in 25 Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network emergency departments. Treating clinicians completed a structured data form. For children with isolated scalp hematomas, we determined the prevalence of and association between scalp hematoma characteristics and (1) clinically important traumatic brain injury (death, neurosurgery for traumatic brain injury, intubation >24 hours for traumatic brain injury, or positive computed tomography (CT) scan in association with hospitalization ≥2 nights for traumatic brain injury); and (2) traumatic brain injury on CT. Of 10,659 patients younger than 24 months were enrolled, 2,998 of 10,463 (28.7%) with complete data had isolated scalp hematomas. Clinically important traumatic brain injuries occurred in 12 patients (0.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.2% to 0.7%); none underwent neurosurgery (95% CI 0% to 0.1%). Of 570 patients (19.0%) for whom CTs were obtained, 50 (8.8%; 95% CI 6.6% to 11.4%) had traumatic brain injuries on CT. Younger age, non-frontal scalp hematoma location, increased scalp hematoma size, and severe injury mechanism were independently associated with traumatic brain injury on CT. In patients younger than 24 months with isolated scalp hematomas, a minority received CTs. Despite the occasional presence of traumatic brain injuries on CT, the prevalence of clinically important traumatic brain injuries was very low, with no patient requiring neurosurgery. Clinicians should use patient age, scalp hematoma location and size, and injury mechanism to help determine which otherwise asymptomatic children should undergo neuroimaging after minor head trauma. Copyright © 2014 American College of Emergency Physicians. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Employment outcome four years after a severe traumatic brain injury: results of the Paris severe traumatic brain injury study.

    PubMed

    Ruet, Alexis; Jourdan, Claire; Bayen, Eléonore; Darnoux, Emmanuelle; Sahridj, Dalila; Ghout, Idir; Azerad, Sylvie; Pradat Diehl, Pascale; Aegerter, Philippe; Charanton, James; Vallat Azouvi, Claire; Azouvi, Philippe

    2017-05-18

    To describe employment outcome four years after a severe traumatic brain injury by the assessment of individual patients' preinjury sociodemographic data, injury-related and postinjury factors. A prospective, multicenter inception cohort of 133 adult patients in the Paris area (France) who had received a severe traumatic brain injury were followed up postinjury at one and four years. Sociodemographic data, factors related to injury severity and one-year functional and cognitive outcomes were prospectively collected. The main outcome measure was employment status. Potential predictors of employment status were assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis. At the four-year follow-up, 38% of patients were in paid employment. The following factors were independent predictors of unemployment: being unemployed or studying before traumatic brain injury, traumatic brain injury severity (i.e., a lower Glasgow Coma Scale score upon admission and a longer stay in intensive care) and a lower one-year Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended score. This study confirmed the low rate of long-term employment amongst patients after a severe traumatic brain injury. The results illustrated the multiple determinants of employment outcome and suggested that students who had received a traumatic brain injury were particularly likely to be unemployed, thus we propose that they may require specific support to help them find work. Implications for rehabilitation Traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of persistent disablity and can associate cognitive, emotional, physical and sensory impairments, which often result in quality-of-life reduction and job loss. Predictors of post-traumatic brain injury unemployment and job loss remains unclear in the particular population of severe traumatic brain injury patients. The present study highlights the post-traumatic brain injury student population require a close follow-up and vocational rehabilitation. The study suggests that return to work post-severe traumatic brain injury is frequently unstable and workers often experience difficulties that caregivers have to consider.

  7. Twitter and traumatic brain injury: A content and sentiment analysis of tweets pertaining to sport-related brain injury

    PubMed Central

    Workewych, Adriana M; Ciuffetelli Muzzi, Madeline; Jing, Rowan; Zhang, Stanley; Topolovec-Vranic, Jane; Cusimano, Michael D

    2017-01-01

    Objectives: Sport-related traumatic brain injuries are a significant public health burden, with hundreds of thousands sustained annually in North America. While sports offer numerous physical and social health benefits, traumatic brain injuries such as concussion can seriously impact a player’s life, athletic career, and sport enjoyment. The culture in many sports encourages winning at all costs, placing athletes at risk for traumatic brain injuries. As social media has become a central part of everyday life, the content of users’ messages often reflects the prevailing culture related to a particular event or health issue. Methods: We hypothesized that Twitter data might be useful for understanding public perceptions and misperceptions of sport-related traumatic brain injuries. We performed a content and sentiment analysis of 7483 Twitter® tweets related to traumatic brain injuries in sports collected during June and July 2013. Results: We identified five major themes. Users tweeted about personal traumatic brain injuries experiences, reported traumatic brain injuries in professional athletes, shared research about sport-related concussions, and discussed policy and safety in injury prevention, such as helmet use. We identified mixed perceptions of and sentiment toward traumatic brain injuries in sports: both an understanding that brain injuries are serious and disregard for activities that might reduce the public burden of traumatic brain injuries were prevalent in our Twitter analysis. Conclusion: While the scientific and medical community considers a concussion a form of traumatic brain injuries, our study demonstrates a misunderstanding of this fact among the public. In our current digital age, social media can provide useful insight into the culture around a health issue, facilitating implementation of prevention and treatment strategies. PMID:28890783

  8. Twitter and traumatic brain injury: A content and sentiment analysis of tweets pertaining to sport-related brain injury.

    PubMed

    Workewych, Adriana M; Ciuffetelli Muzzi, Madeline; Jing, Rowan; Zhang, Stanley; Topolovec-Vranic, Jane; Cusimano, Michael D

    2017-01-01

    Sport-related traumatic brain injuries are a significant public health burden, with hundreds of thousands sustained annually in North America. While sports offer numerous physical and social health benefits, traumatic brain injuries such as concussion can seriously impact a player's life, athletic career, and sport enjoyment. The culture in many sports encourages winning at all costs, placing athletes at risk for traumatic brain injuries. As social media has become a central part of everyday life, the content of users' messages often reflects the prevailing culture related to a particular event or health issue. We hypothesized that Twitter data might be useful for understanding public perceptions and misperceptions of sport-related traumatic brain injuries. We performed a content and sentiment analysis of 7483 Twitter ® tweets related to traumatic brain injuries in sports collected during June and July 2013. We identified five major themes. Users tweeted about personal traumatic brain injuries experiences, reported traumatic brain injuries in professional athletes, shared research about sport-related concussions, and discussed policy and safety in injury prevention, such as helmet use. We identified mixed perceptions of and sentiment toward traumatic brain injuries in sports: both an understanding that brain injuries are serious and disregard for activities that might reduce the public burden of traumatic brain injuries were prevalent in our Twitter analysis. While the scientific and medical community considers a concussion a form of traumatic brain injuries, our study demonstrates a misunderstanding of this fact among the public. In our current digital age, social media can provide useful insight into the culture around a health issue, facilitating implementation of prevention and treatment strategies.

  9. 77 FR 13578 - Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project; Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Centers

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-03-07

    ... DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project; Traumatic Brain Injury... Rehabilitation Research Project--Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Centers. CFDA Number: 84.133A-5. SUMMARY... for Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRPs) to serve as Traumatic Brain Injury Model...

  10. Integrating Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Data into the Federal Interagency Traumatic Brain Injury Research Informatics Systems

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-10-01

    Traumatic Brain Injury Research Informatics Systems 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER W81XWH-14-1-0564 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S...AWARD NUMBER: W81XWH-14-1-0564 TITLE: Integrating Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Data into the Federal Interagency Traumatic Brain Injury...Research Informatics Systems PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Cynthia Harrison-Felix, PhD CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION: Craig Hospital Englewood, CO 80113

  11. 78 FR 63452 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-10-24

    ...). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title; Associated Form; and OMB Number: Traumatic Brain Injury, Post-Traumatic Stress...-service U.S. military personnel, with a special focus on the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and...) to carry out the research study ``TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY, POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER, AND LONG...

  12. Knowledge of Traumatic Brain Injury among Educators

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ernst, William J.; Gallo, Adrienne B.; Sellers, Amanda L.; Mulrine, Jessica; MacNamara, Luciana; Abrahamson, Allison; Kneavel, Meredith

    2016-01-01

    The purpose of this study is to determine knowledge of traumatic brain injury among educators. Few studies have examined knowledge of traumatic brain injury in this population and fewer still have included a substantial proportion of general education teachers. Examining knowledge of traumatic brain injury in educators is important as the vast…

  13. The Spectrum of Disease in Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McKee, Ann C.; Stein, Thor D.; Nowinski, Christopher J.; Stern, Robert A.; Daneshvar, Daniel H.; Alvarez, Victor E.; Lee, Hyo-Soon; Hall, Garth; Wojtowicz, Sydney M.; Baugh, Christine M.; Riley, David O.; Kubilus, Caroline A.; Cormier, Kerry A.; Jacobs, Matthew A.; Martin, Brett R.; Abraham, Carmela R.; Ikezu, Tsuneya; Reichard, Robert Ross; Wolozin, Benjamin L.; Budson, Andrew E.; Goldstein, Lee E.; Kowall, Neil W.; Cantu, Robert C.

    2013-01-01

    Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a progressive tauopathy that occurs as a consequence of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury. We analysed post-mortem brains obtained from a cohort of 85 subjects with histories of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury and found evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy in 68 subjects: all males, ranging…

  14. 75 FR 81242 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-12-27

    ... Form; and OMB Number: Traumatic Brain Injury, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Long-Term Quality of... personnel, with a special focus on the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and Post-traumatic Stress... BRAIN INJURY, POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER, AND LONG-TERM QUALITY OF LIFE OUTCOMES IN INJURED TRI...

  15. 78 FR 9929 - Current Traumatic Brain Injury State Implementation Partnership Grantees; Non-Competitive One...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-02-12

    ... Traumatic Brain Injury State Implementation Partnership Grantees; Non-Competitive One-Year Extension Funds...). ACTION: Notice of Non-Competitive One-Year Extension Funds for Current Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) State... initially authorized by the Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-166) and was most recently...

  16. Methodological issues and research recommendations for mild traumatic brain injury: the WHO Collaborating Centre Task Force on Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

    PubMed

    Carroll, Linda J; Cassidy, J David; Holm, Lena; Kraus, Jess; Coronado, Victor G

    2004-02-01

    The WHO Collaborating Centre for Neurotrauma Task Force on Mild Traumatic Brain Injury performed a comprehensive search and critical review of the literature published between 1980 and 2002 to assemble the best evidence on the epidemiology, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of mild traumatic brain injury. Of 743 relevant studies, 313 were accepted on scientific merit and comprise our best-evidence synthesis. The current literature on mild traumatic brain injury is of variable quality and we report the most common methodological flaws. We make recommendations for avoiding the shortcomings evident in much of the current literature and identify topic areas in urgent need of further research. This includes the need for large, well-designed studies to support evidence-based guidelines for emergency room triage of children with mild traumatic brain injury and to explore more fully the issue of prognosis after mild traumatic brain injury in the elderly population. We also advocate use of standard criteria for defining mild traumatic brain injury and propose a definition.

  17. Traumatic Brain Injury: Effects on the Endocrine System

    MedlinePlus

    Fact Sheet BTrarainumInajutircy: Effects on the Endocrine System What is traumatic brain injury? Traumatic brain injury, also called TBI, is sudden damage to the brain. It happens when the head hits ...

  18. Traumatic brain injury and delayed sequelae: a review--traumatic brain injury and mild traumatic brain injury (concussion) are precursors to later-onset brain disorders, including early-onset dementia.

    PubMed

    Kiraly, Michael; Kiraly, Stephen J

    2007-11-12

    Brain injuries are too common. Most people are unaware of the incidence of and horrendous consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). Research and the advent of sophisticated imaging have led to progression in the understanding of brain pathophysiology following TBI. Seminal evidence from animal and human experiments demonstrate links between TBI and the subsequent onset of premature, psychiatric syndromes and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Objectives of this summary are, therefore, to instill appreciation regarding the importance of brain injury prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, and to increase awareness regarding the long-term delayed consequences following TBI.

  19. Lateral automobile impacts and the risk of traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Bazarian, Jeffrey J; Fisher, Susan Gross; Flesher, William; Lillis, Robert; Knox, Kerry L; Pearson, Thomas A

    2004-08-01

    We determine the relative risk and severity of traumatic brain injury among occupants of lateral impacts compared with occupants of nonlateral impacts. This was a secondary analysis of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's National Automotive Sampling System, Crashworthiness Data Systems for 2000. Analysis was restricted to occupants of vehicles in which at least 1 person experienced an injury with Abbreviated Injury Scale score greater than 2. Traumatic brain injury was defined as an injury to the head or skull with an Abbreviated Injury Scale score greater than 2. Outcomes were analyzed using the chi2 test and multivariate logistic regression, with adjustment of variance to account for weighted probability sampling. Of the 1,115 occupants available for analysis, impact direction was lateral for 230 (18.42%) occupants and nonlateral for 885 (81.58%) occupants. One hundred eighty-seven (16.07%) occupants experienced a traumatic brain injury, 14.63% after lateral and 16.39% after nonlateral impact. The unadjusted relative risk of traumatic brain injury after lateral impact was 0.89 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.51 to 1.56). After adjusting for several important crash-related variables, the relative risk of traumatic brain injury was 2.60 (95% CI 1.1 to 6.0). Traumatic brain injuries were more severe after lateral impact according to Abbreviated Injury Scale and Glasgow Coma Scale scores. The proportion of fatal or critical crash-related traumatic brain injuries attributable to lateral impact was 23.5%. Lateral impact is an important independent risk factor for the development of traumatic brain injury after a serious motor vehicle crash. Traumatic brain injuries incurred after lateral impact are more severe than those resulting from nonlateral impact. Vehicle modifications that increase head protection could reduce crash-related severe traumatic brain injuries by up to 61% and prevent up to 2,230 fatal or critical traumatic brain injuries each year in the United States.

  20. Mannitol Improves Brain Tissue Oxygenation in a Model of Diffuse Traumatic Brain Injury.

    PubMed

    Schilte, Clotilde; Bouzat, Pierre; Millet, Anne; Boucheix, Perrine; Pernet-Gallay, Karin; Lemasson, Benjamin; Barbier, Emmanuel L; Payen, Jean-François

    2015-10-01

    Based on evidence supporting a potential relation between posttraumatic brain hypoxia and microcirculatory derangements with cell edema, we investigated the effects of the antiedematous agent mannitol on brain tissue oxygenation in a model of diffuse traumatic brain injury. Experimental study. Neurosciences and physiology laboratories. Adult male Wistar rats. Thirty minutes after diffuse traumatic brain injury (impact-acceleration model), rats were IV administered with either a saline solution (traumatic brain injury-saline group) or 20% mannitol (1 g/kg) (traumatic brain injury-mannitol group). Sham-saline and sham-mannitol groups received no insult. Two series of experiments were conducted 2 hours after traumatic brain injury (or equivalent) to investigate 1) the effect of mannitol on brain edema and oxygenation, using a multiparametric magnetic resonance-based approach (n = 10 rats per group) to measure the apparent diffusion coefficient, tissue oxygen saturation, mean transit time, and blood volume fraction in the cortex and caudoputamen; 2) the effect of mannitol on brain tissue PO2 and on venous oxygen saturation of the superior sagittal sinus (n = 5 rats per group); and 3) the cortical ultrastructural changes after treatment (n = 1 per group, taken from the first experiment). Compared with the sham-saline group, the traumatic brain injury-saline group had significantly lower tissue oxygen saturation, brain tissue PO2, and venous oxygen saturation of the superior sagittal sinus values concomitant with diffuse brain edema. These effects were associated with microcirculatory collapse due to astrocyte swelling. Treatment with mannitol after traumatic brain injury reversed all these effects. In the absence of traumatic brain injury, mannitol had no effect on brain oxygenation. Mean transit time and blood volume fraction were comparable between the four groups of rats. The development of posttraumatic brain edema can limit the oxygen utilization by brain tissue without evidence of brain ischemia. Our findings indicate that an antiedematous agent such as mannitol can improve brain tissue oxygenation, possibly by limiting astrocyte swelling and restoring capillary perfusion.

  1. The neuropathology of traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Mckee, Ann C; Daneshvar, Daniel H

    2015-01-01

    Traumatic brain injury, a leading cause of mortality and morbidity, is divided into three grades of severity: mild, moderate, and severe, based on the Glasgow Coma Scale, the loss of consciousness, and the development of post-traumatic amnesia. Although mild traumatic brain injury, including concussion and subconcussion, is by far the most common, it is also the most difficult to diagnose and the least well understood. Proper recognition, management, and treatment of acute concussion and mild traumatic brain injury are the fundamentals of an emerging clinical discipline. It is also becoming increasingly clear that some mild traumatic brain injuries have persistent, and sometimes progressive, long-term debilitating effects. Evidence indicates that a single traumatic brain injury can precipitate or accelerate multiple age-related neurodegenerations, increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and motor neuron disease, and that repetitive mild traumatic brain injuries can provoke the development of a tauopathy, chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Clinically, chronic traumatic encephalopathy is associated with behavioral changes, executive dysfunction, memory loss, and cognitive impairments that begin insidiously and progress slowly over decades. Pathologically, chronic traumatic encephalopathy produces atrophy of the frontal and temporal lobes, thalamus, and hypothalamus, septal abnormalities, and abnormal deposits of hyperphosphorylated tau (τ) as neurofibrillary tangles and disordered neurites throughout the brain. The incidence and prevalence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy and the genetic risk factors critical to its development are currently unknown. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy frequently occurs as a sole diagnosis, but may be associated with other neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body disease, and motor neuron disease. Currently, chronic traumatic encephalopathy can be diagnosed only at autopsy; however, promising efforts to develop imaging, spinal fluid, and peripheral blood biomarkers are underway to diagnose and monitor the course of disease in living subjects. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. The family experiences of in-hospital care questionnaire in severe traumatic brain injury (FECQ-TBI): a validation study.

    PubMed

    Anke, Audny; Manskow, Unn Sollid; Friborg, Oddgeir; Røe, Cecilie; Arntzen, Cathrine

    2016-11-28

    Family members are important for support and care of their close relative after severe traumas, and their experiences are vital health care quality indicators. The objective was to describe the development of the Family Experiences of in-hospital Care Questionnaire for family members of patients with severe Traumatic Brain Injury (FECQ-TBI), and to evaluate its psychometric properties and validity. The design of the study is a Norwegian multicentre study inviting 171 family members. The questionnaire developmental process included a literature review, use of an existing instrument (the parent experience of paediatric care questionnaire), focus group with close family members, as well as expert group judgments. Items asking for family care experiences related to acute wards and rehabilitation were included. Several items of the paediatric care questionnaire were removed or the wording of the items was changed to comply with the present purpose. Questions covering experiences with the inpatient rehabilitation period, the discharge phase, the family experiences with hospital facilities, the transfer between departments and the economic needs of the family were added. The developed questionnaire was mailed to the participants. Exploratory factor analyses were used to examine scale structure, in addition to screening for data quality, and analyses of internal consistency and validity. The questionnaire was returned by 122 (71%) of family members. Principal component analysis extracted six dimensions (eigenvalues > 1.0): acute organization and information (10 items), rehabilitation organization (13 items), rehabilitation information (6 items), discharge (4 items), hospital facilities-patients (4 items) and hospital facilities-family (2 items). Items related to the acute phase were comparable to items in the two dimensions of rehabilitation: organization and information. All six subscales had high Cronbach's alpha coefficients >0.80. The construct validity was confirmed. The FECQ-TBI assesses important aspects of in-hospital care in the acute and rehabilitation phases, as seen from a family perspective. The psychometric properties and the construct validity of the questionnaire were good, hence supporting the use of the FECQ-TBI to assess quality of care in rehabilitation departments.

  3. Endocannabinoids as a Target for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-11-01

    Award Number: W81XWH-11-2-0011 TITLE: Endocannabinoids as a Target for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR...Oct 2014 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Endocannabinoids as a Target for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER W81XWH...fluid percussion, traumatic brain injury, blood brain barrier, neuroinflammation, neurological dysfunction, endocannabinoids , microglia and 16

  4. Differences in MMPI-2 FBS and RBS scores in brain injury, probable malingering, and conversion disorder groups: a preliminary study.

    PubMed

    Peck, C P; Schroeder, R W; Heinrichs, R J; Vondran, E J; Brockman, C J; Webster, B K; Baade, L E

    2013-01-01

    This study examined differences in raw scores on the Symptom Validity Scale and Response Bias Scale (RBS) from the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 in three criterion groups: (i) valid traumatic brain injured, (ii) invalid traumatic brain injured, and (iii) psychogenic non-epileptic seizure disorders. Results indicate that a >30 raw score cutoff for the Symptom Validity Scale accurately identified 50% of the invalid traumatic brain injured group, while misclassifying none of the valid traumatic brain injured group and 6% of the psychogenic non-epileptic seizure disorder group. Using a >15 RBS raw cutoff score accurately classified 50% of the invalid traumatic brain injured group and misclassified fewer than 10% of the valid traumatic brain injured and psychogenic non-epileptic seizure disorder groups. These cutoff scores used conjunctively did not misclassify any members of the psychogenic non-epileptic seizure disorder or valid traumatic brain injured groups, while accurately classifying 44% of the invalid traumatic brain injured individuals. Findings from this preliminary study suggest that the conjunctive use of the Symptom Validity Scale and the RBS from the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 may be useful in differentiating probable malingering from individuals with brain injuries and conversion disorders.

  5. Persistent post-traumatic headache vs. migraine: an MRI study demonstrating differences in brain structure.

    PubMed

    Schwedt, Todd J; Chong, Catherine D; Peplinski, Jacob; Ross, Katherine; Berisha, Visar

    2017-08-22

    The majority of individuals with post-traumatic headache have symptoms that are indistinguishable from migraine. The overlap in symptoms amongst these individuals raises the question as to whether post-traumatic headache has a unique pathophysiology or if head trauma triggers migraine. The objective of this study was to compare brain structure in individuals with persistent post-traumatic headache (i.e. headache lasting at least 3 months following a traumatic brain injury) attributed to mild traumatic brain injury to that of individuals with migraine. Twenty-eight individuals with persistent post-traumatic headache attributed to mild traumatic brain injury and 28 individuals with migraine underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging on a 3 T scanner. Regional volumes, cortical thickness, surface area and curvature measurements were calculated from T1-weighted sequences and compared between subject groups using ANCOVA. MRI data from 28 healthy control subjects were used to interpret the differences in brain structure between migraine and persistent post-traumatic headache. Differences in regional volumes, cortical thickness, surface area and brain curvature were identified when comparing the group of individuals with persistent post-traumatic headache to the group with migraine. Structure was different between groups for regions within the right lateral orbitofrontal lobe, left caudal middle frontal lobe, left superior frontal lobe, left precuneus and right supramarginal gyrus (p < .05). Considering these regions only, there were differences between individuals with persistent post-traumatic headache and healthy controls within the right lateral orbitofrontal lobe, right supramarginal gyrus, and left superior frontal lobe and no differences when comparing the migraine cohort to healthy controls. In conclusion, persistent post-traumatic headache and migraine are associated with differences in brain structure, perhaps suggesting differences in their underlying pathophysiology. Additional studies are needed to further delineate similarities and differences in brain structure and function that are associated with post-traumatic headache and migraine and to determine their specificity for each of the headache types.

  6. Traumatic Brain Injury and Blood-Brain Barrier Cross-Talk.

    PubMed

    Nasser, Mohammad; Bejjani, Fabienne; Raad, Mohamad; Abou-El-Hassan, Hadi; Mantash, Sarah; Nokkari, Amaly; Ramadan, Naify; Kassem, Nouhad; Mondello, Stefania; Hamade, Eva; Darwish, Hala; Zibara, Kazem; Kobeissy, Firas

    2016-01-01

    Traumatic brain injury, often referred to as the "silent epidemic," is a nondegenerative, non-congenital insult to the brain due to a blow or penetrating object that disrupts the function of the brain leading to permanent or temporary impairment of cognition, physical and psychosocial functions. Traumatic brain injury usually has poor prognosis for long-term treatment and is a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide; approximately 10 million deaths and/or hospitalizations annually are directly related to traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injury involves primary and secondary insults. Primary injury occurs during the initial insult, and results from direct or indirect force applied to the physical structures of the brain. Secondary injury is characterized by longer-term degeneration of neurons, glial cells, and vascular tissues due to activation of several proteases, glutamate and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. In addition, there is growing evidence that the blood-brain barrier is involved in the course of traumatic brain injury pathophysiology and has detrimental effects on the overall pathology of brain trauma, as will be discussed in this work.

  7. A comparison of participation outcome measures and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Sets for traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Chung, Pearl; Yun, Sarah Jin; Khan, Fary

    2014-02-01

    To compare the contents of participation outcome measures in traumatic brain injury with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Sets for traumatic brain injury. A systematic search with an independent review process selected relevant articles to identify outcome measures in participation in traumatic brain injury. Instruments used in two or more studies were linked to the ICF categories, which identified categories in participation for comparison with the ICF Core Sets for traumatic brain injury. Selected articles (n = 101) identified participation instruments used in two or more studies (n = 9): Community Integration Questionnaire, Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique, Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory-4 Participation Index, Sydney Psychosocial Reintegration Scale Version-2, Participation Assessment with Recombined Tool-Objective, Community Integration Measure, Participation Objective Participation Subjective, Community Integration Questionnaire-2, and Quality of Community Integration Questionnaire. Each instrument was linked to 4-35 unique second-level ICF categories, of which 39-100% related to participation. Instruments addressed 86-100% and 50-100% of the participation categories in the Comprehensive and Brief ICF Core Sets for traumatic brain injury, respectively. Participation measures in traumatic brain injury were compared with the ICF Core Sets for traumatic brain injury. The ICF Core Sets for traumatic brain injury could contribute to the development and selection of participation measures.

  8. Prehospital Tranexamic Acid Use for Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-10-01

    AWARD NUMBER: W81XWH-13-2-0090 TITLE: Prehospital Tranexamic Acid Use for Traumatic Brain...2013 - 29 Sep 2014 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Prehospital Tranexamic Acid Use for Traumatic Brain Injury 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b...N/A 7. Appendices-N/A Page 7 Early Tranexamic Acid Use for Traumatic Brain Injury DMRDP Funding Opportunity Number: W81XWH-12-CCCJPC

  9. Detection of Blast-Related Traumatic Brain Injury in U.S. Military Personnel

    PubMed Central

    Mac Donald, Christine L.; Johnson, Ann M.; Cooper, Dana; Nelson, Elliot C.; Werner, Nicole J.; Shimony, Joshua S.; Snyder, Abraham Z.; Raichle, Marcus E.; Witherow, John R.; Fang, Raymond; Flaherty, Stephen F.; Brody, David L.

    2011-01-01

    BACKGROUND Blast-related traumatic brain injuries have been common in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, but fundamental questions about the nature of these injuries remain unanswered. METHODS We tested the hypothesis that blast-related traumatic brain injury causes traumatic axonal injury, using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), an advanced form of magnetic resonance imaging that is sensitive to axonal injury. The subjects were 63 U.S. military personnel who had a clinical diagnosis of mild, uncomplicated traumatic brain injury. They were evacuated from the field to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany, where they underwent DTI scanning within 90 days after the injury. All the subjects had primary blast exposure plus another, blast-related mechanism of injury (e.g., being struck by a blunt object or injured in a fall or motor vehicle crash). Controls consisted of 21 military personnel who had blast exposure and other injuries but no clinical diagnosis of traumatic brain injury. RESULTS Abnormalities revealed on DTI were consistent with traumatic axonal injury in many of the subjects with traumatic brain injury. None had detectible intracranial injury on computed tomography. As compared with DTI scans in controls, the scans in the subjects with traumatic brain injury showed marked abnormalities in the middle cerebellar peduncles (P<0.001), in cingulum bundles (P = 0.002), and in the right orbitofrontal white matter (P = 0.007). In 18 of the 63 subjects with traumatic brain injury, a significantly greater number of abnormalities were found on DTI than would be expected by chance (P<0.001). Follow-up DTI scans in 47 subjects with traumatic brain injury 6 to 12 months after enrollment showed persistent abnormalities that were consistent with evolving injuries. CONCLUSIONS DTI findings in U.S. military personnel support the hypothesis that blast-related mild traumatic brain injury can involve axonal injury. However, the contribution of primary blast exposure as compared with that of other types of injury could not be determined directly, since none of the subjects with traumatic brain injury had isolated primary blast injury. Furthermore, many of these subjects did not have abnormalities on DTI. Thus, traumatic brain injury remains a clinical diagnosis. (Funded by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program and the National Institutes of Health; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00785304.) PMID:21631321

  10. Head Trauma: First Aid

    MedlinePlus

    ... id=258&terms=cpr. Accessed Oct. 8, 2014. Traumatic brain injury. The Merck Manual Professional Edition. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/injuries_poisoning/traumatic_brain_injury_tbi/traumatic_brain_injury.html. Accessed Oct. 8, ...

  11. Post traumatic Headache and Psychological Health: Mindfulness Training for Mild TraumaticBrain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-10-01

    Award Number: W81XWH-10-1-1021 TITLE: Post-traumatic Headache and Psychological Health: Mindfulness Training for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury...traumatic Headache and Psychological Health: Mindfulness Training for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury” 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR...health, and quality of life of our soldiers. This project addresses multiple FY09 TBI/PH topic areas by validating an evidence-based, mind -body approach

  12. [Evaluation of diffuse cerebral atrophy in patients with a history of traumatic brain injury and its relation to cognitive deterioration].

    PubMed

    Narberhaus, A; Segarra-Castells, M D; Verger-Maestre, K; Serra-Grabulosa, J M; Salgado-Pineda, P; Bartomeus-Jené, F; Mercader-Sobrequés, J M

    Diffuse damage secondary to traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be studied through volumetric analysis of several structures that are sensible to this kind of injury, such as corpus callosum, ventricular system, hippocampus, basal ganglia and the volume of cerebrospinal fluid spaces. Our aim is to describe how closed head injury (CHI) occurred in early years produce diffuse damage, and how this damage affects general cognitive functioning at long term. Initially the group of subjects was composed of 27 head injured children and adolescents following paediatric moderate to severe TBI. From this initial group we selected 15 patients without focal lesion, or in case of having suffered focal lesion, this was smaller than 2,600 mm3. These subjects were assessed by means of volumetric analysis of cerebrospinal fluid spaces, corpus callosum, hippocampus and caudate nucleus, comparing the results with a matched control group. We calculated the degree of general cognitive ability of these subjects through tests of intellectual, memory, frontal lobe and motor speed functioning. This study demonstrates that early CHI produce a volume decrease in all measured structures. Corpus callosum atrophy is the factor that better explains general cognitive impairment. Diffuse damage secondary to moderate to severe peadiatric TBI has long term effects on several cerebral structures and on cognitive performance. Corpus callosum atrophy is the best predictor for general cognitive impairment, compared with other affected structures.

  13. Experiences of giving and receiving care in traumatic brain injury: An integrative review.

    PubMed

    Kivunja, Stephen; River, Jo; Gullick, Janice

    2018-04-01

    To synthesise the literature on the experiences of giving or receiving care for traumatic brain injury for people with traumatic brain injury, their family members and nurses in hospital and rehabilitation settings. Traumatic brain injury represents a major source of physical, social and economic burden. In the hospital setting, people with traumatic brain injury feel excluded from decision-making processes and perceive impatient care. Families describe inadequate information and support for psychological distress. Nurses find the care of people with traumatic brain injury challenging particularly when experiencing heavy workloads. To date, a contemporary synthesis of the literature on people with traumatic brain injury, family and nurse experiences of traumatic brain injury care has not been conducted. Integrative literature review. A systematic search strategy guided by the PRISMA statement was conducted in CINAHL, PubMed, Proquest, EMBASE and Google Scholar. Whittemore and Knafl's (Journal of Advanced Nursing, 52, 2005, 546) integrative review framework guided data reduction, data display, data comparison and conclusion verification. Across the three participant categories (people with traumatic brain injury/family members/nurses) and sixteen subcategories, six cross-cutting themes emerged: seeking personhood, navigating challenging behaviour, valuing skills and competence, struggling with changed family responsibilities, maintaining productive partnerships and reflecting on workplace culture. Traumatic brain injury creates changes in physical, cognitive and emotional function that challenge known ways of being in the world for people. This alters relationship dynamics within families and requires a specific skill set among nurses. Recommendations include the following: (i) formal inclusion of people with traumatic brain injury and families in care planning, (ii) routine risk screening for falls and challenging behaviour to ensure that controls are based on accurate assessment, (iii) formal orientation and training for novice nurses in the management of challenging behaviour, (iv) professional case management to guide access to services and funding and (v) personal skill development to optimise family functioning. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  14. Cerebral malaria in children: using the retina to study the brain

    PubMed Central

    Beare, Nicholas A. V.; Taylor, Terrie E.; Barrera, Valentina; White, Valerie A.; Hiscott, Paul; Molyneux, Malcolm E.; Dhillon, Baljean; Harding, Simon P.

    2014-01-01

    Cerebral malaria is a dangerous complication of Plasmodium falciparum infection, which takes a devastating toll on children in sub-Saharan Africa. Although autopsy studies have improved understanding of cerebral malaria pathology in fatal cases, information about in vivo neurovascular pathogenesis is scarce because brain tissue is inaccessible in life. Surrogate markers may provide insight into pathogenesis and thereby facilitate clinical studies with the ultimate aim of improving the treatment and prognosis of cerebral malaria. The retina is an attractive source of potential surrogate markers for paediatric cerebral malaria because, in this condition, the retina seems to sustain microvascular damage similar to that of the brain. In paediatric cerebral malaria a combination of retinal signs correlates, in fatal cases, with the severity of brain pathology, and has diagnostic and prognostic significance. Unlike the brain, the retina is accessible to high-resolution, non-invasive imaging. We aimed to determine the extent to which paediatric malarial retinopathy reflects cerebrovascular damage by reviewing the literature to compare retinal and cerebral manifestations of retinopathy-positive paediatric cerebral malaria. We then compared retina and brain in terms of anatomical and physiological features that could help to account for similarities and differences in vascular pathology. These comparisons address the question of whether it is biologically plausible to draw conclusions about unseen cerebral vascular pathogenesis from the visible retinal vasculature in retinopathy-positive paediatric cerebral malaria. Our work addresses an important cause of death and neurodisability in sub-Saharan Africa. We critically appraise evidence for associations between retina and brain neurovasculature in health and disease, and in the process we develop new hypotheses about why these vascular beds are susceptible to sequestration of parasitized erythrocytes. PMID:24578549

  15. Prevalence of Cerebral Microhemorrhage following Chronic Blast-Related Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Military Service Members Using Susceptibility-Weighted MRI.

    PubMed

    Lotan, E; Morley, C; Newman, J; Qian, M; Abu-Amara, D; Marmar, C; Lui, Y W

    2018-05-24

    Cerebral microhemorrhages are a known marker of mild traumatic brain injury. Blast-related mild traumatic brain injury relates to a propagating pressure wave, and there is evidence that the mechanism of injury in blast-related mild traumatic brain injury may be different from that in blunt head trauma. Two recent reports in mixed cohorts of blunt and blast-related traumatic brain injury in military personnel suggest that the prevalence of cerebral microhemorrhages is lower than in civilian head injury. In this study, we aimed to characterize the prevalence of cerebral microhemorrhages in military service members specifically with chronic blast-related mild traumatic brain injury. Participants were prospectively recruited and underwent 3T MR imaging. Susceptibility-weighted images were assessed by 2 neuroradiologists independently for the presence of cerebral microhemorrhages. Our cohort included 146 veterans (132 men) who experienced remote blast-related mild traumatic brain injury (mean, 9.4 years; median, 9 years after injury). Twenty-one (14.4%) reported loss of consciousness for <30 minutes. Seventy-seven subjects (52.7%) had 1 episode of blast-related mild traumatic brain injury; 41 (28.1%) had 2 episodes; and 28 (19.2%) had >2 episodes. No cerebral microhemorrhages were identified in any subject, as opposed to the frequency of SWI-detectable cerebral microhemorrhages following blunt-related mild traumatic brain injury in the civilian population, which has been reported to be as high as 28% in the acute and subacute stages. Our results may reflect differences in pathophysiology and the mechanism of injury between blast- and blunt-related mild traumatic brain injury. Additionally, the chronicity of injury may play a role in the detection of cerebral microhemorrhages. © 2018 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.

  16. Utility of the Croatian translation of the community integration questionnaire-revised in a sample of adults with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Tršinski, Dubravko; Tadinac, Meri; Bakran, Žarko; Klepo, Ivana

    2018-02-23

    To examine the utility of the Community Integration Questionnaire-Revised, translated into Croatian, in a sample of adults with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. The Community Integration Questionnaire-Revised was administered to a sample of 88 adults with traumatic brain injury and to a control sample matched by gender, age and education. Participants with traumatic brain injury were divided into four subgroups according to injury severity. The internal consistency of the Community Integration Questionnaire-Revised was satisfactory. The differences between the group with traumatic brain injury and the control group were statistically significant for the overall Community Integration Questionnaire-Revised score, as well as for all the subscales apart from the Home Integration subscale. The community Integration Questionnaire-Revised score varied significantly for subgroups with different severity of traumatic brain injury. The results show that the Croatian translation of the Community Integration Questionnaire-Revised is useful in assessing participation in adults with traumatic brain injury and confirm previous findings that severity of injury predicts community integration. Results of the new Electronic Social Networking scale indicate that persons who are more active on electronic social networks report better results for other domains of community integration, especially social activities. Implications for rehabilitation The Croatian translation of the Community Integration Questionnaire-Revised is a valid tool for long-term assessment of participation in various domains in persons with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury Persons with traumatic brain injury who are more active in the use of electronic social networking are also more integrated into social and productivity domains. Targeted training in the use of new technologies could enhance participation after traumatic brain injury.

  17. The association between adverse childhood experiences and adult traumatic brain injury/concussion: a scoping review.

    PubMed

    Ma, Zechen; Bayley, Mark T; Perrier, Laure; Dhir, Priya; Dépatie, Lana; Comper, Paul; Ruttan, Lesley; Lay, Christine; Munce, Sarah E P

    2018-01-12

    Adverse childhood experiences are significant risk factors for physical and mental illnesses in adulthood. Traumatic brain injury/concussion is a challenging condition where pre-injury factors may affect recovery. The association between childhood adversity and traumatic brain injury/concussion has not been previously reviewed. The research question addressed is: What is known from the existing literature about the association between adverse childhood experiences and traumatic brain injury/concussion in adults? All original studies of any type published in English since 2007 on adverse childhood experiences and traumatic brain injury/concussion outcomes were included. The literature search was conducted in multiple electronic databases. Arksey and O'Malley and Levac et al.'s scoping review frameworks were used. Two reviewers independently completed screening and data abstraction. The review yielded six observational studies. Included studies were limited to incarcerated or homeless samples, and individuals at high-risk of or with mental illnesses. Across studies, methods for childhood adversity and traumatic brain injury/concussion assessment were heterogeneous. A positive association between adverse childhood experiences and traumatic brain injury occurrence was identified. The review highlights the importance of screening and treatment of adverse childhood experiences. Future research should extend to the general population and implications on injury recovery. Implications for rehabilitation Exposure to adverse childhood experiences is associated with increased risk of traumatic brain injury. Specific types of adverse childhood experiences associated with risk of traumatic brain injury include childhood physical abuse, psychological abuse, household member incarceration, and household member drug abuse. Clinicians and researchers should inquire about adverse childhood experiences in all people with traumatic brain injury as pre-injury health conditions can affect recovery.

  18. Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

    MedlinePlus

    ... Traumatic Brain Injury mild Traumatic Brain Injury VIDEO STORIES What is TBI Measuring Severity of TBI Symptoms ... across the country. National Center for Telehealth and Technology t2health.dcoe.mil The National Center for Telehealth ...

  19. Playground Safety

    MedlinePlus

    ... 000 of these children are treated for a traumatic brain injury (TBI), including concussion. 2 Overall, more research is ... the Playground: Concussion Safety Tips for Parents CDC's Traumatic Brain Injury Learn more about traumatic brain injury and concussion. ...

  20. Coagulopathy and transfusion requirements in war related penetrating traumatic brain injury. A single centre study in a French role 3 medical treatment facility in Afghanistan.

    PubMed

    Bordes, J; Joubert, C; Esnault, P; Montcriol, A; Nguyen, C; Meaudre, E; Dulou, R; Dagain, A

    2017-05-01

    Traumatic brain injury associated coagulopathy is frequent, either in isolated traumatic brain injury in civilian practice and in combat traumatic brain injury. In war zone, it is a matter of concern because head and neck are the second most frequent site of wartime casualty burden. Data focusing on transfusion requirements in patients with war related TBI coagulopathy are limited. A descriptive analysis was conducted of 77 penetrating traumatic brain injuries referred to a French role 3 medical treatment facility in Kabul, Afghanistan, deployed on the Kabul International Airport (KaIA), over a 30 months period. On 77 patients, 23 died during the prehospital phase and were not included in the study. Severe traumatic brain injury represented 50% of patients. Explosions were the most common injury mechanism. Extracranial injuries were present in 72% of patients. Traumatic brain injury coagulopathy was diagnosed in 67% of patients at role 3 admission. Red blood cell units (RBCu) were transfused in 39 (72%) patients, French lyophilized plasma (FLYP) in 41 (76%), and fresh whole blood (FWB) in 17 (31%). The results of this study support previous observations of coagulopathy as a frequent complication of traumatic brain injury. The majority of patients with war related penetrating traumatic brain injury presented with extracranial lesions. Most of them required a high level of transfusion capacity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Graph analysis of functional brain networks for cognitive control of action in traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Caeyenberghs, Karen; Leemans, Alexander; Heitger, Marcus H; Leunissen, Inge; Dhollander, Thijs; Sunaert, Stefan; Dupont, Patrick; Swinnen, Stephan P

    2012-04-01

    Patients with traumatic brain injury show clear impairments in behavioural flexibility and inhibition that often persist beyond the time of injury, affecting independent living and psychosocial functioning. Functional magnetic resonance imaging studies have shown that patients with traumatic brain injury typically show increased and more broadly dispersed frontal and parietal activity during performance of cognitive control tasks. We constructed binary and weighted functional networks and calculated their topological properties using a graph theoretical approach. Twenty-three adults with traumatic brain injury and 26 age-matched controls were instructed to switch between coordination modes while making spatially and temporally coupled circular motions with joysticks during event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging. Results demonstrated that switching performance was significantly lower in patients with traumatic brain injury compared with control subjects. Furthermore, although brain networks of both groups exhibited economical small-world topology, altered functional connectivity was demonstrated in patients with traumatic brain injury. In particular, compared with controls, patients with traumatic brain injury showed increased connectivity degree and strength, and higher values of local efficiency, suggesting adaptive mechanisms in this group. Finally, the degree of increased connectivity was significantly correlated with poorer switching task performance and more severe brain injury. We conclude that analysing the functional brain network connectivity provides new insights into understanding cognitive control changes following brain injury.

  2. Early metabolic crisis-related brain atrophy and cognition in traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Wright, Matthew J; McArthur, David L; Alger, Jeffry R; Van Horn, Jack; Irimia, Andrei; Filippou, Maria; Glenn, Thomas C; Hovda, David A; Vespa, Paul

    2013-09-01

    Traumatic brain injury often results in acute metabolic crisis. We recently demonstrated that this is associated with chronic brain atrophy, which is most prominent in the frontal and temporal lobes. Interestingly, the neuropsychological profile of traumatic brain injury is often characterized as 'frontal-temporal' in nature, suggesting a possible link between acute metabolic crisis-related brain atrophy and neurocognitive impairment in this population. While focal lesions and diffuse axonal injury have a well-established role in the neuropsychological deficits observed following traumatic brain injury, no studies to date have examined the possible contribution of acute metabolic crisis-related atrophy in the neuropsychological sequelae of traumatic brain injury. In the current study we employed positron emission tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and neuropsychological assessments to ascertain the relationship between acute metabolic crisis-related brain atrophy and neurocognitive outcome in a sample of 14 right-handed traumatic brain injury survivors. We found that acute metabolic crisis-related atrophy in the frontal and temporal lobes was associated with poorer attention, executive functioning, and psychomotor abilities at 12 months post-injury. Furthermore, participants with gross frontal and/or temporal lobe atrophy exhibited numerous clinically significant neuropsychological deficits in contrast to participants with other patterns of brain atrophy. Our findings suggest that interventions that reduce acute metabolic crisis may lead to improved functional outcomes for traumatic brain injury survivors.

  3. Caring for Patients with traumatic brain injury: a survey of nurses' perceptions.

    PubMed

    Oyesanya, Tolu O; Brown, Roger L; Turkstra, Lyn S

    2017-06-01

    The purpose of this study was to determine nurses' perceptions about caring for patients with traumatic brain injury. Annually, it is estimated that over 10 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury around the world. Patients with traumatic brain injury and their families are often concerned with expectations about recovery and seek information from nurses. Nurses' perceptions of care might influence information provided to patients and families, particularly if inaccurate knowledge and perceptions are held. Thus, nurses must be knowledgeable about care of these patients. A cross-sectional survey, the Perceptions of Brain Injury Survey (PBIS), was completed electronically by 513 nurses between October and December 2014. Data were analysed with structural equation modelling, factor analysis, and pairwise comparisons. Using latent class analysis, authors were able to divide nurses into three homogeneous sub-groups based on perceived knowledge: low, moderate and high. Findings showed that nurses who care for patients with traumatic brain injury the most have the highest perceived confidence but the lowest perceived knowledge. Nurses also had significant variations in training. As there is limited literature on nurses' perceptions of caring for patients with traumatic brain injury, these findings have implications for training and educating nurses, including direction for development of nursing educational interventions. As the incidence of traumatic brain injury is growing, it is imperative that nurses be knowledgeable about care of patients with these injuries. The traumatic brain injury PBIS can be used to determine inaccurate perceptions about caring for patients with traumatic brain injury before educating and training nurses. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  4. Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-12-01

    Szuflita, N., Orman, J., and Schwab, K. (2010). Advancing integrated research in psychological health and traumatic brain injury: common data ele- ments...Szuflita N, Orman J, et al. Advancing Integrated Research in Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury: Common Data Elements. Arch Phys Med Rehabil...R, Gleason T, et al. Advancing integrated research in psychological health and traumatic brain injury: common data elements. Arch Phys Med Rehabil

  5. High Intensity Focused Ultrasound: A Novel Model of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-11-07

    RE, Melo B, Christensen B, Ngo L-A, Monette G, Bradbury C. 2008. Measuring premorbid IQ in traumatic brain injury: An examination of the validity of...High Intensity Focused Ultrasound: A Novel Model of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury by Brendan J. Finton Thesis...Mild Traumatic Brain Injury" is appropriately acknowledged and, beyond brief excerpts, is with the permission of the copyright owner. Brendan J

  6. Use Case Analysis: The Ambulatory EEG in Navy Medicine for Traumatic Brain Injuries

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-12-01

    best uses of the device for naval medicine. 14. SUBJECT TERMS traumatic brain injuries, electroencephalography, EEG, use case study 15. NUMBER OF...Traumatic Brain Injury NCS Non-Convulsive Seizures PD Parkinson’s Disease QEEG Quantitative EEG SPECT Single-Photon Emission Computerized Tomography...INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 1 I. INTRODUCTION This study examines the diagnosis of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Early detection and diagnosis is

  7. Training communication partners of people with severe traumatic brain injury improves everyday conversations: a multicenter single blind clinical trial.

    PubMed

    Togher, Leanne; McDonald, Skye; Tate, Robyn; Power, Emma; Rietdijk, Rachael

    2013-07-01

    To determine effectiveness of communication training for partners of people with severe traumatic brain injury. Three arm non-randomized controlled trial comparing communication partner training (JOINT) with individual treatment (TBI SOLO) and a waitlist control group with 6 month follow-up. Forty-four outpatients with severe chronic traumatic brain injuries were recruited. Ten-week conversational skills treatment program encompassing weekly group and individual sessions for both treatment groups. The JOINT condition focused on both the partner and the person with traumatic brain injury while the TBI SOLO condition focused on the individual with TBI only. Primary outcomes were blind ratings of the person with traumatic brain injury's level of participation during conversation on the Measure of Participation in Communication Adapted Kagan scales. Communication partner training improved conversational performance relative to training the person with traumatic brain injury alone and a waitlist control group on the primary outcome measures. Results were maintained at six months post-training. Training communication partners of people with chronic severe traumatic brain injury was more efficacious than training the person with traumatic brain injury alone. The Adapted Kagan scales proved to be a robust and sensitive outcome measure for a conversational skills training program.

  8. Traumatic Brain Injury: An Educator's Manual. [Revised Edition.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fiegenbaum, Ed, Ed.; And Others

    This manual for the Portland (Oregon) Public Schools presents basic information on providing educational services to children with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Individual sections cover the following topics: the brain, central nervous system and behavior; physical, psychological and emotional implication; traumatic brain injury in children versus…

  9. Acute post-traumatic stress symptoms and age predict outcome in military blast concussion.

    PubMed

    Mac Donald, Christine L; Adam, Octavian R; Johnson, Ann M; Nelson, Elliot C; Werner, Nicole J; Rivet, Dennis J; Brody, David L

    2015-05-01

    High rates of adverse outcomes have been reported following blast-related concussive traumatic brain injury in US military personnel, but the extent to which such adverse outcomes can be predicted acutely after injury is unknown. We performed a prospective, observational study of US military personnel with blast-related concussive traumatic brain injury (n = 38) and controls (n = 34) enrolled between March and September 2012. Importantly all subjects returned to duty and did not require evacuation. Subjects were evaluated acutely 0-7 days after injury at two sites in Afghanistan and again 6-12 months later in the United States. Acute assessments revealed heightened post-concussive, post-traumatic stress, and depressive symptoms along with worse cognitive performance in subjects with traumatic brain injury. At 6-12 months follow-up, 63% of subjects with traumatic brain injury and 20% of controls had moderate overall disability. Subjects with traumatic brain injury showed more severe neurobehavioural, post-traumatic stress and depression symptoms along with more frequent cognitive performance deficits and more substantial headache impairment than control subjects. Logistic regression modelling using only acute measures identified that a diagnosis of traumatic brain injury, older age, and more severe post-traumatic stress symptoms provided a good prediction of later adverse global outcomes (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve = 0.84). Thus, US military personnel with concussive blast-related traumatic brain injury in Afghanistan who returned to duty still fared quite poorly on many clinical outcome measures 6-12 months after injury. Poor global outcome seems to be largely driven by psychological health measures, age, and traumatic brain injury status. The effects of early interventions and longer term implications of these findings are unknown. © The Author (2015). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Guarantors of Brain. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  10. Mild traumatic brain injury is associated with reduced cortical thickness in those at risk for Alzheimer's disease.

    PubMed

    Hayes, Jasmeet P; Logue, Mark W; Sadeh, Naomi; Spielberg, Jeffrey M; Verfaellie, Mieke; Hayes, Scott M; Reagan, Andrew; Salat, David H; Wolf, Erika J; McGlinchey, Regina E; Milberg, William P; Stone, Annjanette; Schichman, Steven A; Miller, Mark W

    2017-03-01

    Moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury is one of the strongest environmental risk factors for the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as late-onset Alzheimer's disease, although it is unclear whether mild traumatic brain injury, or concussion, also confers risk. This study examined mild traumatic brain injury and genetic risk as predictors of reduced cortical thickness in brain regions previously associated with early Alzheimer's disease, and their relationship with episodic memory. Participants were 160 Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans between the ages of 19 and 58, many of whom carried mild traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder diagnoses. Whole-genome polygenic risk scores for the development of Alzheimer's disease were calculated using summary statistics from the largest Alzheimer's disease genome-wide association study to date. Results showed that mild traumatic brain injury moderated the relationship between genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease and cortical thickness, such that individuals with mild traumatic brain injury and high genetic risk showed reduced cortical thickness in Alzheimer's disease-vulnerable regions. Among males with mild traumatic brain injury, high genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease was associated with cortical thinning as a function of time since injury. A moderated mediation analysis showed that mild traumatic brain injury and high genetic risk indirectly influenced episodic memory performance through cortical thickness, suggesting that cortical thinning in Alzheimer's disease-vulnerable brain regions is a mechanism for reduced memory performance. Finally, analyses that examined the apolipoprotein E4 allele, post-traumatic stress disorder, and genetic risk for schizophrenia and depression confirmed the specificity of the Alzheimer's disease polygenic risk finding. These results provide evidence that mild traumatic brain injury is associated with greater neurodegeneration and reduced memory performance in individuals at genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease, with the caveat that the order of causal effects cannot be inferred from cross-sectional studies. These results underscore the importance of documenting head injuries even within the mild range as they may interact with genetic risk to produce negative long-term health consequences such as neurodegenerative disease. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Guarantors of Brain 2017. This work is written by US Government employees and is in the public domain in the United States.

  11. 77 FR 25708 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-05-01

    ... and OMB Number: Traumatic Brain Injury, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Long-Term Quality of Life... effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Information collected...

  12. Online support to facilitate the reintegration of students with brain injury: trials and errors.

    PubMed

    Verburg, Geb; Borthwick, Burt; Bennett, Bill; Rumney, Peter

    2003-01-01

    The reintegration of students after acquired/traumatic brain injury (ABI/TBI) continues to be fraught with difficulties. Presented are (1) case studies exploring the potential of online support for teachers of students with ABI after returning from a paediatric rehabilitation centre; (2) results of Internet-based courses about reintegrating students with ABI; (3) outcomes of videoconferencing-based and Internet email-based support; (4) development of an online support process that uses Questions and Answers as a quick and immediate resource for teachers. The authors recommend that a collaborative process be instituted, in order to generate a relatively small number of high quality online resources about re-integrating students into their school and community. A second recommendation focuses on the development of online support network which may be text or email based or which may use videoconferencing over the Internet. Such networks allow students with ABI to maintain contact with their family and friends in the home community and facilitate their reintegration. An Internet-based support structure also allows professionals to provide consultation, collaboration and continuing input.

  13. Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury

    MedlinePlus

    ... please turn JavaScript on. Feature: Concussion Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury Past Issues / Summer 2015 Table of Contents Children ... Flutie: "Be on the Safe Side." / Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury Summer 2015 Issue: Volume 10 Number 2 Page ...

  14. Development of in Vivo Biomarkers for Progressive Tau Pathology after Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-02-01

    13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 14. ABSTRACT Athletes in contact sports who have sustained multiple concussive traumatic brain injuries are at high risk for...multiple concussive traumatic brain injuries 15-17 may also be at risk for this condition. Currently, there are no methods to identify progressive tau...after traumatic brain injury. Progress to date: To date, none of the attempts to model progressive tau pathology after repetitive concussive TBI in

  15. Detection of Blast-Related Traumatic Brain Injury in U.S. Military Personnel

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-06-02

    hypothesis that blast-related traumatic brain injury causes traumatic axonal injury, using diffusion tensor imaging ( DTI ), an advanced form of magnetic... DTI scanning within 90 days after the injury. All the subjects had primary blast exposure plus another, blast-related mecha- nism of injury (e.g...other injuries but no clinical diagnosis of traumatic brain injury. Results Abnormalities revealed on DTI were consistent with traumatic axonal injury in

  16. Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell transplantation combined with hyperbaric oxygen treatment for repair of traumatic brain injury

    PubMed Central

    Zhou, Hai-xiao; Liu, Zhi-gang; Liu, Xiao-jiao; Chen, Qian-xue

    2016-01-01

    Transplantation of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) for repair of traumatic brain injury has been used in the clinic. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment has long been widely used as an adjunctive therapy for treating traumatic brain injury. UC-MSC transplantation combined with HBO treatment is expected to yield better therapeutic effects on traumatic brain injury. In this study, we established rat models of severe traumatic brain injury by pressurized fluid (2.5–3.0 atm impact force). The injured rats were then administered UC-MSC transplantation via the tail vein in combination with HBO treatment. Compared with monotherapy, aquaporin 4 expression decreased in the injured rat brain, but growth-associated protein-43 expression, calaxon-like structures, and CM-Dil-positive cell number increased. Following combination therapy, however, rat cognitive and neurological function significantly improved. UC-MSC transplantation combined with HBO therapyfor repair of traumatic brain injury shows better therapeutic effects than monotherapy and significantly promotes recovery of neurological functions. PMID:26981097

  17. What Are Common Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Symptoms?

    MedlinePlus

    ... NICHD Research Information Find a Study More Information Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Condition Information NICHD Research Information Find a ... Care Providers Home Health A to Z List Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Condition Information What are common symptoms? Share ...

  18. Traumatic Brain Injury and Infectious Encephalopathy in Children From Four Resource-Limited Settings in Africa.

    PubMed

    Fink, Ericka L; von Saint Andre-von Arnim, Amelie; Kumar, Rashmi; Wilson, Patrick T; Bacha, Tigist; Aklilu, Abenezer Tirsit; Teklemariam, Tsegazeab Laeke; Hooli, Shubhada; Tuyisenge, Lisine; Otupiri, Easmon; Fabio, Anthony; Gianakas, John; Kochanek, Patrick M; Angus, Derek C; Tasker, Robert C

    2018-04-16

    To assess the frequency, interventions, and outcomes of children presenting with traumatic brain injury or infectious encephalopathy in low-resource settings. Prospective study. Four hospitals in Sub-Saharan Africa. Children age 1 day to 17 years old evaluated at the hospital with traumatic brain injury or infectious encephalopathy. None. We evaluated the frequency and outcomes of children presenting consecutively over 4 weeks to any hospital department with traumatic brain injury or infectious encephalopathy. Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category score was assessed pre morbidity and at hospital discharge. Overall, 130 children were studied (58 [45%] had traumatic brain injury) from hospitals in Ethiopia (n = 51), Kenya (n = 50), Rwanda (n = 20), and Ghana (n = 7). Forty-six percent had no prehospital care, and 64% required interhospital transport over 18 km (1-521 km). On comparing traumatic brain injury with infectious encephalopathy, there was no difference in presentation with altered mental state (80% vs 82%), but a greater proportion of traumatic brain injury cases had loss of consciousness (80% vs 53%; p = 0.004). Traumatic brain injury patients were older (median [range], 120 mo [6-204 mo] vs 13 mo [0.3-204 mo]), p value of less than 0.001, and more likely male (73% vs 51%), p value of less than 0.01. In 78% of infectious encephalopathy cases, cause was unknown. More infectious encephalopathy cases had a seizure (69% vs 12%; p < 0.001). In regard to outcome, infectious encephalopathy versus traumatic brain injury: hospital lengths of stay were longer for infectious encephalopathy (8 d [2-30 d] vs 4 d [1-36 d]; p = 0.003), discharge rate to home, or for inpatient rehabilitation, or death differed between infectious encephalopathy (85%, 1%, and 13%) and traumatic brain injury (79%, 12%, and 1%), respectively, p value equals to 0.044. There was no difference in the proportion of children surviving with normal or mild disability (73% traumatic brain injury vs 79% infectious encephalopathy; p = 0.526). The epidemiology and outcomes of pediatric traumatic brain injury and infectious encephalopathy varied by center and disease. To improve outcomes of these conditions in low-resource setting, focus should be on neurocritical care protocols for pre-hospital, hospital, and rehabilitative care.

  19. Decorticate posture

    MedlinePlus

    Abnormal posturing - decorticate posture; Traumatic brain injury - decorticate posture ... Brain problem due to drugs, poisoning, or infection Traumatic brain injury Brain problem due to liver failure Increased pressure ...

  20. Traumatic Brain Injury as a Cause of Behavior Disorders.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Nordlund, Marcia R.

    There is increasing evidence that many children and adolescents who display behavior disorders have sustained a traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injury can take the following forms: closed head trauma in which the brain usually suffers diffuse damage; open head injury which usually results in specific focal damage; or internal trauma (e.g.,…

  1. Graph Analysis of Functional Brain Networks for Cognitive Control of Action in Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Caeyenberghs, Karen; Leemans, Alexander; Heitger, Marcus H.; Leunissen, Inge; Dhollander, Thijs; Sunaert, Stefan; Dupont, Patrick; Swinnen, Stephan P.

    2012-01-01

    Patients with traumatic brain injury show clear impairments in behavioural flexibility and inhibition that often persist beyond the time of injury, affecting independent living and psychosocial functioning. Functional magnetic resonance imaging studies have shown that patients with traumatic brain injury typically show increased and more broadly…

  2. Longitudinal relationship between traumatic brain injury and the risk of incident optic neuropathy: A 10-year follow-up nationally representative Taiwan survey

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Ying-Jen; Liang, Chang-Min; Tai, Ming-Cheng; Chang, Yun-Hsiang; Lin, Tzu-Yu; Chung, Chi-Hsiang; Lin, Fu-Huang; Tsao, Chang-Huei; Chien, Wu-Chien

    2017-01-01

    Accumulating evidences had shown that traumatic brain injury was associated with visual impairment or vision loss. However, there were a limited number of empirical studies regarding the longitudinal relationship between traumatic brain injury and incident optic neuropathy. We studied a cohort from the Taiwanese National Health Insurance data comprising 553918 participants with traumatic brain injury and optic neuropathy-free in the case group and 1107836 individuals without traumatic brain injury in the control group from 1st January 2000. After the index date until the end of 2010, Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to compare the risk of incident optic neuropathy. During the follow-up period, case group was more likely to develop incident optic neuropathy (0.24%) than the control group (0.11%). Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that the case group had a 3-fold increased risk of optic neuropathy (HR = 3.017, 95% CI = 2.767–3.289, p < 0.001). After stratification by demographic information, traumatic brain injury remained a significant factor for incident optic neuropathy. Our study provided evidence of the increased risk of incident optic neuropathy after traumatic brain injury during a 10-year follow-up period. Patients with traumatic brain injury required periodic and thorough eye examinations for incident optic neuropathy to prevent potentially irreversible vision loss. PMID:29156847

  3. Longitudinal relationship between traumatic brain injury and the risk of incident optic neuropathy: A 10-year follow-up nationally representative Taiwan survey.

    PubMed

    Chen, Ying-Jen; Liang, Chang-Min; Tai, Ming-Cheng; Chang, Yun-Hsiang; Lin, Tzu-Yu; Chung, Chi-Hsiang; Lin, Fu-Huang; Tsao, Chang-Huei; Chien, Wu-Chien

    2017-10-17

    Accumulating evidences had shown that traumatic brain injury was associated with visual impairment or vision loss. However, there were a limited number of empirical studies regarding the longitudinal relationship between traumatic brain injury and incident optic neuropathy. We studied a cohort from the Taiwanese National Health Insurance data comprising 553918 participants with traumatic brain injury and optic neuropathy-free in the case group and 1107836 individuals without traumatic brain injury in the control group from 1st January 2000. After the index date until the end of 2010, Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to compare the risk of incident optic neuropathy. During the follow-up period, case group was more likely to develop incident optic neuropathy (0.24%) than the control group (0.11%). Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that the case group had a 3-fold increased risk of optic neuropathy (HR = 3.017, 95% CI = 2.767-3.289, p < 0.001). After stratification by demographic information, traumatic brain injury remained a significant factor for incident optic neuropathy. Our study provided evidence of the increased risk of incident optic neuropathy after traumatic brain injury during a 10-year follow-up period. Patients with traumatic brain injury required periodic and thorough eye examinations for incident optic neuropathy to prevent potentially irreversible vision loss.

  4. Usability of World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule in chronic traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Tarvonen-Schröder, Sinikka; Tenovuo, Olli; Kaljonen, Anne; Laimi, Katri

    2018-06-15

    To investigate functioning measured with the 12-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0) in patients with mild, moderate and severe traumatic brain injury, and to compare patients' experiences with assessments made by their significant others and by consultant neurologists. A total of 112 consecutive patients with traumatic brain injury (29 mild, 43 moderate, 40 severe) and their significant others completed a 12-item WHODAS 2.0 survey. A neurologist assessed functioning with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health minimal generic set. The total patient and proxy WHODAS 2.0 sum score was rated as severe, and impairments in household tasks, learning, community life, emotional functions, concentrating, dealing with strangers, maintaining friendships, and working ability as around moderate in all 3 severity groups. In standing, walking, washing, and dressing oneself the reported impairments increased from mild in mild traumatic brain injury to moderate in severe traumatic brain injury. A neurologist rated the overall functioning, working ability, and motor activities most impaired in severe traumatic brain injury, while there were no between-group differences in energy and drive functions and emotional functions. Patients with chronic traumatic brain injury perceive a diversity of significant difficulties in activities and participation irrespective of the severity of the injury. We recommend assessing disability in traumatic brain injury with the short and understandable WHODAS 2.0 scale, when planning client-oriented services.

  5. Cobalt-55 positron emission tomography in traumatic brain injury: a pilot study.

    PubMed Central

    Jansen, H M; van der Naalt, J; van Zomeren, A H; Paans, A M; Veenma-van der Duin, L; Hew, J M; Pruim, J; Minderhoud, J M; Korf, J

    1996-01-01

    Traumatic brain injury is usually assessed with the Glasgow coma scale (GCS), CT, or MRI. After such injury, the injured brain tissue is characterised by calcium mediated neuronal damage and inflammation. Positron emission tomography with the isotope cobalt-55 (Co-PET) as a calcium tracer enables imaging of affected tissue in traumatic brain injury. The aim was to determine whether additional information can be gained by Co-PET in the diagnosis of moderate traumatic brain injury and to assess any prognostic value of Co-PET. Five patients with recent moderately severe traumatic brain injury were studied. CT was performed on the day of admission, EEG within one week, and MRI and Co-PET within four weeks of injury. Clinical assessment included neurological examination, GCS, neuropsychological testing, and Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) after one year. Co-PET showed focal uptake that extended beyond the morphological abnormalities shown by MRI and CT, in brain regions that were actually diagnosed with EEG. Thus Co-PET is potentially useful for diagnostic localisation of both structural and functional abnormalities in moderate traumatic brain injury. Images PMID:8708661

  6. Pathological correlations between traumatic brain injury and chronic neurodegenerative diseases.

    PubMed

    Cruz-Haces, Marcela; Tang, Jonathan; Acosta, Glen; Fernandez, Joseph; Shi, Riyi

    2017-01-01

    Traumatic brain injury is among the most common causes of death and disability in youth and young adults. In addition to the acute risk of morbidity with moderate to severe injuries, traumatic brain injury is associated with a number of chronic neurological and neuropsychiatric sequelae including neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. However, despite the high incidence of traumatic brain injuries and the established clinical correlation with neurodegeneration, the causative factors linking these processes have not yet been fully elucidated. Apart from removal from activity, few, if any prophylactic treatments against post-traumatic brain injury neurodegeneration exist. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of traumatic brain injury and neurodegeneration in order to identify potential factors that initiate neurodegenerative processes. Oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and glutamatergic excitotoxicity have previously been implicated in both secondary brain injury and neurodegeneration. In particular, reactive oxygen species appear to be key in mediating molecular insult in neuroinflammation and excitotoxicity. As such, it is likely that post injury oxidative stress is a key mechanism which links traumatic brain injury to increased risk of neurodegeneration. Consequently, reactive oxygen species and their subsequent byproducts may serve as novel fluid markers for identification and monitoring of cellular damage. Furthermore, these reactive species may further serve as a suitable therapeutic target to reduce the risk of post-injury neurodegeneration and provide long term quality of life improvements for those suffering from traumatic brain injury.

  7. Long-term employment outcomes following traumatic brain injury and orthopaedic trauma: A ten-year prospective study.

    PubMed

    Dahm, Jane; Ponsford, Jennie

    2015-11-01

    To investigate the trajectory and predictors of employment over a period of 10 years following traumatic brain injury and traumatic orthopaedic injury. Prospective follow-up at 1, 2, 5 and 10 years post-injury. Seventy-nine individuals with traumatic brain injury and 79 with traumatic orthopaedic injury recruited from Epworth HealthCare in Melbourne, Australia during inpatient rehabilitation. Information was obtained from medical files and self-report questionnaires. Individuals with traumatic brain injury were less likely to be competitively employed during the period up to 10 years post-injury compared with individuals with traumatic orthopaedic injury, although there was evidence of increasing employment participation during that time. More severe traumatic brain injury, older age, pre-injury psychological treatment, and studying or having a blue-collar occupation at time of injury were associated with poorer employment outcomes. Individuals with traumatic brain injury had spent less time with their current employer and were less likely to have increased responsibility since the injury than those with traumatic orthopaedic injury. At least half of each group reported difficulty at work due to fatigue. Given the potential for gains in employment participation over an extended time-frame, there may be benefit in ongoing access to individualized vocational rehabilitation. Particular areas of focus would include managing fatigue and psychiatric disorders, and exploring supported occupational activity for all levels of injury severity.

  8. Brain Vulnerability to Repeated Blast Overpressure and Polytrauma

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-11-01

    phosphatase in the etiology of tauopathy and chronic traumatic encephalopathy . National Capital Region Traumatic Brain Injury Research Symposium... encephalopathy after traumatic brain injury. USUHS Research Day held at Bethesda, MD – May 13, 2013 7 CONCLUSION As the result of substantial...and countermeasures to lessen short-term impairments as well as chronic debilitation (e.g. chronic traumatic encephalopathy ). 8 Fig 1. BOP

  9. 38 CFR 3.310 - Disabilities that are proximately due to, or aggravated by, service-connected disease or injury.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ...) Traumatic brain injury. (1) In a veteran who has a service-connected traumatic brain injury, the following shall be held to be the proximate result of the service-connected traumatic brain injury (TBI), in the.../mental state. PTA—Post-traumatic amnesia. GCS—Glasgow Coma Scale. (For purposes of injury stratification...

  10. Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation Comparative Effectiveness Research: Introduction to the Traumatic Brain Injury-Practice Based Evidence Archives Supplement.

    PubMed

    Horn, Susan D; Corrigan, John D; Dijkers, Marcel P

    2015-08-01

    This supplement of the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is devoted to the Traumatic Brain Injury-Practice Based Evidence study, the first practice-based evidence study, to our knowledge, of traumatic brain injury rehabilitation. The purpose of this preface is to place this study in the broader context of comparative effectiveness research and introduce the articles in the supplement. Copyright © 2015 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Combined Effects of Primary and Tertiary Blast on Rat Brain: Characterization of a Model of Blast-induced Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-03-01

    military environments, affected in- dividuals (e.g. football players) often sustain additional mild injuries. mTBI symptoms are typically mild and... concussion andmild traumatic brain injury. PM R 3, S354–358; DOI:10.1016/j.pmrj.2011.07.017 (2011). 2. Hendricks, A. M. et al. Screening for mild traumatic...Mendez, M. F. et al. Mild traumatic brain injury from primary blast vs. blunt forces: post- concussion consequences and functional neuroimaging

  12. Traumatic Brain Injury in the United States: An Epidemiologic Overview

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-01-01

    discussed. Mt Sinai J Med 76:105–110, 2009.  2009 Mount Sinai School of Medicine Key Words: epidemiology, head injury, traumatic brain injury. A...traumatic brain injury in the civilian population of the United States. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2008; 23: 394–400. 3. Sosin DM, Sniezek JE, Thurman DJ...consciousness, a practical scale. Lancet 1974; 2: 81–84. 5. Kay T, Harrington DE, Adams R, et al. Definition of mild traumatic brain injury. J Head

  13. Characterizing on-road driving performance in individuals with traumatic brain injury who pass or fail an on-road driving assessment.

    PubMed

    Stolwyk, Renerus J; Charlton, Judith L; Ross, Pamela E; Bédard, Michel; Marshall, Shawn; Gagnon, Sylvain; Gooden, James R; Ponsford, Jennie L

    2018-01-15

    To characterise on-road driving performance in individuals with traumatic brain injury who fail on-road driving assessment, compared with both those who pass assessment and healthy controls, and the injury and cognitive factors associated with driving performance. Cross-sectional. Forty eight participants with traumatic brain injury (Age M = 40.50 SD = 14.62, 77% male, post-traumatic amnesia days M = 28.74 SD =27.68) and 48 healthy matched controls completed a standardised on-road driving assessment in addition to cognitive measures. Individuals with traumatic brain injury who passed on-road driving assessment performed no differently from controls while individuals with traumatic brain injury who failed the assessment demonstrated significantly worse driving performance relative to controls across a range of driving manoeuvres and error types including observation of on-road environment, speed control, gap selection, lane position, following distance and basic car control. Longer time post-injury and reduced visual perception were both significantly correlated with reduced driving skills. This exploratory study indicated that drivers with traumatic brain injury who failed on-road assessment demonstrated a heterogeneous pattern of impaired driving manoeuvres, characterised by skill deficits across both operational (e.g., basic car control and lane position) and tactical domains (e.g., following distance, gap selection, and observation) of driving. These preliminary findings can be used for implementation of future driving assessments and rehabilitation programs. Implications for rehabilitation Clinicians should be aware that the majority of individuals with traumatic brain injury were deemed fit to resume driving following formal on-road assessment, despite having moderate to very severe traumatic brain injuries. Drivers with traumatic brain injury who failed an on-road assessment demonstrated a heterogeneous pattern of impaired skills including errors with observation, speed regulation, gap selection, and vehicle control and accordingly had difficulty executing a diverse range of common driving manoeuvres. Comprehensive, formal on-road assessments, incorporating a range of skills, and manoeuvres, are needed to evaluate readiness to return to driving following traumatic brain injury. Individually tailored driver rehabilitation programs need to address these heterogeneous skill deficits to best support individuals to make a successful return to driving post-traumatic brain injury.

  14. Art Therapy for Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury: A Comprehensive Neurorehabilitation-Informed Approach to Treatment

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kline, Tori

    2016-01-01

    I describe an approach to art therapy treatment for survivors of traumatic brain injury developed at a rehabilitation facility for adults that serves inpatient, outpatient, and long-term residential clients. This approach is based on a review of the literature on traumatic brain injury, comprehensive neurorehabilitation, brain plasticity, and art…

  15. Increased Sleep Need and Reduction of Tuberomammillary Histamine Neurons after Rodent Traumatic Brain Injury.

    PubMed

    Noain, Daniela; Büchele, Fabian; Schreglmann, Sebastian R; Valko, Philipp O; Gavrilov, Yuri V; Morawska, Marta M; Imbach, Lukas L; Baumann, Christian R

    2018-01-01

    Although sleep-wake disturbances are prevalent and well described after traumatic brain injury, their pathophysiology remains unclear, most likely because human traumatic brain injury is a highly heterogeneous entity that makes the systematic study of sleep-wake disturbances in relation to trauma-induced histological changes a challenging task. Despite increasing interest, specific and effective treatment strategies for post-traumatic sleep-wake disturbances are still missing. With the present work, therefore, we aimed at studying acute and chronic sleep-wake disturbances by electrophysiological means, and at assessing their histological correlates after closed diffuse traumatic brain injury in rats with the ultimate goal of generating a model of post-traumatic sleep-wake disturbances and associated histopathological findings that accurately represents the human condition. We assessed sleep-wake behavior by means of standard electrophysiological recordings before and 1, 7, and 28 days after sham or traumatic brain injury procedures. Sleep-wake findings were then correlated to immunohistochemically labeled and stereologically quantified neuronal arousal systems. Compared with control animals, we found that closed diffuse traumatic brain injury caused increased sleep need one month after trauma, and sleep was more consolidated. As histological correlate, we found a reduced number of histamine immunoreactive cells in the tuberomammillary nucleus, potentially related to increased neuroinflammation. Monoaminergic and hypocretinergic neurotransmitter systems in the hypothalamus and rostral brainstem were not affected, however. These results suggest that our rat traumatic brain injury model reflects human post-traumatic sleep-wake disturbances and associated histopathological findings very accurately, thus providing a study platform for novel treatment strategies for affected patients.

  16. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy: The Neuropathological Legacy of Traumatic Brain Injury

    PubMed Central

    Hay, Jennifer; Johnson, Victoria E.; Smith, Douglas H.; Stewart, William

    2017-01-01

    Almost a century ago, the first clinical account of the punch-drunk syndrome emerged, describing chronic neurological and neuropsychiatric sequelae occurring in former boxers. Thereafter, throughout the twentieth century, further reports added to our understanding of the neuropathological consequences of a career in boxing, leading to descriptions of a distinct neurodegenerative pathology, termed dementia pugilistica. During the past decade, growing recognition of this pathology in autopsy studies of non-boxers who were exposed to repetitive, mild traumatic brain injury, or to a single, moderate or severe traumatic brain injury, has led to an awareness that it is exposure to traumatic brain injury that carries with it a risk of this neurodegenerative disease, not the sport or the circumstance in which the injury is sustained. Furthermore, the neuropathology of the neurodegeneration that occurs after traumatic brain injury, now termed chronic traumatic encephalopathy, is acknowledged as being a complex, mixed, but distinctive pathology, the detail of which is reviewed in this article. PMID:26772317

  17. 78 FR 12334 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request: Federal Interagency Traumatic Brain Injury Research (FITBIR...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-02-22

    ... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health Proposed Collection; Comment Request: Federal Interagency Traumatic Brain Injury Research (FITBIR) Informatics System Data Access...-days of the date of this publication. Proposed Collection: Federal Interagency Traumatic Brain Injury...

  18. Does gender matter? Differences in social-emotional behavior among infants and toddlers before and after mild traumatic brain injury: a preliminary study.

    PubMed

    Kaldoja, Mari-Liis; Kolk, Anneli

    2015-06-01

    Traumatic brain injury is a common cause of acquired disability in childhood. While much is known about cognitive sequelae of brain trauma, gender-specific social-emotional problems in children with mild traumatic brain injury is far less understood. The aims of the study were to investigate gender differences in social-emotional behavior before and after mild traumatic brain injury. Thirty-five 3- to 65-month-old children with mild traumatic brain injury and 70 controls were assessed with Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional. Nine months later, 27 of 35 patients and 54 of 70 controls were reassessed. We found that before injury, boys had more self-regulation and autonomy difficulties and girls had problems with adaptive functioning. Nine months after injury, boys continued to struggle with self-regulation and autonomy and new difficulties with interaction had emerged, whereas in girls, problems in interaction had evolved. Even mild traumatic brain injury in early childhood disrupts normal social-emotional development having especially devastating influence on interaction skills. © The Author(s) 2014.

  19. 78 FR 37834 - Submission for OMB review; 30-Day Comment Request; Federal Interagency Traumatic Brain Injury...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-06-24

    ... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health Submission for OMB review; 30-Day Comment Request; Federal Interagency Traumatic Brain Injury Research (FITBIR) Informatics... Interagency Traumatic Brain Injury Research (FITBIR) Informatics System Data Access Request. 0925-NEW...

  20. Traumatic Brain Injury: A Challenge for Educators

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bullock, Lyndal M.; Gable, Robert A.; Mohr, J. Darrell

    2005-01-01

    In this article, the authors provide information designed to enhance the knowledge and understanding of school personnel about traumatic brain injury (TBI). The authors specifically define TBI and enumerate common characteristics associated with traumatic brain injury, discuss briefly the growth and type of services provided, and offer some…

  1. Endocannabinoids as a Target for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-11-01

    DATES COVERED 4 October 2011- 3 October 2012 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Endocannabinoids as a Target for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury 5a...interventions aimed at modulation of the endocannabinoid (EC) system targeting degradation of 20arachidonoyl glycerlol (2- AG) and N-arachidonoyl...percussion, traumatic brain injury, blood brain barrier, neuroinflammination, neurological dysfunction, endocannabinoids . 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

  2. Narrative literature review: Health, activity and participation issues for women following traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    O'Reilly, Kate; Wilson, Nathan; Peters, Kath

    2017-06-06

    This narrative review will draw attention to the current limitations within the literature related to women following traumatic brain injury in order to stimulate discussion and inform future directions for research. There is a wide-ranging body of research about traumatic brain injury with the higher incidence of brain injury among males reflected in this body of work. As a result, the specific gendered issues facing women with traumatic brain injury are not as well understood. A search of electronic databases was conducted using the terms "traumatic brain injury", "brain injury", "women", "participation", "concussion" and "outcomes". The 36 papers revealed the following five themes (1) Relationships and life satisfaction; (2) Perception of self and body image; (3) Meaningful occupation; (4) Sexuality and sexual health; and (5) Physical function. Without research, which focuses specifically on the experience of women and girls with traumatic brain injury there is a risk that clinical care, policy development and advocacy services will not effectively accommodate them. Implications for rehabilitation Exploring the gendered issues women may experience following traumatic brain injury will enhance clinicians understanding of the unique challenges they face. Such information has the potential to guide future directions for research, policy, and practice. Screening women for hormonal imbalances such as hypopituitarism following traumatic brain injury is recommended as this may assist clinicians in addressing the far reaching implications in regard to disability, quality of life and mood. The growing literature regarding the cumulative effect of repeat concussions following domestic violence and women's increased risk of sport-related concussion may assist clinicians in advocating for appropriate rehabilitation and community support services.

  3. Association Between Traumatic Brain Injury and Risk of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Active-Duty Marines

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-01-01

    traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a risk factor for posttraumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ) has been difficult to determine because of the prevalence of...Qualification Test; CAPS, Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale; PTSD , posttraumatic stress disorder ; TBI, traumatic brain injury. a For the zeromodel, base...New onset and persistent symptoms of post - traumatic stress disorder self reported after deployment and combat exposures. BMJ.

  4. 78 FR 27972 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-05-13

    ... Administration (HRSA)--Funded Traumatic Brain Injury Grants (OMB No. 0915-xxxx)--New Abstract: This survey is designed to collect information from HRSA- funded Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) State Implementation Partnership Grants and Protection and Advocacy for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Grants regarding the impact of...

  5. 75 FR 60431 - Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-09-30

    ..., Department of Defense. DPR 41 DoD System Name: Combined Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Registry. System Location... concussive or mild traumatic brain injury and/or related incidents in deployed settings, to include blast... Type Memoranda 09-033, Policy Guidance for Management of Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in the...

  6. Towards sustainable traumatic brain injury care systems: healthcare leadership imperatives in Canada.

    PubMed

    Caro, Denis

    2011-01-01

    Traumatic brain injuries pose strategic population health challenges in the face of burgeoning clinical demands that continue to tax capital, financial, and social resource capacities. The sustainability of traumatic brain injury care systems depends on paradigmatic shifts in healthcare leadership thinking. In quest for high-performance care and sustained quality of life for traumatic brain injury patients, this article presents a unique paradigm of seven care performance layers and seven health leadership imperatives that together form the paradigm for the systemic sustainability of TBI care systems of the future.

  7. Combat-related headache and traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Waung, Maggie W; Abrams, Gary M

    2012-12-01

    Post-traumatic headache is a commonly described complication of traumatic brain injury. Recent studies highlight differences between headache features of combat veterans who suffered traumatic brain injury compared to civilians. Not surprisingly, there is a higher rate of associated PTSD and sleep disturbances among veterans. Factors of lower socioeconomic status, rank, and multiple head injuries appear to have a similar effect on post-traumatic headache in combat-related traumatic brain injury. Areas of discordance in the literature include the effect of prolonged loss of consciousness and the prevalence of specific headache phenotypes following head trauma. To date, there have been no randomized trials of treatment for post-traumatic headache. This may be related to the variability of headache features and uncertainty of pathophysiologic mechanisms. Given this lack of data, many practitioners follow treatment guidelines for primary headaches. Additionally, because of mounting data linking PTSD to post-traumatic headache in combat veterans, it may be crucial to choose multimodal agents and take a multidisciplinary approach to combat-related headache.

  8. Impairment of Glymphatic Pathway Function Promotes Tau Pathology after Traumatic Brain Injury

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Michael J.; Plog, Benjamin A.; Zeppenfeld, Douglas M.; Soltero, Melissa; Yang, Lijun; Singh, Itender; Deane, Rashid; Nedergaard, Maiken

    2014-01-01

    Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an established risk factor for the early development of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, and the post-traumatic brain frequently exhibits neurofibrillary tangles comprised of aggregates of the protein tau. We have recently defined a brain-wide network of paravascular channels, termed the “glymphatic” pathway, along which CSF moves into and through the brain parenchyma, facilitating the clearance of interstitial solutes, including amyloid-β, from the brain. Here we demonstrate in mice that extracellular tau is cleared from the brain along these paravascular pathways. After TBI, glymphatic pathway function was reduced by ∼60%, with this impairment persisting for at least 1 month post injury. Genetic knock-out of the gene encoding the astroglial water channel aquaporin-4, which is importantly involved in paravascular interstitial solute clearance, exacerbated glymphatic pathway dysfunction after TBI and promoted the development of neurofibrillary pathology and neurodegeneration in the post-traumatic brain. These findings suggest that chronic impairment of glymphatic pathway function after TBI may be a key factor that renders the post-traumatic brain vulnerable to tau aggregation and the onset of neurodegeneration. PMID:25471560

  9. Traumatic Brain Injury

    MedlinePlus

    Traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when a bump, blow, jolt, or other head injury causes damage to the brain. Every year, millions of people in the U.S. suffer brain injuries. More than half are bad enough that ...

  10. [Changes of focal and brainstem neurologic signs in patients with traumatic brain injury and their dependence on the -675 4G/5G polymorphism in the PAI-1 gene].

    PubMed

    Potapov, O; Kmyta, O

    2014-09-01

    Regressive course of neurological signs and symptoms is an important factor of evaluating the clinical course and treatment efficacy of traumatic brain injury. This article presents changes evaluation of focal and brainstem symptoms in 200 patients with traumatic brain injury, and determines the association between these changes and the -675 4G/5G polymorphism in the PAI-1 gene. We have found a connection between 4G/4G and 4G/5G genotypes for the studied polymorphism and the changes of focal and brainstem symptoms in patients with traumatic brain injury. Thus, we have demonstrated that the clinical course of traumatic brain injury is influenced by the -675 4G/5G polymorphism in the PAI-1 gene.

  11. [Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of severe traumatic brain injury. Part 2. Intensive care and neuromonitoring].

    PubMed

    Potapov, A A; Krylov, V V; Gavrilov, A G; Kravchuk, A D; Likhterman, L B; Petrikov, S S; Talypov, A E; Zakharova, N E; Oshorov, A V; Sychev, A A; Alexandrova, E V; Solodov, A A

    2016-01-01

    Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the major causes of death and disability in young and middle-aged people. The most problematic group is comprised of patients with severe TBI who are in a coma. The adequate diagnosis of primary brain injuries and timely prevention and treatment of the secondary injury mechanisms largely define the possibility of reducing mortality and severe disabling consequences. When developing these guidelines, we used our experience in the development of international and national recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of mild traumatic brain injury, penetrating gunshot wounds to the skull and brain, severe traumatic brain injury, and severe consequences of brain injuries, including a vegetative state. In addition, we used international and national guidelines for the diagnosis, intensive care, and surgical treatment of severe traumatic brain injury, which had been published in recent years. The proposed guidelines concern intensive care of severe TBI in adults and are particularly intended for neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuroradiologists, anesthesiologists, and intensivists who are routinely involved in the treatment of these patients.

  12. Minocycline and N-acetylcysteine: A Synergistic Drug Combination to Treat Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-10-01

    W81XWH-10-2-0171 TITLE: Minocycline and N-acetylcysteine: a synergistic drug combination to treat traumatic brain injury PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR...TITLE AND SUBTITLE Minocycline and N-acetylcysteine: a synergistic drug combination to treat traumatic brain injury 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b...The grantee previously found screened that the combination of minocycline (MINO) and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) synergistically improved brain function

  13. Brain Imaging and Behavioral Outcome in Traumatic Brain Injury.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bigler, Erin D.

    1996-01-01

    This review explores the cellular pathology associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its relation to neurobehavioral outcomes, the relationship of brain imaging findings to underlying pathology, brain imaging techniques, various image analysis procedures and how they relate to neuropsychological testing, and the importance of brain imaging…

  14. 77 FR 40412 - Rehabilitation Research and Development Service Scientific Merit Review Board, Notice of Meeting

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-07-09

    ... Spinal Cord Injury. August 7-8 Brain Injury: Traumatic Brain Injury and Stroke; Musculoskeletal... Program. August 14 Brain Injury: Traumatic Brain Injury and Stroke. August 14-15 Psychological Health and...

  15. Baseline Establishment Using Virtual Environment Traumatic Brain Injury Screen (VETS)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-06-01

    indicator of mTBI. Further, these results establish a baseline data set, which may be useful in comparing concussed individuals. 14. SUBJECT TERMS... Concussion , mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), traumatic brain injury (TBI), balance, Sensory Organization Test, Balance Error Scoring System, center of...43 5.2 Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Appendix A Military Acute Concussion Evaluation 47

  16. Legacy Clinical Data from the Epo TBI Trial

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-06-01

    investigators through the Federal Interagency Traumatic Brain Injury (FITBIR) Informatics System. This trial was funded by National Institute of Neurological...Effects of Erythropoietin (Epo) on Cerebral Vascular Dysfunction and Anemia in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)” which we will share with other...the format required by FITBIR. 2. KEYWORDS: Traumatic brain injury Erythropoietin Anemia Transfusion threshold 3. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: What

  17. New Methods of Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Application to Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-02-01

    Subdural hemor- rhage (or hematoma ) is a form of traumatic brain injury, in which blood gathers between the du- ra and arachnoid mater (in meningeal...to an hour. Subdural hemorrhage (or hematoma ) is a form of traumatic brain injury, in which blood gathers between the dura and arachnoid mater (in

  18. 77 FR 37909 - Meeting: Board of Scientific Counselors, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-06-25

    ... Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) among Children in the United States (U01); CE12-005: Field Triage of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in Older Adults Taking Anticoagulants or Platelet Inhibitors (U01); CE12-006: Alcohol... Short and Long Term Consequences of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) among Children in the United States...

  19. Severe Traumatic Brain Injury, Frontal Lesions, and Social Aspects of Language Use: A Study of French-Speaking Adults

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dardier, Virginie; Bernicot, Josie; Delanoe, Anaig; Vanberten, Melanie; Fayada, Catherine; Chevignard, Mathilde; Delaye, Corinne; Laurent-Vannier, Anne; Dubois, Bruno

    2011-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the social (pragmatic) aspects of language use by French-speaking individuals with frontal lesions following a severe traumatic brain injury. Eleven participants with traumatic brain injury performed tasks in three areas of communication: production (interview situation), comprehension (direct…

  20. Neurotherapy of Traumatic Brain Injury/Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Vietnam Veterans.

    PubMed

    Nelson, David V; Esty, Mary Lee

    2015-10-01

    Previous report suggested the beneficial effects of an adaptation of the Flexyx Neurotherapy System (FNS) for the amelioration of mixed traumatic brain injury/post-traumatic stress symptoms in veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. As a novel variant of electroencephalograph biofeedback, FNS falls within the bioenergy domain of complementary and alternative medicine. Rather than learning voluntary control over the production/inhibition of brain wave patterns, FNS involves offsetting stimulation of brain wave activity by means of an external energy source, specifically, the conduction of electromagnetic energy stimulation via the connecting electroencephalograph cables. Essentially, these procedures subliminally induce strategic distortion of ongoing brain wave activity to presumably facilitate resetting of more adaptive patterns of activity. Reported herein are two cases of Vietnam veterans with mixed traumatic brain injury/post-traumatic stress symptoms, each treated with FNS for 25 sessions. Comparisons of pre- and post-treatment questionnaire assessments revealed notable decreases for all symptoms, suggesting improvements across the broad domains of cognition, pain, sleep, fatigue, and mood/emotion, including post-traumatic stress symptoms, as well as for overall activity levels. Findings suggest FNS treatment may be of potential benefit for the partial amelioration of symptoms, even in some individuals for whom symptoms have been present for decades. Reprint & Copyright © 2015 Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

  1. "In my before life": relationships, coping and post-traumatic growth in adolescent survivors of a traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Di Battista, Ashley; Godfrey, Celia; Soo, Cheryl; Catroppa, Cathy; Anderson, Vicki

    2014-11-01

    Explore the individual, adolescent phenomeno-logy of quality of life after traumatic brain injury. Adolescent survivors of traumatic brain injury. Qualitative interviews with 10 adolescents, mean age at assessment 17.09 years (SD 1.81). Mean time since injury 4.62 years (SD 2.89). Data were analysed using a primarily interpretative phenomenological analysis approach. Two major findings: (1) perceived quality of life was not automatically impacted by a traumatic brain injury, but when it was, the directionality of impact (positive, negative) varied depending on the life-domain; (2) changes in ability post-traumatic brain injury were attributed to the injury (more often cognitive and physical changes) or to a sense of normal maturation processes (72% and 28%, respectively). Attribution processing permeated themes of personal and social discrepancies, which also yielded themes of: altered family and relationships, roles, responsibilities, independence, coping and post-traumatic growth. All participants reported a happy life at the time of interview. The adolescents' appraisal of their identity from pre- to post-injury life was related to their current sense of well-being. Most notably was the sense of balance; participants addressed the negative and positive consequences of brain injury to qualify their sense of wellbeing.

  2. Disconnection of network hubs and cognitive impairment after traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Fagerholm, Erik D; Hellyer, Peter J; Scott, Gregory; Leech, Robert; Sharp, David J

    2015-06-01

    Traumatic brain injury affects brain connectivity by producing traumatic axonal injury. This disrupts the function of large-scale networks that support cognition. The best way to describe this relationship is unclear, but one elegant approach is to view networks as graphs. Brain regions become nodes in the graph, and white matter tracts the connections. The overall effect of an injury can then be estimated by calculating graph metrics of network structure and function. Here we test which graph metrics best predict the presence of traumatic axonal injury, as well as which are most highly associated with cognitive impairment. A comprehensive range of graph metrics was calculated from structural connectivity measures for 52 patients with traumatic brain injury, 21 of whom had microbleed evidence of traumatic axonal injury, and 25 age-matched controls. White matter connections between 165 grey matter brain regions were defined using tractography, and structural connectivity matrices calculated from skeletonized diffusion tensor imaging data. This technique estimates injury at the centre of tract, but is insensitive to damage at tract edges. Graph metrics were calculated from the resulting connectivity matrices and machine-learning techniques used to select the metrics that best predicted the presence of traumatic brain injury. In addition, we used regularization and variable selection via the elastic net to predict patient behaviour on tests of information processing speed, executive function and associative memory. Support vector machines trained with graph metrics of white matter connectivity matrices from the microbleed group were able to identify patients with a history of traumatic brain injury with 93.4% accuracy, a result robust to different ways of sampling the data. Graph metrics were significantly associated with cognitive performance: information processing speed (R(2) = 0.64), executive function (R(2) = 0.56) and associative memory (R(2) = 0.25). These results were then replicated in a separate group of patients without microbleeds. The most influential graph metrics were betweenness centrality and eigenvector centrality, which provide measures of the extent to which a given brain region connects other regions in the network. Reductions in betweenness centrality and eigenvector centrality were particularly evident within hub regions including the cingulate cortex and caudate. Our results demonstrate that betweenness centrality and eigenvector centrality are reduced within network hubs, due to the impact of traumatic axonal injury on network connections. The dominance of betweenness centrality and eigenvector centrality suggests that cognitive impairment after traumatic brain injury results from the disconnection of network hubs by traumatic axonal injury. © The Author (2015). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Guarantors of Brain.

  3. 78 FR 39299 - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; Notice of Closed Meetings

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-07-01

    ... Disorders and Stroke Special, Emphasis Panel, International Traumatic Brain Injury Research Initiative. Date... Traumatic Encephalopathy and Delayed Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury. Date: July 19, 2013. Time: 1:30 p.m...

  4. Phase Synchronization in Electroencephalographic Recordings Prognosticates Outcome in Paediatric Coma

    PubMed Central

    Nenadovic, Vera; Perez Velazquez, Jose Luis; Hutchison, James Saunders

    2014-01-01

    Brain injury from trauma, cardiac arrest or stroke is the most important cause of death and acquired disability in the paediatric population. Due to the lifetime impact of brain injury, there is a need for methods to stratify patient risk and ultimately predict outcome. Early prognosis is fundamental to the implementation of interventions to improve recovery, but no clinical model as yet exists. Healthy physiology is associated with a relative high variability of physiologic signals in organ systems. This was first evaluated in heart rate variability research. Brain variability can be quantified through electroencephalographic (EEG) phase synchrony. We hypothesised that variability in brain signals from EEG recordings would correlate with patient outcome after brain injury. Lower variability in EEG phase synchronization, would be associated with poor patient prognosis. A retrospective study, spanning 10 years (2000–2010) analysed the scalp EEGs of children aged 1 month to 17 years in coma (Glasgow Coma Scale, GCS, <8) admitted to the paediatric critical care unit (PCCU) following brain injury from TBI, cardiac arrest or stroke. Phase synchrony of the EEGs was evaluated using the Hilbert transform and the variability of the phase synchrony calculated. Outcome was evaluated using the 6 point Paediatric Performance Category Score (PCPC) based on chart review at the time of hospital discharge. Outcome was dichotomized to good outcome (PCPC score 1 to 3) and poor outcome (PCPC score 4 to 6). Children who had a poor outcome following brain injury secondary to cardiac arrest, TBI or stroke, had a higher magnitude of synchrony (R index), a lower spatial complexity of the synchrony patterns and a lower temporal variability of the synchrony index values at 15 Hz when compared to those patients with a good outcome. PMID:24752289

  5. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy metabolite profiles predict survival in paediatric brain tumours.

    PubMed

    Wilson, Martin; Cummins, Carole L; Macpherson, Lesley; Sun, Yu; Natarajan, Kal; Grundy, Richard G; Arvanitis, Theodoros N; Kauppinen, Risto A; Peet, Andrew C

    2013-01-01

    Brain tumours cause the highest mortality and morbidity rate of all childhood tumour groups and new methods are required to improve clinical management. (1)H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) allows non-invasive concentration measurements of small molecules present in tumour tissue, providing clinically useful imaging biomarkers. The primary aim of this study was to investigate whether MRS detectable molecules can predict the survival of paediatric brain tumour patients. Short echo time (30ms) single voxel (1)H MRS was performed on children attending Birmingham Children's Hospital with a suspected brain tumour and 115 patients were included in the survival analysis. Patients were followed-up for a median period of 35 months and Cox-Regression was used to establish the prognostic value of individual MRS detectable molecules. A multivariate model of survival was also investigated to improve prognostic power. Lipids and scyllo-inositol predicted poor survival whilst glutamine and N-acetyl aspartate predicted improved survival (p<0.05). A multivariate model of survival based on three MRS biomarkers predicted survival with a similar accuracy to histologic grading (p<5e-5). A negative correlation between lipids and glutamine was found, suggesting a functional link between these molecules. MRS detectable biomolecules have been identified that predict survival of paediatric brain tumour patients across a range of tumour types. The evaluation of these biomarkers in large prospective studies of specific tumour types should be undertaken. The correlation between lipids and glutamine provides new insight into paediatric brain tumour metabolism that may present novel targets for therapy. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Paediatric brain tumours: A review of radiotherapy, state of the art and challenges for the future regarding protontherapy and carbontherapy.

    PubMed

    Laprie, A; Hu, Y; Alapetite, C; Carrie, C; Habrand, J-L; Bolle, S; Bondiau, P-Y; Ducassou, A; Huchet, A; Bertozzi, A-I; Perel, Y; Moyal, É; Balosso, J

    2015-12-01

    Brain tumours are the most frequent solid tumours in children and the most frequent radiotherapy indications in paediatrics, with frequent late effects: cognitive, osseous, visual, auditory and hormonal. A better protection of healthy tissues by improved beam ballistics, with particle therapy, is expected to decrease significantly late effects without decreasing local control and survival. This article reviews the scientific literature to advocate indications of protontherapy and carbon ion therapy for childhood central nervous system cancer, and estimate the expected therapeutic benefits. A systematic review was performed on paediatric brain tumour treatments using Medline (from 1966 to March of 2014). To be included, clinical trials had to meet the following criteria: age of patients 18 years or younger, treated with radiation, and report of survival. Studies were also selected according to the evidence level. A secondary search of cited references found other studies about cognitive functions, quality of life, the comparison of photon and proton dosimetry showing potential dose escalation and/or sparing of organs at risk with protontherapy; and studies on dosimetric and technical issues related to protontherapy. A total of 7051 primary references published were retrieved, among which 40 clinical studies and 60 papers about quality of life, dose distribution and dosimetry were analysed, as well as the ongoing clinical trials. These papers have been summarized and reported in a specific document made available to the participants of a final 1-day workshop. Tumours of the meningeal envelop and bony cranial structures were excluded from the analysis. Protontherapy allows outstanding ballistics to target the tumour area, while substantially decreasing radiation dose to the normal tissues. There are many indications of protontherapy for paediatric brain tumours in curative intent, either for localized treatment of ependymomas, germ-cell tumours, craniopharyngiomas, low-grade gliomas; or panventricular irradiation of pure non-secreting germinoma; or craniospinal irradiation of medulloblastomas and metastatic pure germinomas. Carbon ion therapy is just emerging and may be studied for highly aggressive and radioresistant tumours, as an initial treatment for diffuse brainstem gliomas, and for relapse of high-grade gliomas. Both protontherapy and carbon ion therapy are promising for paediatric brain tumours. The benefit of decreasing late effects without altering survival has been described for most paediatric brain tumours with protontherapy and is currently assessed in ongoing clinical trials with up-to-date proton devices. Unfortunately, in 2015, only a minority of paediatric patients in France can receive protontherapy due to the lack of equipment. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier SAS.

  7. Military-related traumatic brain injury and neurodegeneration

    PubMed Central

    McKee, Ann C.; Robinson, Meghan E.

    2014-01-01

    Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) includes concussion, subconcussion, and most exposures to explosive blast from improvised explosive devices. mTBI is the most common traumatic brain injury affecting military personnel; however, it is the most difficult to diagnose and the least well understood. It is also recognized that some mTBIs have persistent, and sometimes progressive, long-term debilitating effects. Increasing evidence suggests that a single traumatic brain injury can produce long-term gray and white matter atrophy, precipitate or accelerate age-related neurodegeneration, and increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and motor neuron disease. In addition, repetitive mTBIs can provoke the development of a tauopathy, chronic traumatic encephalopathy. We found early changes of chronic traumatic encephalopathy in four young veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflict who were exposed to explosive blast and in another young veteran who was repetitively concussed. Four of the five veterans with early-stage chronic traumatic encephalopathy were also diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder. Advanced chronic traumatic encephalopathy has been found in veterans who experienced repetitive neurotrauma while in service and in others who were accomplished athletes. Clinically, chronic traumatic encephalopathy is associated with behavioral changes, executive dysfunction, memory loss, and cognitive impairments that begin insidiously and progress slowly over decades. Pathologically, chronic traumatic encephalopathy produces atrophy of the frontal and temporal lobes, thalamus, and hypothalamus; septal abnormalities; and abnormal deposits of hyperphosphorylated tau as neurofibrillary tangles and disordered neurites throughout the brain. The incidence and prevalence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy and the genetic risk factors critical to its development are currently unknown. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy has clinical and pathological features that overlap with postconcussion syndrome and posttraumatic stress disorder, suggesting that the three disorders might share some biological underpinnings. PMID:24924675

  8. Military-related traumatic brain injury and neurodegeneration.

    PubMed

    McKee, Ann C; Robinson, Meghan E

    2014-06-01

    Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) includes concussion, subconcussion, and most exposures to explosive blast from improvised explosive devices. mTBI is the most common traumatic brain injury affecting military personnel; however, it is the most difficult to diagnose and the least well understood. It is also recognized that some mTBIs have persistent, and sometimes progressive, long-term debilitating effects. Increasing evidence suggests that a single traumatic brain injury can produce long-term gray and white matter atrophy, precipitate or accelerate age-related neurodegeneration, and increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and motor neuron disease. In addition, repetitive mTBIs can provoke the development of a tauopathy, chronic traumatic encephalopathy. We found early changes of chronic traumatic encephalopathy in four young veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflict who were exposed to explosive blast and in another young veteran who was repetitively concussed. Four of the five veterans with early-stage chronic traumatic encephalopathy were also diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder. Advanced chronic traumatic encephalopathy has been found in veterans who experienced repetitive neurotrauma while in service and in others who were accomplished athletes. Clinically, chronic traumatic encephalopathy is associated with behavioral changes, executive dysfunction, memory loss, and cognitive impairments that begin insidiously and progress slowly over decades. Pathologically, chronic traumatic encephalopathy produces atrophy of the frontal and temporal lobes, thalamus, and hypothalamus; septal abnormalities; and abnormal deposits of hyperphosphorylated tau as neurofibrillary tangles and disordered neurites throughout the brain. The incidence and prevalence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy and the genetic risk factors critical to its development are currently unknown. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy has clinical and pathological features that overlap with postconcussion syndrome and posttraumatic stress disorder, suggesting that the three disorders might share some biological underpinnings. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  9. A review of the International Brain Research Foundation novel approach to mild traumatic brain injury presented at the International Conference on Behavioral Health and Traumatic Brain Injury.

    PubMed

    Polito, Mary Zemyan; Thompson, James W G; DeFina, Philip A

    2010-09-01

    "The International Conference on Behavioral Health and Traumatic Brain Injury" held at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center in Paterson, NJ., from October 12 to 15, 2008, included a presentation on the novel assessment and treatment approach to mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) by Philip A. DeFina, PhD, of the International Brain Research Foundation (IBRF). Because of the urgent need to treat a large number of our troops who are diagnosed with mTBI and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the conference was held to create a report for Congress titled "Recommendations to Improve the Care of Wounded Warriors NOW. March 12, 2009." This article summarizes and adds greater detail to Dr. DeFina's presentation on the current standard and novel ways to approach assessment and treatment of mTBI and PTSD. Pilot data derived from collaborative studies through the IBRF have led to the development of clinical and research protocols utilizing currently accepted, valid, and reliable neuroimaging technologies combined in novel ways to develop "neuromarkers." These neuromarkers are being evaluated in the context of an "Integrity-Deficit Matrix" model to demonstrate their ability to improve diagnostic accuracy, guide treatment programs, and possibly predict outcomes for patients suffering from traumatic brain injury.

  10. Survivors of a Silent Epidemic: The Learning Experience of College Students with a History of Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Schlessman, Heather A.

    2010-01-01

    A significant proportion of young adults experience a traumatic brain injury (TBI) every year, and students with this history are becoming a growing presence on college campuses. A review of the literature revealed very little research exploring the learning experiences of college students with a history of traumatic brain injury. The purpose of…

  11. [The incidence and risk factors of ventilator-associated pneumonia in patients with severe traumatic brain injury].

    PubMed

    Marjanović, Vesna; Novak, Vesna; Velicković, Ljubinka; Marjanović, Goran

    2011-01-01

    Patients with severe traumatic brain injury are at a risk of developing ventilator-associated pneumonia. The aim of this study was to describe the incidence, etiology, risk factors for development of ventilator-associated pneumonia and outcome in patients with severe traumatic brain injury. A retrospective study was done in 72 patients with severe traumatic brain injury, who required mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours. Ventilator-associated pneumonia was found in 31 of 72 (43.06%) patients with severe traumatic brain injury. The risk factors for ventilator-associated pneumonia were: prolonged mechanical ventilation (12.42 vs 4.34 days, p < 0.001), longer stay at intensive care unit (17 vs 5 days, p < 0.001) and chest injury (51.61 vs 19.51%, p < 0.009) compared to patients without ventilator-associated pneumonia. The mortality rate in the patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia was higher (38.71 vs 21.95%, p = 0.12). The development of ventilator-associated pneumonia in patients with severe traumatic brain injury led to the increased morbidity due to the prolonged mechanical ventilation, longer stay at intensive care unit and chest injury, but had no effect on mortality.

  12. Cognitive and behavioural post-traumatic impairments: what is the specificity of a brain injury ? A study within the ESPARR cohort.

    PubMed

    Nash, S; Luauté, J; Bar, J Y; Sancho, P O; Hours, M; Chossegros, L; Tournier, C; Charnay, P; Mazaux, J M; Boisson, D

    2014-12-01

    The variety and extent of impairments occurring after traumatic brain injury vary according to the nature and severity of the lesions. In order to better understand their interactions and long-term outcome, we have studied and compared the cognitive and neurobehavioral profile one year post onset of patients with and without traumatic brain injury in a cohort of motor vehicle accident victims. The study population is composed of 207 seriously injured persons from the ESPARR cohort. This cohort, which has been followed up in time, consists in 1168 motor vehicle accident victims (aged 16 years or more) with injuries with all degrees of severity. Inclusion criteria were: living in Rhone county, victim of a traffic accident having involved at least one wheel-conducted vehicle and having occurred in Rhone county, alive at the time of arrival in hospital and having presented in one of the different ER facilities of the county. The cohort's representativeness regarding social and geographic criteria and the specificities of the accidents were ensured by the specific targeting of recruitment. Deficits and impairments were assessed one year after the accident using the Neurobehavioral Rating Scale - Revised and the Trail-Making Test. Within our seriously injured group, based on the Glasgow Score, the presence of neurological deficits, aggravation of neurological condition in the first 72hours and/or abnormal cerebral imaging, we identified three categories: (i) moderate/severe traumatic brain injury (n=48), (ii) mild traumatic brain injury (n=89), and (iii) severely injured but without traumatic brain injury (n=70). The most frequently observed symptoms were anxiety, irritability, memory and attention impairments, depressive mood and emotional lability. While depressive mood and irritability were observed with similar frequency in all three groups, memory and attention impairments, anxiety and reduced initiative were more specific to traumatic brain injury whereas executive disorders were associated with moderate/severe traumatic brain injury. The presence and the initial severity of a traumatic brain injury condition the nature and frequency of residual effects after one year. Some impairments such as irritability, which is generally associated with traumatic brain injury, do not appear to be specific to this population, nor does depressive mood. Substantial interactions between cognitive, affective and neurobehavioral disorders have been highlighted. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  13. Classroom Strategies for Teaching Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sinski, Jennifer Blevins

    2012-01-01

    Postsecondary institutions currently face the largest influx of veteran students since World War II. As the number of veteran students who may experience learning problems caused by Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and/or Traumatic Brain Injury continues to rise, the need for instructional strategies that address their needs increases. Educators may…

  14. Understanding the Connection Between Traumatic Brain Injury and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Population Based Medical Record Review Analysis

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-10-01

    AWARD NUMBER: W81XWH-15-1-0573 TITLE: Understanding the Connection Between Traumatic Brain Injury and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Population-Based...Sep 2015 - 14 Sep 2016 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER Understanding the Connection Between Traumatic Brain Injury and Alzheimer’s Disease...TERMS Population; epidemiology; dementia; neurocognitive disorders; brain injuries; Parkinsonian disorders 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: U 17

  15. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in Kids

    MedlinePlus

    ... Information Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Condition Information What is TBI? TBI ... external force that affects the functioning of the brain. It can be caused by a bump or ...

  16. Post-traumatic growth in parents after a child's admission to intensive care: maybe Nietzsche was right?

    PubMed

    Colville, Gillian; Cream, Penelope

    2009-05-01

    The aim of this prospective study was to establish the degree to which parents report post-traumatic growth after the intensive care treatment of their child. Prospective cross-sectional cohort study. Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). A total of 50 parents of children, admitted to PICU for >12 h. Parents provided stress ratings as their child was discharged from PICU and, 4 months later, completed postal questionnaires rating their anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth. As much as 44 parents (88%) indicated on the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) [1] that they had experienced a positive change to a great degree as a result of their experiences in PICU. Parents of children who were ventilated (P = 0.024) reported statistically higher post-traumatic growth as did parents of older children (P = 0.032). PTGI scores were positively correlated with post-traumatic stress scores at 4 months (P = 0.021), but on closer inspection this relationship was found to be curvilinear. Post-traumatic growth emerged as a salient concept for this population. It was more strongly associated with moderate levels of post-traumatic stress, than high or low levels.

  17. Inflammation and white matter degeneration persist for years after a single traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Johnson, Victoria E; Stewart, Janice E; Begbie, Finn D; Trojanowski, John Q; Smith, Douglas H; Stewart, William

    2013-01-01

    A single traumatic brain injury is associated with an increased risk of dementia and, in a proportion of patients surviving a year or more from injury, the development of hallmark Alzheimer's disease-like pathologies. However, the pathological processes linking traumatic brain injury and neurodegenerative disease remain poorly understood. Growing evidence supports a role for neuroinflammation in the development of Alzheimer's disease. In contrast, little is known about the neuroinflammatory response to brain injury and, in particular, its temporal dynamics and any potential role in neurodegeneration. Cases of traumatic brain injury with survivals ranging from 10 h to 47 years post injury (n = 52) and age-matched, uninjured control subjects (n = 44) were selected from the Glasgow Traumatic Brain Injury archive. From these, sections of the corpus callosum and adjacent parasaggital cortex were examined for microglial density and morphology, and for indices of white matter pathology and integrity. With survival of ≥3 months from injury, cases with traumatic brain injury frequently displayed extensive, densely packed, reactive microglia (CR3/43- and/or CD68-immunoreactive), a pathology not seen in control subjects or acutely injured cases. Of particular note, these reactive microglia were present in 28% of cases with survival of >1 year and up to 18 years post-trauma. In cases displaying this inflammatory pathology, evidence of ongoing white matter degradation could also be observed. Moreover, there was a 25% reduction in the corpus callosum thickness with survival >1 year post-injury. These data present striking evidence of persistent inflammation and ongoing white matter degeneration for many years after just a single traumatic brain injury in humans. Future studies to determine whether inflammation occurs in response to or, conversely, promotes white matter degeneration will be important. These findings may provide parallels for studying neurodegenerative disease, with traumatic brain injury patients serving as a model for longitudinal investigations, in particular with a view to identifying potential therapeutic interventions.

  18. EPO improved neurologic outcome in rat pups late after traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Schober, Michelle E; Requena, Daniela F; Rodesch, Christopher K

    2018-05-01

    In adult rats, erythropoietin improved outcomes early and late after traumatic brain injury, associated with increased levels of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor. Using our model of pediatric traumatic brain injury, controlled cortical impact in 17-day old rats, we previously showed that erythropoietin increased hippocampal neuronal fraction in the first two days after injury. Erythropoietin also decreased activation of caspase3, an apoptotic enzyme modulated by Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor, and improved Novel Object Recognition testing 14 days after injury. Data on long-term effects of erythropoietin on Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor expression, histology and cognitive function after developmental traumatic brain injury are lacking. We hypothesized that erythropoietin would increase Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor and improve long-term object recognition in rat pups after controlled cortical impact, associated with increased neuronal fraction in the hippocampus. Rats pups received erythropoietin or vehicle at 1, 24, and 48 h and 7 days after injury or sham surgery followed by histology at 35 days, Novel Object Recognition testing at adulthood, and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor measurements early and late after injury. Erythropoietin improved Novel Object Recognition performance and preserved hippocampal volume, but not neuronal fraction, late after injury. Improved object recognition in erythropoietin treated rats was associated with preserved hippocampal volume late after traumatic brain injury. Erythropoietin is approved to treat various pediatric conditions. Coupled with exciting experimental and clinical studies suggesting it is beneficial after neonatal hypoxic ischemic brain injury, our preliminary findings support further study of erythropoietin use after developmental traumatic brain injury. Copyright © 2018 The Japanese Society of Child Neurology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Development of In Vivo Biomarkers for Progressive Tau Pathology after Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-02-01

    multiple concussive traumatic brain injuries are at high risk for delayed, progressive neurological and psychiatric deterioration 1-9. This syndrome is...personnel 13, 14 and others who have sustained multiple concussive traumatic brain injuries 15-17 may also be at risk for this condition. Currently...11 Appendices……………………………………………………………………………... 12 4 INTRODUCTION: Athletes in contact sports who have sustained multiple concussive traumatic

  20. Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-01-01

    trademark. iii Preface The Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury is interested in determining the efficacy...the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury and conducted within the Forces and Resources Policy Center of...Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE). We gratefully acknowledge Kristie Gore for her support and guidance throughout

  1. Kevlar Vest Protection Against Blast Overpressure Brain Injury: Systemic Contributions to Injury Etiology

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-11-01

    GF, Moss WC, Cleveland RO, Tanzi RE, Stanton PK, McKee AC. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy in blast-exposed military veterans and a blast... traumatic brain injury (bTBI) is largely undefined. Along with reducing mortality, in preliminary experiments Kevlar vests significantly protected...mitigation strategies. 15. SUBJECT TERMS Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Kevlar Vests, Neuroprotection 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION OF

  2. Novel Genetic Models to Study the Role of Inflammation in Brain Injury-Induced Alzheimer’s Pathology

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-12-01

    Clinic. (2013) “Opposing Acute and Chronic Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease” Kokiko-Cochran, O.N.  Annual...nanosymposium, Washington, D.C. (2014) “ Traumatic brain injury induces a distinct macrophage response at acute and chronic time points in a mouse model...SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 14. ABSTRACT Individuals exposed to traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at a greatly increased risk for developing a number of

  3. Comparison of PECARN, CATCH, and CHALICE rules for children with minor head injury: a prospective cohort study.

    PubMed

    Easter, Joshua S; Bakes, Katherine; Dhaliwal, Jasmeet; Miller, Michael; Caruso, Emily; Haukoos, Jason S

    2014-08-01

    We evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of clinical decision rules and physician judgment for identifying clinically important traumatic brain injuries in children with minor head injuries presenting to the emergency department. We prospectively enrolled children younger than 18 years and with minor head injury (Glasgow Coma Scale score 13 to 15), presenting within 24 hours of their injuries. We assessed the ability of 3 clinical decision rules (Canadian Assessment of Tomography for Childhood Head Injury [CATCH], Children's Head Injury Algorithm for the Prediction of Important Clinical Events [CHALICE], and Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network [PECARN]) and 2 measures of physician judgment (estimated of <1% risk of traumatic brain injury and actual computed tomography ordering practice) to predict clinically important traumatic brain injury, as defined by death from traumatic brain injury, need for neurosurgery, intubation greater than 24 hours for traumatic brain injury, or hospital admission greater than 2 nights for traumatic brain injury. Among the 1,009 children, 21 (2%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1% to 3%) had clinically important traumatic brain injuries. Only physician practice and PECARN identified all clinically important traumatic brain injuries, with ranked sensitivities as follows: physician practice and PECARN each 100% (95% CI 84% to 100%), physician estimates 95% (95% CI 76% to 100%), CATCH 91% (95% CI 70% to 99%), and CHALICE 84% (95% CI 60% to 97%). Ranked specificities were as follows: CHALICE 85% (95% CI 82% to 87%), physician estimates 68% (95% CI 65% to 71%), PECARN 62% (95% CI 59% to 66%), physician practice 50% (95% CI 47% to 53%), and CATCH 44% (95% CI 41% to 47%). Of the 5 modalities studied, only physician practice and PECARN identified all clinically important traumatic brain injuries, with PECARN being slightly more specific. CHALICE was incompletely sensitive but the most specific of all rules. CATCH was incompletely sensitive and had the poorest specificity of all modalities. Copyright © 2014 American College of Emergency Physicians. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Sports-related brain injuries: connecting pathology to diagnosis.

    PubMed

    Pan, James; Connolly, Ian D; Dangelmajer, Sean; Kintzing, James; Ho, Allen L; Grant, Gerald

    2016-04-01

    Brain injuries are becoming increasingly common in athletes and represent an important diagnostic challenge. Early detection and management of brain injuries in sports are of utmost importance in preventing chronic neurological and psychiatric decline. These types of injuries incurred during sports are referred to as mild traumatic brain injuries, which represent a heterogeneous spectrum of disease. The most dramatic manifestation of chronic mild traumatic brain injuries is termed chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which is associated with profound neuropsychiatric deficits. Because chronic traumatic encephalopathy can only be diagnosed by postmortem examination, new diagnostic methodologies are needed for early detection and amelioration of disease burden. This review examines the pathology driving changes in athletes participating in high-impact sports and how this understanding can lead to innovations in neuroimaging and biomarker discovery.

  5. Cytokines and innate inflammation in the pathogenesis of human traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Helmy, Adel; De Simoni, Maria-Grazia; Guilfoyle, Mathew R; Carpenter, Keri L H; Hutchinson, Peter J

    2011-11-01

    There is an increasing recognition that following traumatic brain injury, a cascade of inflammatory mediators is produced, and contributes to the pathological consequences of central nervous system injury. This review summarises the key literature from pre-clinical models that underlies our understanding of innate inflammation following traumatic brain injury before focussing on the growing evidence from human studies. In addition, the underlying molecular mediators responsible for blood brain barrier dysfunction have been discussed. In particular, we have highlighted the different sampling methodologies available and the difficulties in interpreting human data of this sort. Ultimately, understanding the innate inflammatory response to traumatic brain injury may provide a therapeutic avenue in the treatment of central nervous system disease. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Characterisation of interface astroglial scarring in the human brain after blast exposure: a post-mortem case series.

    PubMed

    Shively, Sharon Baughman; Horkayne-Szakaly, Iren; Jones, Robert V; Kelly, James P; Armstrong, Regina C; Perl, Daniel P

    2016-08-01

    No evidence-based guidelines are available for the definitive diagnosis or directed treatment of most blast-associated traumatic brain injuries, partly because the underlying pathology is unknown. Moreover, few neuropathological studies have addressed whether blast exposure produces unique lesions in the human brain, and if those lesions are comparable with impact-induced traumatic brain injury. We aimed to test the hypothesis that blast exposure produces unique patterns of damage, differing from that associated with impact-induced, non-blast traumatic brain injuries. In this post-mortem case series, we investigated several features of traumatic brain injuries, using clinical histopathology techniques and markers, in brain specimens from male military service members with chronic blast exposures and from those who had died shortly after severe blast exposures. We then compared these results with those from brain specimens from male civilian (ie, non-military) cases with no history of blast exposure, including cases with and without chronic impact traumatic brain injuries and cases with chronic exposure to opiates, and analysed the limited associated clinical histories of all cases. Brain specimens had been archived in tissue banks in the USA. We analysed brain specimens from five cases with chronic blast exposure, three cases with acute blast exposure, five cases with chronic impact traumatic brain injury, five cases with exposure to opiates, and three control cases with no known neurological disorders. All five cases with chronic blast exposure showed prominent astroglial scarring that involved the subpial glial plate, penetrating cortical blood vessels, grey-white matter junctions, and structures lining the ventricles; all cases of acute blast exposure showed early astroglial scarring in the same brain regions. All cases of chronic blast exposure had an antemortem diagnosis of post traumatic stress disorder. The civilian cases, with or without history of impact traumatic brain injury or a history of opiate use, did not have any astroglial scarring in the brain regions analysed. The blast exposure cases showed a distinct and previously undescribed pattern of interface astroglial scarring at boundaries between brain parenchyma and fluids, and at junctions between grey and white matter. This distinctive pattern of scarring may indicate specific areas of damage from blast exposure consistent with the general principles of blast biophysics, and further, could account for aspects of the neuropsychiatric clinical sequelae reported. The generalisability of these findings needs to be explored in future studies, as the number of cases, clinical data, and tissue availability were limited. Defense Health Program of the United States Department of Defense. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Real-time continuous visual biofeedback in the treatment of speech breathing disorders following childhood traumatic brain injury: report of one case.

    PubMed

    Murdoch, B E; Pitt, G; Theodoros, D G; Ward, E C

    1999-01-01

    The efficacy of traditional and physiological biofeedback methods for modifying abnormal speech breathing patterns was investigated in a child with persistent dysarthria following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). An A-B-A-B single-subject experimental research design was utilized to provide the subject with two exclusive periods of therapy for speech breathing, based on traditional therapy techniques and physiological biofeedback methods, respectively. Traditional therapy techniques included establishing optimal posture for speech breathing, explanation of the movement of the respiratory muscles, and a hierarchy of non-speech and speech tasks focusing on establishing an appropriate level of sub-glottal air pressure, and improving the subject's control of inhalation and exhalation. The biofeedback phase of therapy utilized variable inductance plethysmography (or Respitrace) to provide real-time, continuous visual biofeedback of ribcage circumference during breathing. As in traditional therapy, a hierarchy of non-speech and speech tasks were devised to improve the subject's control of his respiratory pattern. Throughout the project, the subject's respiratory support for speech was assessed both instrumentally and perceptually. Instrumental assessment included kinematic and spirometric measures, and perceptual assessment included the Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment, Assessment of Intelligibility of Dysarthric Speech, and analysis of a speech sample. The results of the study demonstrated that real-time continuous visual biofeedback techniques for modifying speech breathing patterns were not only effective, but superior to the traditional therapy techniques for modifying abnormal speech breathing patterns in a child with persistent dysarthria following severe TBI. These results show that physiological biofeedback techniques are potentially useful clinical tools for the remediation of speech breathing impairment in the paediatric dysarthric population.

  8. Acute pathophysiological processes after ischaemic and traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Kunz, Alexander; Dirnagl, Ulrich; Mergenthaler, Philipp

    2010-12-01

    Ischaemic stroke and brain trauma are among the leading causes of mortality and long-term disability in the western world. Enormous endeavours have been made to elucidate the complex pathophysiology of ischaemic and traumatic brain injury with the intention of developing new therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from these devastating diseases. This article reviews the current knowledge on cascades that are activated after ischaemic and traumatic brain injury and that lead to progression of tissue damage. Main attention will be on pathophysiological events initiated after ischaemic stroke including excitotoxicity, oxidative/nitrosative stress, peri-infarct depolarizations, apoptosis and inflammation. Additionally, specific pathophysiological aspects after traumatic brain injury will be discussed along with their similarities and differences to ischaemic brain injury. This article provides prerequisites for understanding the therapeutic strategies for stroke and trauma patients which are addressed in other articles of this issue. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Plasma copeptin level predicts acute traumatic coagulopathy and progressive hemorrhagic injury after traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Yang, Ding-Bo; Yu, Wen-Hua; Dong, Xiao-Qiao; Du, Quan; Shen, Yong-Feng; Zhang, Zu-Yong; Zhu, Qiang; Che, Zhi-Hao; Liu, Qun-Jie; Wang, Hao; Jiang, Li; Du, Yuan-Feng

    2014-08-01

    Higher plasma copeptin levels correlate with poor clinical outcomes after traumatic brain injury. Nevertheless, their links with acute traumatic coagulopathy and progressive hemorrhagic injury are unknown. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the relationship between plasma copeptin levels, acute traumatic coagulopathy and progressive hemorrhagic injury in patients with severe traumatic brain injury. We prospectively studied 100 consecutive patients presenting within 6h from head trauma. Progressive hemorrhagic injury was present when the follow-up computerized tomography scan reported any increase in size or number of the hemorrhagic lesion, including newly developed ones. Acute traumatic coagulopathy was defined as an activated partial thromboplastic time greater than 40s and/or international normalized ratio greater than 1.2 and/or a platelet count less than 120×10(9)/L. We measured plasma copeptin levels on admission using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in a blinded fashion. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, plasma copeptin level emerged as an independent predictor of progressive hemorrhagic injury and acute traumatic coagulopathy. Using receiver operating characteristic curves, we calculated areas under the curve for progressive hemorrhagic injury and acute traumatic coagulopathy. The predictive performance of copeptin was similar to that of Glasgow Coma Scale score. However, copeptin did not obviously improve the predictive value of Glasgow Coma Scale score. Thus, copeptin may help in the prediction of progressive hemorrhagic injury and acute traumatic coagulopathy after traumatic brain injury. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Monitoring Neurocognitive Performance and Electrophysiological Activity After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-03-01

    return to duty’ decisions. 15. SUBJECT TERMS Traumatic Brain Injury, mTBI, concussion, Magnetoencephalography, MEG , MRI, biomarkers, actigraphy 16...within approximately two years of the writing of this report. 3. KEYWORDS Traumatic Brain Injury, mTBI, concussion, Magnetoencephalography, MEG , MRI...Merrifield, PhD) i. Magnetoencephalography ( MEG ) laboratory is fully operational after two weeks of cool down and testing in February 2014. Pilot testing

  11. Development of In Vivo Biomarkers for Progressive Tau Pathology after Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-02-01

    distribution unlimited 13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 14. ABSTRACT Athletes in contact sports who have sustained multiple concussive traumatic brain...who have sustained multiple concussive traumatic brain injuries 15-17 may also be at risk for this condition. Currently, there are no methods to...repetitive concussive TBI in mice has been optimal. Ongoing efforts include development of more sensitive methods to detect tau, and combinations of

  12. Legacy Clinical Data from the Epo TBI Trial

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-10-01

    Anemia in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)” which we will share with other investigators through the Federal Interagency Traumatic Brain Injury (FITBIR... Informatics System. This trial was funded by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) grant #P01-NS38660. The study began...Data Elements (CDEs) for TBI, and therefore requires work to convert the data to the format required by FITBIR. 2. KEYWORDS: Traumatic brain

  13. Synergistic Mechanisms Between Traumatic Brain Injury and Migraine

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-08-01

    AWARD NUMBER: W81XWH-15-1-0209 TITLE: Synergistic Mechanisms Between Traumatic Brain Injury and Migraine PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Amynah Pradhan...SUBTITLE Synergistic Mechanisms Between Traumatic Brain Injury and Migraine 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER W81XWH-15-1-0209 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT...and can persist for months after the initial trauma. The most severe and long lasting posttraumatic headaches are usually classified as migraine ; and

  14. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Studies at Grady Memorial Hospital

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-09-01

    communication among clinicians and along the care continuum during the treatment of a patient’s emergent conditions. Ancillary reports are distributed...data necessary to improve the treatment of traumatic brain injury and compare treatment and outcomes by injury type. Specific Aims: 1. Develop and...Our research will utilize both of these tests to assess patients during treatment in the Emergency Department at GMH for mild traumatic brain

  15. Differences in Callosal and Forniceal Diffusion between Patients with and without Postconcussive Migraine.

    PubMed

    Alhilali, L M; Delic, J; Fakhran, S

    2017-04-01

    Posttraumatic migraines are common after mild traumatic brain injury. The purpose of this study was to determine if a specific axonal injury pattern underlies posttraumatic migraines after mild traumatic brain injury utilizing Tract-Based Spatial Statistics analysis of diffusion tensor imaging. DTI was performed in 58 patients with mild traumatic brain injury with posttraumatic migraines. Controls consisted of 17 patients with mild traumatic brain injury without posttraumatic migraines. Fractional anisotropy and diffusivity maps were generated to measure white matter integrity and were evaluated by using Tract-Based Spatial Statistics regression analysis with a general linear model. DTI findings were correlated with symptom severity, neurocognitive test scores, and time to recovery with the Pearson correlation coefficient. Patients with mild traumatic brain injury with posttraumatic migraines were not significantly different from controls in terms of age, sex, type of injury, or neurocognitive test performance. Patients with posttraumatic migraines had higher initial symptom severity ( P = .01) than controls. Compared with controls, patients with mild traumatic brain injury with posttraumatic migraines had decreased fractional anisotropy in the corpus callosum ( P = .03) and fornix/septohippocampal circuit ( P = .045). Injury to the fornix/septohippocampal circuit correlated with decreased visual memory ( r = 0.325, P = .01). Injury to corpus callosum trended toward inverse correlation with recovery ( r = -0.260, P = .05). Injuries to the corpus callosum and fornix/septohippocampal circuit were seen in patients with mild traumatic brain injury with posttraumatic migraines, with injuries in the fornix/septohippocampal circuit correlating with decreased performance on neurocognitive testing. © 2017 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.

  16. Defense.gov Special Report: Traumatic Brain Injury

    Science.gov Websites

    Excellence TBI Resources Brainline Military The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders NIH: Traumatic Brain Injury Research CDC: Give Brain Injury a Voice Center for Medical Excellence for Multimedia Brainline.org - Brain

  17. In vivo monitoring of neuronal loss in traumatic brain injury: a microdialysis study

    PubMed Central

    Tisdall, Martin M.; Girbes, Armand R.; Martinian, Lillian; Thom, Maria; Kitchen, Neil; Smith, Martin

    2011-01-01

    Traumatic brain injury causes diffuse axonal injury and loss of cortical neurons. These features are well recognized histologically, but their in vivo monitoring remains challenging. In vivo cortical microdialysis samples the extracellular fluid adjacent to neurons and axons. Here, we describe a novel neuronal proteolytic pathway and demonstrate the exclusive neuro-axonal expression of Pavlov’s enterokinase. Enterokinase is membrane bound and cleaves the neurofilament heavy chain at positions 476 and 986. Using a 100 kDa microdialysis cut-off membrane the two proteolytic breakdown products, extracellular fluid neurofilament heavy chains NfH476−986 and NfH476−1026, can be quantified with a relative recovery of 20%. In a prospective clinical in vivo study, we included 10 patients with traumatic brain injury with a median Glasgow Coma Score of 9, providing 640 cortical extracellular fluid samples for longitudinal data analysis. Following high-velocity impact traumatic brain injury, microdialysate extracellular fluid neurofilament heavy chain levels were significantly higher (6.18 ± 2.94 ng/ml) and detectable for longer (>4 days) compared with traumatic brain injury secondary to falls (0.84 ± 1.77 ng/ml, <2 days). During the initial 16 h following traumatic brain injury, strong correlations were found between extracellular fluid neurofilament heavy chain levels and physiological parameters (systemic blood pressure, anaerobic cerebral metabolism, excessive brain tissue oxygenation, elevated brain temperature). Finally, extracellular fluid neurofilament heavy chain levels were of prognostic value, predicting mortality with an odds ratio of 7.68 (confidence interval 2.15–27.46, P = 0.001). In conclusion, this study describes the discovery of Pavlov’s enterokinase in the human brain, a novel neuronal proteolytic pathway that gives rise to specific protein biomarkers (NfH476−986 and NfH476−1026) applicable to in vivo monitoring of diffuse axonal injury and neuronal loss in traumatic brain injury. PMID:21278408

  18. Changes in event-related potential functional networks predict traumatic brain injury in piglets.

    PubMed

    Atlan, Lorre S; Lan, Ingrid S; Smith, Colin; Margulies, Susan S

    2018-06-01

    Traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of cognitive and behavioral deficits in children in the US each year. None of the current diagnostic tools, such as quantitative cognitive and balance tests, have been validated to identify mild traumatic brain injury in infants, adults and animals. In this preliminary study, we report a novel, quantitative tool that has the potential to quickly and reliably diagnose traumatic brain injury and which can track the state of the brain during recovery across multiple ages and species. Using 32 scalp electrodes, we recorded involuntary auditory event-related potentials from 22 awake four-week-old piglets one day before and one, four, and seven days after two different injury types (diffuse and focal) or sham. From these recordings, we generated event-related potential functional networks and assessed whether the patterns of the observed changes in these networks could distinguish brain-injured piglets from non-injured. Piglet brains exhibited significant changes after injury, as evaluated by five network metrics. The injury prediction algorithm developed from our analysis of the changes in the event-related potentials functional networks ultimately produced a tool with 82% predictive accuracy. This novel approach is the first application of auditory event-related potential functional networks to the prediction of traumatic brain injury. The resulting tool is a robust, objective and predictive method that offers promise for detecting mild traumatic brain injury, in particular because collecting event-related potentials data is noninvasive and inexpensive. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  19. Exploratory Application of Neuropharmacometabolomics in Severe Childhood Traumatic Brain Injury.

    PubMed

    Hagos, Fanuel T; Empey, Philip E; Wang, Pengcheng; Ma, Xiaochao; Poloyac, Samuel M; Bayır, Hülya; Kochanek, Patrick M; Bell, Michael J; Clark, Robert S B

    2018-05-07

    To employ metabolomics-based pathway and network analyses to evaluate the cerebrospinal fluid metabolome after severe traumatic brain injury in children and the capacity of combination therapy with probenecid and N-acetylcysteine to impact glutathione-related and other pathways and networks, relative to placebo treatment. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid obtained from children enrolled in an Institutional Review Board-approved, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of a combination of probenecid and N-acetylcysteine after severe traumatic brain injury (Trial Registration NCT01322009). Thirty-six-bed PICU in a university-affiliated children's hospital. Twelve children 2-18 years old after severe traumatic brain injury and five age-matched control subjects. Probenecid (25 mg/kg) and N-acetylcysteine (140 mg/kg) or placebo administered via naso/orogastric tube. The cerebrospinal fluid metabolome was analyzed in samples from traumatic brain injury patients 24 hours after the first dose of drugs or placebo and control subjects. Feature detection, retention time, alignment, annotation, and principal component analysis and statistical analysis were conducted using XCMS-online. The software "mummichog" was used for pathway and network analyses. A two-component principal component analysis revealed clustering of each of the groups, with distinct metabolomics signatures. Several novel pathways with plausible mechanistic involvement in traumatic brain injury were identified. A combination of metabolomics and pathway/network analyses showed that seven glutathione-centered pathways and two networks were enriched in the cerebrospinal fluid of traumatic brain injury patients treated with probenecid and N-acetylcysteine versus placebo-treated patients. Several additional pathways/networks consisting of components that are known substrates of probenecid-inhibitable transporters were also identified, providing additional mechanistic validation. This proof-of-concept neuropharmacometabolomics assessment reveals alterations in known and previously unidentified metabolic pathways and supports therapeutic target engagement of the combination of probenecid and N-acetylcysteine treatment after severe traumatic brain injury in children.

  20. Vision rehabilitation interventions following mild traumatic brain injury: a scoping review.

    PubMed

    Simpson-Jones, Mary E; Hunt, Anne W

    2018-04-10

    To broadly examine the literature to identify vision interventions following mild traumatic brain injury. Objectives are to identify: (1) evidence-informed interventions for individuals with visual dysfunction after mild traumatic brain injury; (2) professions providing these interventions; (3) gaps in the literature and areas for further research. A scoping review was conducted of four electronic databases of peer-reviewed literature from the databases earliest records to June 2017. Articles were included if the study population was mild traumatic brain injury/concussion and a vision rehabilitation intervention was tested. Two independent reviewers screened articles for inclusion, extracted data, and identified themes. The initial search identified 3111 records. Following exclusions, 22 articles were included in the final review. Nine studies evaluated optical devices, such as corrective spectacles, contact lenses, prisms, or binasal occlusion. Two studies assessed vision therapy. Ten studies examined vision therapy using optical devices. One study investigated hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Optometrists performed these interventions in most of the studies. Future research should address quality appraisal of this literature, interventions that include older adult and pediatric populations, and interdisciplinary interventions. There are promising interventions for vision deficits following mild traumatic brain injury. However, there are multiple gaps in the literature that should be addressed by future research. Implications for Rehabilitation Mild traumatic brain injury may result in visual deficits that can contribute to poor concentration, headaches, fatigue, problems reading, difficulties engaging in meaningful daily activities, and overall reduced quality of life. Promising interventions for vision rehabilitation following mild traumatic brain injury include the use of optical devices (e.g., prism glasses), vision or oculomotor therapy (e.g., targeted exercises to train eye movements), and a combination of optical devices and vision therapy. Rehabilitation Professionals (e.g., optometrists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists) have an important role in screening for vision impairments, recommending referrals appropriately to vision specialists, and/or assessing and treating functional vision deficits in individuals with mild traumatic brain injury.

  1. Concussion - what to ask your doctor - adult

    MedlinePlus

    ... Adult brain injury - what to ask your doctor; Traumatic brain injury - what to ask the doctor ... Begaz T. Traumatic brain injury (adult). In: Adams JG, ed. Emergency Medicine . 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap 73. Giza CC, ...

  2. Rethinking Traditional Behaviour Management to Better Support Complex Trauma-Surviving Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Howard, Judith

    2016-01-01

    Children and adolescents who have survived complex trauma have suffered the type of ongoing and repeated traumatic experience that includes factors such as physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse, significant neglect, and/or family violence. Complex childhood trauma (sometimes referred to as paediatric or child maltreatment-related post traumatic…

  3. [The Serious Game, a care tool for hospitalized children].

    PubMed

    Wemeau, Catherine; Dosset, Christine; Dubat, Brice

    2012-01-01

    For the last 4 years, the paediatric department of Seclin hospital in the north of France has provided children and professionals with a fun tool which helps to inform young children and assess their pain, Dolo:kids. This Serious Game also helps to make the hospital environment less traumatic for the patient.

  4. Low pressure hyperbaric oxygen therapy and SPECT brain imaging in the treatment of blast-induced chronic traumatic brain injury (post-concussion syndrome) and post traumatic stress disorder: a case report

    PubMed Central

    2009-01-01

    A 25-year-old male military veteran presented with diagnoses of post concussion syndrome and post traumatic stress disorder three years after loss of consciousness from an explosion in combat. The patient underwent single photon emission computed tomography brain blood flow imaging before and after a block of thirty-nine 1.5 atmospheres absolute hyperbaric oxygen treatments. The patient experienced a permanent marked improvement in his post-concussive symptoms, physical exam findings, and brain blood flow. In addition, he experienced a complete resolution of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. After treatment he became and has remained employed for eight consecutive months. This case suggests a novel treatment for the combined diagnoses of blast-induced post-concussion syndrome and post-traumatic stress disorder. PMID:19829822

  5. Spatial patterns of progressive brain volume loss after moderate-severe traumatic brain injury

    PubMed Central

    Jolly, Amy; de Simoni, Sara; Bourke, Niall; Patel, Maneesh C; Scott, Gregory; Sharp, David J

    2018-01-01

    Abstract Traumatic brain injury leads to significant loss of brain volume, which continues into the chronic stage. This can be sensitively measured using volumetric analysis of MRI. Here we: (i) investigated longitudinal patterns of brain atrophy; (ii) tested whether atrophy is greatest in sulcal cortical regions; and (iii) showed how atrophy could be used to power intervention trials aimed at slowing neurodegeneration. In 61 patients with moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (mean age = 41.55 years ± 12.77) and 32 healthy controls (mean age = 34.22 years ± 10.29), cross-sectional and longitudinal (1-year follow-up) brain structure was assessed using voxel-based morphometry on T1-weighted scans. Longitudinal brain volume changes were characterized using a novel neuroimaging analysis pipeline that generates a Jacobian determinant metric, reflecting spatial warping between baseline and follow-up scans. Jacobian determinant values were summarized regionally and compared with clinical and neuropsychological measures. Patients with traumatic brain injury showed lower grey and white matter volume in multiple brain regions compared to controls at baseline. Atrophy over 1 year was pronounced following traumatic brain injury. Patients with traumatic brain injury lost a mean (± standard deviation) of 1.55% ± 2.19 of grey matter volume per year, 1.49% ± 2.20 of white matter volume or 1.51% ± 1.60 of whole brain volume. Healthy controls lost 0.55% ± 1.13 of grey matter volume and gained 0.26% ± 1.11 of white matter volume; equating to a 0.22% ± 0.83 reduction in whole brain volume. Atrophy was greatest in white matter, where the majority (84%) of regions were affected. This effect was independent of and substantially greater than that of ageing. Increased atrophy was also seen in cortical sulci compared to gyri. There was no relationship between atrophy and time since injury or age at baseline. Atrophy rates were related to memory performance at the end of the follow-up period, as well as to changes in memory performance, prior to multiple comparison correction. In conclusion, traumatic brain injury results in progressive loss of brain tissue volume, which continues for many years post-injury. Atrophy is most prominent in the white matter, but is also more pronounced in cortical sulci compared to gyri. These findings suggest the Jacobian determinant provides a method of quantifying brain atrophy following a traumatic brain injury and is informative in determining the long-term neurodegenerative effects after injury. Power calculations indicate that Jacobian determinant images are an efficient surrogate marker in clinical trials of neuroprotective therapeutics. PMID:29309542

  6. Brain-derived neurotropic factor polymorphisms, traumatic stress, mild traumatic brain injury, and combat exposure contribute to postdeployment traumatic stress.

    PubMed

    Dretsch, Michael N; Williams, Kathy; Emmerich, Tanja; Crynen, Gogce; Ait-Ghezala, Ghania; Chaytow, Helena; Mathura, Venkat; Crawford, Fiona C; Iverson, Grant L

    2016-01-01

    In addition to experiencing traumatic events while deployed in a combat environment, there are other factors that contribute to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military service members. This study explored the contribution of genetics, childhood environment, prior trauma, psychological, cognitive, and deployment factors to the development of traumatic stress following deployment. Both pre- and postdeployment data on 231 of 458 soldiers were analyzed. Postdeployment assessments occurred within 30 days from returning stateside and included a battery of psychological health, medical history, and demographic questionnaires; neurocognitive tests; and blood serum for the D2 dopamine receptor (DRD2), apolipoprotein E (APOE), and brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) genes. Soldiers who screened positive for traumatic stress at postdeployment had significantly higher scores in depression (d = 1.91), anxiety (d = 1.61), poor sleep quality (d = 0.92), postconcussion symptoms (d = 2.21), alcohol use (d = 0.63), traumatic life events (d = 0.42), and combat exposure (d = 0.91). BDNF Val66 Met genotype was significantly associated with risk for sustaining a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and screening positive for traumatic stress. Predeployment traumatic stress, greater combat exposure and sustaining an mTBI while deployed, and the BDNF Met/Met genotype accounted for 22% of the variance of postdeployment PTSD scores (R (2)  = 0.22, P < 0.001). However, predeployment traumatic stress, alone, accounted for 17% of the postdeployment PTSD scores. These findings suggest predeployment traumatic stress, genetic, and environmental factors have unique contributions to the development of combat-related traumatic stress in military service members.

  7. The history and evolution of traumatic brain injury rehabilitation in military service members and veterans.

    PubMed

    Cifu, David X; Cohen, Sara I; Lew, Henry L; Jaffee, Michael; Sigford, Barbara

    2010-08-01

    The field of traumatic brain injury has evolved since the time of the Civil War in response to the needs of patients with injuries and disabilities resulting from war. The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center have been in the forefront of the development of the interdisciplinary approach to the rehabilitation of soldiers with traumatic brain injury, particularly those injured from the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The objectives of this literature review are to examine how the casualties resulting from major wars in the past led to the establishment of the current model of evaluation and treatment of traumatic brain injury and to review how the field has expanded in response to the growing cohort of military service members and veterans with TBI.

  8. Post-traumatic stress symptoms and psychological functioning in children of parents with acquired brain injury.

    PubMed

    Kieffer-Kristensen, Rikke; Teasdale, Thomas W; Bilenberg, Niels

    2011-01-01

    The effect of parental brain injury on children has been relatively little investigated. This study examines post-traumatic stress symptoms (PSS) and psychological functioning in children with a parent with an acquired brain injury. The participants were 35 patients with acquired brain injury, their spouses and children aged 7-14 years recruited from out-patient brain injury rehabilitation units across Denmark. Children self-reported psychological functioning using the Becks Youth Inventory (BYI) and Child Impact of Events revised (CRIES) measuring PSS symptoms. Emotional and behavioural problems among the children were also identified by the parents using the Achenbach's Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL). A matched control group, consisting of 20 children of parents suffering from diabetes, was recruited from the National Danish Diabetes Register. Post-traumatic stress symptoms above cut-off score (<30) were found (CRIES) in 46% of the children in the brain injury group compared to 10% in the diabetes group. The parents in the brain injury group reported more emotional and behavioural problems in their children when compared to published norms (CBCL). When parents have acquired brain injury, their children appear to be at a substantial risk for developing post-traumatic stress symptoms. These results indicate the need for a child-centred family support service to reduce the risk of children being traumatized by parental brain injury, with a special focus on the relational changes within the family.

  9. Development of in Vivo Biomarkers for Progressive Tau Pathology after Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-02-01

    Athletes in contact sports who have sustained multiple concussive traumatic brain injuries are at high risk for delayed, progressive neurological and...11 or ‘punch drunk’ syndrome 9, 12. US military personnel 13, 14 and others who have sustained multiple concussive traumatic brain injuries 15-17...To date, none of the attempts to model progressive tau pathology after repetitive concussive TBI in mice has been optimal. Ongoing efforts include

  10. Development of in Vivo Biomarkers for Progressive Tau Pathology after Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-02-01

    14. ABSTRACT Athletes in contact sports who have sustained multiple concussive traumatic brain injuries are at high risk for delayed, progressive...pugilistica 3, 11 or ‘punch drunk’ syndrome 9, 12. US military personnel 13, 14 and others who have sustained multiple concussive traumatic brain...Progress to date: To date, none of the attempts to model progressive tau pathology after repetitive concussive TBI in mice has been optimal. Ongoing

  11. A Double Blind Trial of Divalproex Sodium for Affective Liability and Alcohol Use Following Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-10-01

    approved it in 1995 for this indication. Also, it is used in conjunction with lithium or carbamazepine to prevent recurrent manic or depressive...TITLE: A Double Blind Trial of Divalproex Sodium for Affective L ability and Alcohol Use Following Traumatic Brain Injury PRINCIPAL...NUMBER Liability and Alcohol Use Following Traumatic Brain Injury 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d

  12. A Double Blind Trial of Divalproex Sodium for Affective Lability and Alcohol Use Following Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-10-01

    SUBJECT TERMS Traumatic Brain Injury, Alcohol Use , Mood , Mood Stabilization 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: U 17. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT 18...1995 for this indication. Also, it is used in conjunction with lithium or carbamazepine to prevent recurrent manic or depressive episodes during long...0652 TITLE: A Double Blind Trial of Divalproex Sodium for Affective Lability and Alcohol Use Following Traumatic Brain Injury PRINCIPAL

  13. Demyelination as a Target for Cell-Based Therapy of Chronic Blast-Induced Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-10-01

    AWARD NUMBER: W81XWH-13-1-0389 TITLE: Demyelination as a Target for Cell-Based Therapy of Chronic Blast-Induced Traumatic Brain Injury...2015 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Demyelination as a Target for Cell-Based Therapy of Chronic Blast-Induced Traumatic Brain Injury 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b...disabling behavioral and cognitive abnormalities noted in significant number of combat veterans. These clinical phenotypes suggest impairment in

  14. American Indians/Native Alaskans with Traumatic Brain Injury: Examining the Impairments of Traumatic Brain Injury, Disparities in Service Provision, and Employment Outcomes

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Whitfield, Harold Wayne; Lloyd, Rosalind

    2008-01-01

    The researchers analyzed data from fiscal year 2006 and found that American Indians/Native Alaskans (AI/NA) with traumatic brain injury experienced similar functional limitations at application as did non-AI/NA. Fewer funds were expended on purchased services for AI/NA than for non-AI/NA. The wages of AI/NA were equitable to those of non-AI/NA at…

  15. Functional brain imaging and the induction of traumatic recall: a cross-correlational review between neuroimaging and hypnosis.

    PubMed

    Vermetten, Eric; Douglas Bremner, J

    2004-07-01

    The behavioral and psychophysiological alterations during recall in patients with trauma disorders often resemble phenomena that are seen in hypnosis. In studies of emotional recall as well as in neuroimaging studies of hypnotic processes similar brain structures are involved: thalamus, hippocampus, amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex. This paper focuses on cross-correlations in traumatic recall and hypnotic responses and reviews correlations between the involvement of brain structures in traumatic recall and processes that are involved in hypnotic responsiveness. To further improve uniformity of results of brain imaging specifically for traumatic recall studies, attention is needed for standardization of hypnotic variables, isolation of the emotional process of interest (state),and assessment of trait-related differences.

  16. Bang to the Brain: What We Know about Concussions

    MedlinePlus

    ... as a concussion. More than 1 million mild traumatic brain injuries occur nationwide each year. These injuries can be ... olds treated in an emergency room for mild traumatic brain injury. “We found that the majority of these kids ...

  17. Assessment of Students with Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chesire, David J.; Buckley, Valerie A.; Canto, Angela I.

    2011-01-01

    The incidence of brain injuries, as well as their impact on individuals who sustain them, has received growing attention from American media in recent years. This attention is likely the result of high profile individuals suffering brain injuries. Greater public awareness of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) has also been promoted by sources such as…

  18. DRAG REDUCING POLYMER ENCHANCES MICROVASCULAR PERFUSION IN THE TRAUMATIZED BRAIN WITH INTRACRANIAL HYPERTENSION

    PubMed Central

    Bragin, Denis E.; Thomson, Susan; Bragina, Olga; Statom, Gloria; Kameneva, Marina V.; Nemoto, Edwin M.

    2016-01-01

    SUMMARY Current treatments for traumatic brain injury (TBI) have not focused on improving microvascular perfusion. Drag-reducing polymers (DRP), linear, long-chain, blood soluble non-toxic macromolecules, may offer a new approach to improving cerebral perfusion by primary alteration of the fluid dynamic properties of blood. Nanomolar concentrations of DRP have been shown to improve hemodynamics in animal models of ischemic myocardium and limb, but have not yet been studied in the brain. Recently, we demonstrated that that DRP improved microvascular perfusion and tissue oxygenation in a normal rat brain. We hypothesized that DRP could restore microvascular perfusion in hypertensive brain after TBI. Using the in-vivo 2-photon laser scanning microscopy we examined the effect of DRP on microvascular blood flow and tissue oxygenation in hypertensive rat brains with and without TBI. DRP enhanced and restored capillary flow, decreased microvascular shunt flow and, as a result, reduced tissue hypoxia in both un-traumatized and traumatized rat brains at high ICP. Our study suggests that DRP could be an effective treatment for improving microvascular flow in brain ischemia caused by high ICP after TBI. PMID:27165871

  19. Trauma-informed care for children in the ambulance: international survey among pre-hospital providers

    PubMed Central

    Alisic, Eva; Tyler, Mark P.; Giummarra, Melita J.; Kassam-Adams, Rahim; Gouweloos, Juul; Landolt, Markus A.; Kassam-Adams, Nancy

    2017-01-01

    ABSTRACT Background: Pre-hospital providers, such as paramedics and emergency medical technicians, are in a position to provide key emotional support to injured children and their families. Objective: Our goal was to examine (a) pre-hospital providers’ knowledge of traumatic stress in children, attitudes towards psychosocial aspects of care, and confidence in providing psychosocial care, (b) variations in knowledge, attitudes, and confidence according to demographic and professional characteristics, and (c) training preferences of pre-hospital providers regarding psychosocial care to support paediatric patients and their families. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional, online survey among an international sample of 812 pre-hospital providers from high-income countries. The questionnaire was adapted from a measure for a similar study among Emergency Department staff, and involved 62 items in 7 main categories (e.g. personal and work characteristics, knowledge of paediatric traumatic stress, and confidence regarding 18 elements of psychosocial care). The main analyses comprised descriptive statistics and multiple regression analyses. Results: On average, respondents answered 2.7 (SD = 1.59) out of seven knowledge questions correctly. Respondents with higher knowledge scores were more often female, parent of a child under 17, and reported that at least 10% of their patients were children. A majority of participants (83.5%) saw all 18 aspects of psychosocial care as part of their job. Providers felt moderately confident (M = 3.2, SD = 0.45) regarding their skills in psychosocial care, which was predicted by gender (female), having more experience, having a larger proportion of child patients, and having received training in psychosocial care in the past five years. Most respondents (89.7%) wanted to gain more knowledge and skills regarding psychosocial care for injured children. In terms of training format, they preferred an interactive website or a one-off group training. Conclusions: There appears to be both a need and an opportunity for education initiatives regarding paediatric traumatic stress in the pre-hospital context. PMID:28326162

  20. The spectrum of disease in chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

    PubMed

    McKee, Ann C; Stern, Robert A; Nowinski, Christopher J; Stein, Thor D; Alvarez, Victor E; Daneshvar, Daniel H; Lee, Hyo-Soon; Wojtowicz, Sydney M; Hall, Garth; Baugh, Christine M; Riley, David O; Kubilus, Caroline A; Cormier, Kerry A; Jacobs, Matthew A; Martin, Brett R; Abraham, Carmela R; Ikezu, Tsuneya; Reichard, Robert Ross; Wolozin, Benjamin L; Budson, Andrew E; Goldstein, Lee E; Kowall, Neil W; Cantu, Robert C

    2013-01-01

    Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a progressive tauopathy that occurs as a consequence of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury. We analysed post-mortem brains obtained from a cohort of 85 subjects with histories of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury and found evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy in 68 subjects: all males, ranging in age from 17 to 98 years (mean 59.5 years), including 64 athletes, 21 military veterans (86% of whom were also athletes) and one individual who engaged in self-injurious head banging behaviour. Eighteen age- and gender-matched individuals without a history of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury served as control subjects. In chronic traumatic encephalopathy, the spectrum of hyperphosphorylated tau pathology ranged in severity from focal perivascular epicentres of neurofibrillary tangles in the frontal neocortex to severe tauopathy affecting widespread brain regions, including the medial temporal lobe, thereby allowing a progressive staging of pathology from stages I-IV. Multifocal axonal varicosities and axonal loss were found in deep cortex and subcortical white matter at all stages of chronic traumatic encephalopathy. TAR DNA-binding protein 43 immunoreactive inclusions and neurites were also found in 85% of cases, ranging from focal pathology in stages I-III to widespread inclusions and neurites in stage IV. Symptoms in stage I chronic traumatic encephalopathy included headache and loss of attention and concentration. Additional symptoms in stage II included depression, explosivity and short-term memory loss. In stage III, executive dysfunction and cognitive impairment were found, and in stage IV, dementia, word-finding difficulty and aggression were characteristic. Data on athletic exposure were available for 34 American football players; the stage of chronic traumatic encephalopathy correlated with increased duration of football play, survival after football and age at death. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy was the sole diagnosis in 43 cases (63%); eight were also diagnosed with motor neuron disease (12%), seven with Alzheimer's disease (11%), 11 with Lewy body disease (16%) and four with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (6%). There is an ordered and predictable progression of hyperphosphorylated tau abnormalities through the nervous system in chronic traumatic encephalopathy that occurs in conjunction with widespread axonal disruption and loss. The frequent association of chronic traumatic encephalopathy with other neurodegenerative disorders suggests that repetitive brain trauma and hyperphosphorylated tau protein deposition promote the accumulation of other abnormally aggregated proteins including TAR DNA-binding protein 43, amyloid beta protein and alpha-synuclein.

  1. The spectrum of disease in chronic traumatic encephalopathy

    PubMed Central

    McKee, Ann C.; Stein, Thor D.; Nowinski, Christopher J.; Stern, Robert A.; Daneshvar, Daniel H.; Alvarez, Victor E.; Lee, Hyo-Soon; Hall, Garth; Wojtowicz, Sydney M.; Baugh, Christine M.; Riley, David O.; Kubilus, Caroline A.; Cormier, Kerry A.; Jacobs, Matthew A.; Martin, Brett R.; Abraham, Carmela R.; Ikezu, Tsuneya; Reichard, Robert Ross; Wolozin, Benjamin L.; Budson, Andrew E.; Goldstein, Lee E.; Kowall, Neil W.; Cantu, Robert C.

    2013-01-01

    Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a progressive tauopathy that occurs as a consequence of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury. We analysed post-mortem brains obtained from a cohort of 85 subjects with histories of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury and found evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy in 68 subjects: all males, ranging in age from 17 to 98 years (mean 59.5 years), including 64 athletes, 21 military veterans (86% of whom were also athletes) and one individual who engaged in self-injurious head banging behaviour. Eighteen age- and gender-matched individuals without a history of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury served as control subjects. In chronic traumatic encephalopathy, the spectrum of hyperphosphorylated tau pathology ranged in severity from focal perivascular epicentres of neurofibrillary tangles in the frontal neocortex to severe tauopathy affecting widespread brain regions, including the medial temporal lobe, thereby allowing a progressive staging of pathology from stages I–IV. Multifocal axonal varicosities and axonal loss were found in deep cortex and subcortical white matter at all stages of chronic traumatic encephalopathy. TAR DNA-binding protein 43 immunoreactive inclusions and neurites were also found in 85% of cases, ranging from focal pathology in stages I–III to widespread inclusions and neurites in stage IV. Symptoms in stage I chronic traumatic encephalopathy included headache and loss of attention and concentration. Additional symptoms in stage II included depression, explosivity and short-term memory loss. In stage III, executive dysfunction and cognitive impairment were found, and in stage IV, dementia, word-finding difficulty and aggression were characteristic. Data on athletic exposure were available for 34 American football players; the stage of chronic traumatic encephalopathy correlated with increased duration of football play, survival after football and age at death. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy was the sole diagnosis in 43 cases (63%); eight were also diagnosed with motor neuron disease (12%), seven with Alzheimer’s disease (11%), 11 with Lewy body disease (16%) and four with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (6%). There is an ordered and predictable progression of hyperphosphorylated tau abnormalities through the nervous system in chronic traumatic encephalopathy that occurs in conjunction with widespread axonal disruption and loss. The frequent association of chronic traumatic encephalopathy with other neurodegenerative disorders suggests that repetitive brain trauma and hyperphosphorylated tau protein deposition promote the accumulation of other abnormally aggregated proteins including TAR DNA-binding protein 43, amyloid beta protein and alpha-synuclein. PMID:23208308

  2. Multimodal Characterization of the Late Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury: A Methodological Overview of the Late Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury Project.

    PubMed

    Edlow, Brian L; Keene, C Dirk; Perl, Daniel P; Iacono, Diego; Folkerth, Rebecca D; Stewart, William; Mac Donald, Christine L; Augustinack, Jean; Diaz-Arrastia, Ramon; Estrada, Camilo; Flannery, Elissa; Gordon, Wayne A; Grabowski, Thomas J; Hansen, Kelly; Hoffman, Jeanne; Kroenke, Christopher; Larson, Eric B; Lee, Patricia; Mareyam, Azma; McNab, Jennifer A; McPhee, Jeanne; Moreau, Allison L; Renz, Anne; Richmire, KatieRose; Stevens, Allison; Tang, Cheuk Y; Tirrell, Lee S; Trittschuh, Emily H; van der Kouwe, Andre; Varjabedian, Ani; Wald, Lawrence L; Wu, Ona; Yendiki, Anastasia; Young, Liza; Zöllei, Lilla; Fischl, Bruce; Crane, Paul K; Dams-O'Connor, Kristen

    2018-05-03

    Epidemiological studies suggest that a single moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Histopathological studies describe complex neurodegenerative pathologies in individuals exposed to single moderate-to-severe TBI or repetitive mild TBI, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). However, the clinicopathological links between TBI and post-traumatic neurodegenerative diseases such as AD, PD, and CTE remain poorly understood. Here, we describe the methodology of the Late Effects of TBI (LETBI) study, whose goals are to characterize chronic post-traumatic neuropathology and to identify in vivo biomarkers of post-traumatic neurodegeneration. LETBI participants undergo extensive clinical evaluation using National Institutes of Health TBI Common Data Elements, proteomic and genomic analysis, structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and prospective consent for brain donation. Selected brain specimens undergo ultra-high resolution ex vivo MRI and histopathological evaluation including whole-mount analysis. Co-registration of ex vivo and in vivo MRI data enables identification of ex vivo lesions that were present during life. In vivo signatures of postmortem pathology are then correlated with cognitive and behavioral data to characterize the clinical phenotype(s) associated with pathological brain lesions. We illustrate the study methods and demonstrate proof of concept for this approach by reporting results from the first LETBI participant, who despite the presence of multiple in vivo and ex vivo pathoanatomic lesions had normal cognition and was functionally independent until her mid-80s. The LETBI project represents a multidisciplinary effort to characterize post-traumatic neuropathology and identify in vivo signatures of postmortem pathology in a prospective study.

  3. Excessive sleep need following traumatic brain injury: a case-control study of 36 patients.

    PubMed

    Sommerauer, Michael; Valko, Philipp O; Werth, Esther; Baumann, Christian R

    2013-12-01

    Increased sleep need following traumatic brain injury, referred to in this study as post-traumatic pleiosomnia, is common, but so far its clinical impact and therapeutic implications have not been characterized. We present a case-control study of 36 patients with post-traumatic pleiosomnia, defined by an increased sleep need of at least 2 h per 24 h after traumatic brain injury, compared to 36 controls. We assessed detailed history, sleep-activity patterns with sleep logs and actigraphy, nocturnal sleep with polysomnography and daytime sleep propensity with multiple sleep latency tests. Actigraphy recordings revealed that traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients had longer estimated sleep durations than controls (10.8 h per 24 h, compared to 7.3 h). When using sleep logs, TBI patients underestimated their sleep need. During nocturnal sleep, patients had higher amounts of slow-wave sleep than controls (20 versus 13.8%). Multiple sleep latency tests revealed excessive daytime sleepiness in 15 patients (42%), and 10 of them had signs of chronic sleep deprivation. We conclude that post-traumatic pleiosomnia may be even more frequent than reported previously, because affected patients often underestimate their actual sleep need. Furthermore, these patients exhibit an increase in slow-wave sleep which may reflect recovery mechanisms, intrinsic consequences of diffuse brain damage or relative sleep deprivation. © 2013 European Sleep Research Society.

  4. Cognitive activity limitations one year post-trauma in patients admitted to sub-acute rehabilitation after severe traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Sommer, Jens Bak; Norup, Anne; Poulsen, Ingrid; Morgensen, Jesper

    2013-09-01

    To examine cognitive activity limitations and predictors of outcome 1 year post-trauma in patients admitted to sub-acute rehabilitation after severe traumatic brain injury. The study included 119 patients with severe traumatic brain injury admitted to centralized sub-acute rehabilitation in the Eastern part of Denmark during a 5-year period from 2005 to 2009. Level of consciousness was assessed consecutively during rehabilitation and at 1 year post-trauma. Severity of traumatic brain injury was classified according to duration of post-traumatic amnesia. The cognitive subscale of Functional Independence MeasureTM (Cog-FIM) was used to assess cognitive activity limitations. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of an independent level of functioning. The majority of patients progressed to a post-confusional level of consciousness during the first year post-trauma. At follow-up 33-58% of patients had achieved functional independence within the cognitive domains on the Cog-FIM. Socio-economic status, duration of acute care and post-traumatic amnesia were significant predictors of outcome. Substantial recovery was documented among patients with severe traumatic brain injury during the first year post-trauma. The results of the current study suggest that absence of consciousness at discharge from acute care should not preclude patients from being referred to specialized sub-acute rehabilitation.

  5. Preventable and Potentially Preventable Traumatic Death Rates in Neurosurgery Department: A Single Center Experience.

    PubMed

    Ha, Mahnjeong; Kim, Byung Chul; Choi, Seonuoo; Cho, Won Ho; Choi, Hyuk Jin

    2016-10-01

    Preventable and potentially preventable traumatic death rates is a method to evaluate the preventability of the traumatic deaths in emergency medical department. To evaluate the preventability of the traumatic deaths in patients who were admitted to neurosurgery department, we performed this study. A retrospective review identified 52 patients who admitted to neurosurgery department with severe traumatic brain injuries between 2013 and 2014. Based on radiologic and clinical state at emergency room, each preventability of death was estimated by professional panel discussion. And the final death rates were calculated. The preventable and potentially preventable traumatic death rates was 19.2% in this study. This result is lower than that of the research of 2012, Korean preventable and potentially preventable traumatic death rates. The rate of preventable and potentially preventable traumatic death of operation group is lower than that of conservative treatment group. Also, we confirmed that direct transfer and the time to operation are important to reduce the preventability. We report the preventable and potentially preventable traumatic death rates of our institute for evaluation of preventability in severe traumatic brain injuries during the last 2 years. For decrease of preventable death, we suggest that continuous survey of the death rate of traumatic brain injury patients is required.

  6. Preventable and Potentially Preventable Traumatic Death Rates in Neurosurgery Department: A Single Center Experience

    PubMed Central

    Ha, Mahnjeong; Kim, Byung Chul; Choi, Seonuoo; Cho, Won Ho

    2016-01-01

    Objective Preventable and potentially preventable traumatic death rates is a method to evaluate the preventability of the traumatic deaths in emergency medical department. To evaluate the preventability of the traumatic deaths in patients who were admitted to neurosurgery department, we performed this study. Methods A retrospective review identified 52 patients who admitted to neurosurgery department with severe traumatic brain injuries between 2013 and 2014. Based on radiologic and clinical state at emergency room, each preventability of death was estimated by professional panel discussion. And the final death rates were calculated. Results The preventable and potentially preventable traumatic death rates was 19.2% in this study. This result is lower than that of the research of 2012, Korean preventable and potentially preventable traumatic death rates. The rate of preventable and potentially preventable traumatic death of operation group is lower than that of conservative treatment group. Also, we confirmed that direct transfer and the time to operation are important to reduce the preventability. Conclusion We report the preventable and potentially preventable traumatic death rates of our institute for evaluation of preventability in severe traumatic brain injuries during the last 2 years. For decrease of preventable death, we suggest that continuous survey of the death rate of traumatic brain injury patients is required. PMID:27857910

  7. Sleep Disorders Associated With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Using Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 3.

    PubMed

    Tkachenko, Nataliya; Singh, Kanwaljit; Hasanaj, Lisena; Serrano, Liliana; Kothare, Sanjeev V

    2016-04-01

    Sleep problems affect 30% to 80% of patients with mild traumatic brain injury. We assessed the prevalence of sleep disorders after mild traumatic brain injury and its correlation with other symptoms. Individuals with mild traumatic brain injury were assessed at the New York University Concussion Center during 2013-2014 with the Sports Concussion Assessment Tool, third edition, data following mild traumatic brain injury. The relationship between sleep problems (drowsiness, difficulty falling asleep, fatigue or low energy), psychiatric symptoms (sadness, nervousness or anxiousness), headache, and dizziness were analyzed by Spearman correlation and logistic regression using moderate to severe versus none to mild categorization. Ninety-three patients were retrospectively considered. The most common injury causes were falls (34.4%) and motor vehicle accidents (21.5%). There was a positive correlation between dizziness, headache, psychiatric problems (sadness, anxiety, irritability), and sleep problems (fatigue, drowsiness, and difficulty falling asleep) (P < 0.001). Logistic regression showed a significant association between moderate to severe psychiatric symptoms and moderate to severe sleep symptoms (P < 0.05). Sleep symptoms became more severe with increased time interval from mild traumatic brain injury to Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 3 administration (odds ratio = 1.005, 1.006, and 1.008, P < 0.05). There was significant correlation between motor vehicle accident and drowsiness and difficulty falling asleep (P < 0.05). Medications given in the emergency department had a positive correlation with drowsiness (P < 0.05). Individuals who report moderate to severe headache, dizziness, and psychiatric symptoms have a higher likelihood of reporting moderate to severe sleep disorders following mild traumatic brain injury and should be counseled and initiated with early interventions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Demyelination as a Target for Cell-Based Therapy of Chronic Blast-Induced Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-10-01

    AWARD NUMBER: W81XWH-13-1-0388 TITLE: Demyelination as a Target for Cell-Based Therapy of Chronic Blast- Induced Traumatic Brain Injury...SUBTITLE Demyelination as a Target for Cell-Based Therapy of Chronic Blast-Induced Traumatic Brain Injury 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER W81XWH...disabling behavioral and cognitive abnormalities noted in significant number of combat veterans. These clinical phenotypes suggest impairment in

  9. OP17MICRORNA PROFILING USING SMALL RNA-SEQ IN PAEDIATRIC LOW GRADE GLIOMAS

    PubMed Central

    Jeyapalan, Jennie N.; Jones, Tania A.; Tatevossian, Ruth G.; Qaddoumi, Ibrahim; Ellison, David W.; Sheer, Denise

    2014-01-01

    INTRODUCTION: MicroRNAs regulate gene expression by targeting mRNAs for translational repression or degradation at the post-transcriptional level. In paediatric low-grade gliomas a few key genetic mutations have been identified, including BRAF fusions, FGFR1 duplications and MYB rearrangements. Our aim in the current study is to profile aberrant microRNA expression in paediatric low-grade gliomas and determine the role of epigenetic changes in the aetiology and behaviour of these tumours. METHOD: MicroRNA profiling of tumour samples (6 pilocytic, 2 diffuse, 2 pilomyxoid astrocytomas) and normal brain controls (4 adult normal brain samples and a primary glial progenitor cell-line) was performed using small RNA sequencing. Bioinformatic analysis included sequence alignment, analysis of the number of reads (CPM, counts per million) and differential expression. RESULTS: Sequence alignment identified 695 microRNAs, whose expression was compared in tumours v. normal brain. PCA and hierarchical clustering showed separate groups for tumours and normal brain. Computational analysis identified approximately 400 differentially expressed microRNAs in the tumours compared to matched location controls. Our findings will then be validated and integrated with extensive genetic and epigenetic information we have previously obtained for the full tumour cohort. CONCLUSION: We have identified microRNAs that are differentially expressed in paediatric low-grade gliomas. As microRNAs are known to target genes involved in the initiation and progression of cancer, they provide critical information on tumour pathogenesis and are an important class of biomarkers.

  10. Higher burnout scores in paediatric residents are associated with increased brain activity during attentional functional magnetic resonance imaging task.

    PubMed

    de Andrade, Anarella Penha Meirelles; Amaro, Edson; Farhat, Sylvia Costa Lima; Schvartsman, Claudio

    2016-06-01

    Burnout syndrome is common in healthcare workers. We evaluated its prevalence in paediatric residents and investigated its influence on cerebral function correlations, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), when they carried out an attentional paradigm. This cross-sectional descriptive study involved 28 residents from the Department of Paediatrics at the University of São Paulo. The functional MRI was carried out while the residents completed the Stroop colour word task paradigm to investigate their attentional task performance. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was applied, and stress was assessed using the Lipp Inventory of Stress Symptoms for Adults and by a visual analogue mood scale. The MBI subscales of depersonalisation and emotional exhaustion indicated that 53.1% of the residents had moderate or high burnout syndrome. The whole-brain multivariate analysis showed positive correlations between the blood oxygenation level dependent effect and the MBI depersonalisation and emotional exhaustion indices in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which controls for anxiety. Increased brain activation during an attention task, measured using functional MRI, was associated with higher burnout scores in paediatric residents. This study provides a biological basis for the implementation of measures to reduce burnout syndrome at the start of residency training programmes. ©2016 Foundation Acta Paediatrica. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  11. Anti-epileptic drugs in pediatric traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Tanaka, Tomoko; Litofsky, N Scott

    2016-10-01

    Pediatric post-traumatic epilepsy incidence varies depending on reporting mechanism and injury severity; anti-epileptic drug (AEDs) use also varies with lack of quality evidence-based data. Adverse AED effects are not negligible; some may negatively affect functional outcome. This review focuses on clarifying available data. This review discusses seizures associated with traumatic brain injury in children, including seizure incidence, relationship to severity of injury, potential detrimental effects of seizures, potential benefits of AED, adverse effects of AED, new developments in preventing epileptogenesis, and suggested recommendations for patient management. English language papers were identified from PubMed using search terms including but not excluding the following: adverse drug effects, anti-epileptic drugs, children, electroencephalogram, epilepsy, epileptogenesis, head injury, levetiracetam, pediatrics, phenytoin, post-traumatic epilepsy, prevention, prophylaxis, seizures, and traumatic brain injury. Expert commentary: Identification of high-risk patients for post-traumatic seizures is a key goal. Levetiracetam may prevent epileptogenesis, as may other developments.

  12. [What happens after the accident? Psychosocial needs of people with traumatic brain injury and their families].

    PubMed

    Gifre, Mariona; Gil, Ángel; Pla, Laura; Roig, Teresa; Monreal-Bosch, Pilar

    2015-09-01

    To identify factors that people with a traumatic brain injury and their families perceived as helping to improve their quality of life. Three focus groups and five interviews were conducted with a total of 37 participants: 14 persons with traumatic brain injury and 23 caregivers. A content analysis was conducted. The constant comparative method was applied. We detected five factors that improved the quality of life of persons with a traumatic brain and their families: 1) Informal support (family and friends); 2) formal support (counseling, employment, built and bureaucratic environment); 3) type of clinical characteristics; 4) social participation, and 5) social visibility. The needs expressed by our participants primarily focused on social and emotional factors. For persons with severe traumatic brain injury attempting to achieve the best possible community integration, a new semiology is required, not limited to medical care, but also involving social and psychological care tailored to the needs of each individual and family and their environment. Copyright © 2014 SESPAS. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

  13. Correlates of invalid neuropsychological test performance after traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Donders, Jacobus; Boonstra, Tyler

    2007-03-01

    To investigate external correlates of invalid test performance after traumatic brain injury, as assessed by the California Verbal Learning Test - Second Edition (CVLT-II) and Word Memory Test (WMT). Consecutive 2-year series of rehabilitation referrals with a diagnosis of traumatic brain injury (n = 87). Logistic regression analysis was used to determine which demographic and neurological variables best differentiated those with vs. without actuarial CVLT-II or WMT evidence for invalid responding. Twenty-one participants (about 24%) performed in the invalid range. The combination of a premorbid psychiatric history with minimal or no coma was associated with an approximately four-fold increase in the likelihood of invalid performance. Premorbid psychosocial complicating factors constitute a significant threat to validity of neuropsychological test results after (especially mild) traumatic brain injury. At the same time, care should be taken to not routinely assume that all persons with mild traumatic brain injury and premorbid psychiatric histories are simply malingering. The WMT appears to be a promising instrument for the purpose of identifying those cases where neuropsychological test results are confounded by factors not directly related to acquired cerebral impairment.

  14. Amateur boxing and risk of chronic traumatic brain injury: systematic review of observational studies

    PubMed Central

    Knowles, Charles H; Whyte, Greg P

    2007-01-01

    Objective To evaluate the risk of chronic traumatic brain injury from amateur boxing. Setting Secondary research performed by combination of sport physicians and clinical academics. Design, data sources, and methods Systematic review of observational studies in which chronic traumatic brain injury was defined as any abnormality on clinical neurological examination, psychometric testing, neuroimaging studies, and electroencephalography. Studies were identified through database (1950 to date) and bibliographic searches without language restrictions. Two reviewers extracted study characteristics, quality, and data, with adherence to a protocol developed from a widely recommended method for systematic review of observational studies (MOOSE). Results 36 papers had relevant extractable data (from a detailed evaluation of 93 studies of 943 identified from the initial search). Quality of evidence was generally poor. The best quality studies were those with a cohort design and those that used psychometric tests. These yielded the most negative results: only four of 17 (24%) better quality studies found any indication of chronic traumatic brain injury in a minority of boxers studied. Conclusion There is no strong evidence to associate chronic traumatic brain injury with amateur boxing. PMID:17916811

  15. Amateur boxing and risk of chronic traumatic brain injury: systematic review of observational studies.

    PubMed

    Loosemore, Mike; Knowles, Charles H; Whyte, Greg P

    2007-10-20

    To evaluate the risk of chronic traumatic brain injury from amateur boxing. Secondary research performed by combination of sport physicians and clinical academics. DESIGN, DATA SOURCES, AND METHODS: Systematic review of observational studies in which chronic traumatic brain injury was defined as any abnormality on clinical neurological examination, psychometric testing, neuroimaging studies, and electroencephalography. Studies were identified through database (1950 to date) and bibliographic searches without language restrictions. Two reviewers extracted study characteristics, quality, and data, with adherence to a protocol developed from a widely recommended method for systematic review of observational studies (MOOSE). 36 papers had relevant extractable data (from a detailed evaluation of 93 studies of 943 identified from the initial search). Quality of evidence was generally poor. The best quality studies were those with a cohort design and those that used psychometric tests. These yielded the most negative results: only four of 17 (24%) better quality studies found any indication of chronic traumatic brain injury in a minority of boxers studied. There is no strong evidence to associate chronic traumatic brain injury with amateur boxing.

  16. Assessing the accuracy of the International Classification of Diseases codes to identify abusive head trauma: a feasibility study.

    PubMed

    Berger, Rachel P; Parks, Sharyn; Fromkin, Janet; Rubin, Pamela; Pecora, Peter J

    2015-04-01

    To assess the accuracy of an International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code-based operational case definition for abusive head trauma (AHT). Subjects were children <5 years of age evaluated for AHT by a hospital-based Child Protection Team (CPT) at a tertiary care paediatric hospital with a completely electronic medical record (EMR) system. Subjects were designated as non-AHT traumatic brain injury (TBI) or AHT based on whether the CPT determined that the injuries were due to AHT. The sensitivity and specificity of the ICD-based definition were calculated. There were 223 children evaluated for AHT: 117 AHT and 106 non-AHT TBI. The sensitivity and specificity of the ICD-based operational case definition were 92% (95% CI 85.8 to 96.2) and 96% (95% CI 92.3 to 99.7), respectively. All errors in sensitivity and three of the four specificity errors were due to coder error; one specificity error was a physician error. In a paediatric tertiary care hospital with an EMR system, the accuracy of an ICD-based case definition for AHT was high. Additional studies are needed to assess the accuracy of this definition in all types of hospitals in which children with AHT are cared for. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

  17. Brain MRI volumetry in a single patient with mild traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Ross, David E; Castelvecchi, Cody; Ochs, Alfred L

    2013-01-01

    This letter to the editor describes the case of a 42 year old man with mild traumatic brain injury and multiple neuropsychiatric symptoms which persisted for a few years after the injury. Initial CT scans and MRI scans of the brain showed no signs of atrophy. Brain volume was measured using NeuroQuant®, an FDA-approved, commercially available software method. Volumetric cross-sectional (one point in time) analysis also showed no atrophy. However, volumetric longitudinal (two points in time) analysis showed progressive atrophy in several brain regions. This case illustrated in a single patient the principle discovered in multiple previous group studies, namely that the longitudinal design is more powerful than the cross-sectional design for finding atrophy in patients with traumatic brain injury.

  18. The possibility of application of spiral brain computed tomography to traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Lim, Daesung; Lee, Soo Hoon; Kim, Dong Hoon; Choi, Dae Seub; Hong, Hoon Pyo; Kang, Changwoo; Jeong, Jin Hee; Kim, Seong Chun; Kang, Tae-Sin

    2014-09-01

    The spiral computed tomography (CT) with the advantage of low radiation dose, shorter test time required, and its multidimensional reconstruction is accepted as an essential diagnostic method for evaluating the degree of injury in severe trauma patients and establishment of therapeutic plans. However, conventional sequential CT is preferred for the evaluation of traumatic brain injury (TBI) over spiral CT due to image noise and artifact. We aimed to compare the diagnostic power of spiral facial CT for TBI to that of conventional sequential brain CT. We evaluated retrospectively the images of 315 traumatized patients who underwent both brain CT and facial CT simultaneously. The hemorrhagic traumatic brain injuries such as epidural hemorrhage, subdural hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and contusional hemorrhage were evaluated in both images. Statistics were performed using Cohen's κ to compare the agreement between 2 imaging modalities and sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of spiral facial CT to conventional sequential brain CT. Almost perfect agreement was noted regarding hemorrhagic traumatic brain injuries between spiral facial CT and conventional sequential brain CT (Cohen's κ coefficient, 0.912). To conventional sequential brain CT, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of spiral facial CT were 92.2%, 98.1%, 95.9%, and 96.3%, respectively. In TBI, the diagnostic power of spiral facial CT was equal to that of conventional sequential brain CT. Therefore, expanded spiral facial CT covering whole frontal lobe can be applied to evaluate TBI in the future. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Traumatic Brain Injury - Multiple Languages

    MedlinePlus

    ... FAQs Customer Support Health Topics Drugs & Supplements Videos & Tools You Are Here: Home → Multiple Languages → All Health Topics → Traumatic Brain Injury URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/ ...

  20. Levetiracetam-induced neutropenia following traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Bunnell, Kristen; Pucci, Francesco

    2015-01-01

    Levetiracetam is being increasingly utilized for post-traumatic brain injury seizure prophylaxis, in part because of its more favourable adverse effect profile compared to other anti-epileptics. This report highlights an unusual, clinically significant adverse drug reaction attributed to levetiracetam use in a patient with blunt traumatic brain injury. This study describes a case of isolated neutropenia associated with levetiracetam in a 52-year-old man with traumatic brain injury. The patient developed neutropenia on day 3 of therapy with levetiracetam, with an absolute neutrophil count nadir of 200. There were no other medications that may have been implicated in the development of this haematological toxicity. Neutropenia rapidly resolved upon cessation of levetiracetam therapy. Clinicians should be aware of potentially serious adverse reactions associated with levetiracetam in patients with neurological injury.

  1. Impact of individual clinical outcomes on trial participants' perspectives on enrollment in emergency research without consent.

    PubMed

    Whitesides, Louisa W; Baren, Jill M; Biros, Michelle H; Fleischman, Ross J; Govindarajan, Prasanthi R; Jones, Elizabeth B; Pancioli, Arthur M; Pentz, Rebecca D; Scicluna, Victoria M; Wright, David W; Dickert, Neal W

    2017-04-01

    Evidence suggests that patients are generally accepting of their enrollment in trials for emergency care conducted under exception from informed consent. It is unknown whether individuals with more severe initial injuries or worse clinical outcomes have different perspectives. Determining whether these differences exist may help to structure post-enrollment interactions. Primary clinical data from the Progesterone for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury trial were matched to interview data from the Patients' Experiences in Emergency Research-Progesterone for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury study. Answers to three key questions from Patients' Experiences in Emergency Research-Progesterone for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury study were analyzed in the context of enrolled patients' initial injury severity (initial Glasgow Coma Scale and Injury Severity Score) and principal clinical outcomes (Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale and Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale relative to initial injury severity). The three key questions from Patients' Experiences in Emergency Research-Progesterone for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury study addressed participants' general attitude toward inclusion in the Progesterone for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury trial (general trial inclusion), their specific attitude toward being included in Progesterone for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury trial under the exception from informed consent (personal exception from informed consent enrollment), and their attitude toward the use of exception from informed consent in the Progesterone for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury trial in general (general exception from informed consent enrollment). Qualitative analysis of interview transcripts was performed to provide contextualization and to determine the extent to which respondents framed their attitudes in terms of clinical experience. Clinical data from Progesterone for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury trial were available for all 74 patients represented in the Patients' Experiences in Emergency Research-Progesterone for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury study (including 46 patients for whom the surrogate was interviewed due to the patient's cognitive status or death). No significant difference was observed regarding acceptance of general trial inclusion or acceptance of general exception from informed consent enrollment between participants with favorable neurological outcomes and those with unfavorable outcomes relative to initial injury. Agreement with personal enrollment in Progesterone for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury trial under exception from informed consent, however, was significantly higher among participants with favorable outcomes compared to those with unfavorable outcomes (89% vs 59%, p = 0.003). There was also a statistically significant relationship between more severe initial injury and increased acceptance of personal exception from informed consent enrollment ( p = 0.040) or general exception from informed consent use ( p = 0.034) in Progesterone for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury trial. Many individuals referenced personal experience as a basis for their attitudes, but these references were not used to support negative views. Patients and surrogates of patients with unfavorable clinical outcomes were somewhat less accepting of their own inclusion in the Progesterone for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury trial under exception from informed consent than were patients or surrogates of patients with favorable clinical outcomes. These findings suggest a need to identify optimal strategies for communicating with patients and their surrogates regarding exception from informed consent enrollment when clinical outcomes are poor.

  2. Purines: forgotten mediators in traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Jackson, Edwin K; Boison, Detlev; Schwarzschild, Michael A; Kochanek, Patrick M

    2016-04-01

    Recently, the topic of traumatic brain injury has gained attention in both the scientific community and lay press. Similarly, there have been exciting developments on multiple fronts in the area of neurochemistry specifically related to purine biology that are relevant to both neuroprotection and neurodegeneration. At the 2105 meeting of the National Neurotrauma Society, a session sponsored by the International Society for Neurochemistry featured three experts in the field of purine biology who discussed new developments that are germane to both the pathomechanisms of secondary injury and development of therapies for traumatic brain injury. This included presentations by Drs. Edwin Jackson on the novel 2',3'-cAMP pathway in neuroprotection, Detlev Boison on adenosine in post-traumatic seizures and epilepsy, and Michael Schwarzschild on the potential of urate to treat central nervous system injury. This mini review summarizes the important findings in these three areas and outlines future directions for the development of new purine-related therapies for traumatic brain injury and other forms of central nervous system injury. In this review, novel therapies based on three emerging areas of adenosine-related pathobiology in traumatic brain injury (TBI) were proposed, namely, therapies targeting 1) the 2',3'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) pathway, 2) adenosine deficiency after TBI, and 3) augmentation of urate after TBI. © 2016 International Society for Neurochemistry.

  3. 78 FR 27198 - Applications for New Awards; National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-05-09

    ... Rehabilitation Research--Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Centers Collaborative Research Project AGENCY... Brain Injury Model Systems Centers Collaborative Research Projects; Notice inviting applications for new... competition. Priority 1, the DRRP Priority for the Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Centers Collaborative...

  4. Traumatic Brain Injury Inpatient Rehabilitation

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Im, Brian; Schrer, Marcia J.; Gaeta, Raphael; Elias, Eileen

    2010-01-01

    Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can cause multiple medical and functional problems. As the brain is involved in regulating nearly every bodily function, a TBI can affect any part of the body and aspect of cognitive, behavioral, and physical functioning. However, TBI affects each individual differently. Optimal management requires understanding the…

  5. Traumatic Brain Injury Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging Research Roadmap Development Project

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-10-01

    Susceptibility- weighted MR imaging: a review of clinical applications in children . AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2008 Jan;29(1):9-17. Hou DJ, Tong KA, Ashwal S ...2005;33:184-194. Holshouser BA, Tong KA, Ashwal S . “Proton MR spectroscopic imaging depicts diffuse axonal injury in children with traumatic brain injury...Proton spectroscopy detected myoinositol in children with traumatic brain injury.” Pediatr Res 2004;56:630-638. Ashwal S , Holshouser B, Tong K, Serna T

  6. A Double Blind Trial of Divalproex Sodium for Affective Lability and Alcohol Use Following Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-10-01

    acutely manic bipolar patients, and the FDA approved it in 1995 for this indication. Also, it is used in conjunction with lithium or carbamazepine to...0652 TITLE: A Double Blind Trial of Divalproex Sodium for Affective Lability and Alcohol Use Following Traumatic Brain Injury...and Alcohol Use Following Traumatic Brain Injury 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER W81XWH-08-2-0652 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR

  7. A Double Blind Trial of Divalproex Sodium for Affective Lability and Alcohol Use Following Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-10-01

    comparable to lithium in treating acutely manic bipolar patients, and the FDA approved it in 1995 for this indication. Also, it is used in conjunction with...A Double Blind Trial of Divalproex Sodium for Affective Lability and Alcohol Use Following Traumatic Brain Injury PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR...Lability and Alcohol Use Following Traumatic Brain Injury 5b. GRANT NUMBER W81XWH-08-2-0652 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S

  8. Acute neuroprotective effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields after traumatic brain injury in rats.

    PubMed

    Yang, Yang; Li, Ling; Wang, Yan-Gang; Fei, Zhou; Zhong, Jun; Wei, Li-Zhou; Long, Qian-Fa; Liu, Wei-Ping

    2012-05-10

    Traumatic brain injury commonly has a result of a short window of opportunity between the period of initial brain injury and secondary brain injury, which provides protective strategies and can reduce damages of brain due to secondary brain injury. Previous studies have reported neuroprotective effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields. However, the effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields on neural damage after traumatic brain injury have not been reported yet. The present study aims to investigate effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields on neuroprotection after traumatic brain injury. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the model of lateral fluid percussion injury, which were placed in non-electromagnetic fields and 15 Hz (Hertz) electromagnetic fields with intensities of 1 G (Gauss), 3 G and 5 G. At various time points (ranging from 0.5 to 30 h) after lateral fluid percussion injury, rats were treated with kainic acid (administered by intraperitoneal injection) to induce apoptosis in hippocampal cells. The results were as follows: (1) the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α was dramatically decreased during the neuroprotective time window. (2) The kainic acid-induced apoptosis in the hippocampus was significantly decreased in rats exposed to electromagnetic fields. (3) Electromagnetic fields exposure shortened the escape time in water maze test. (4) Electromagnetic fields exposure accelerated the recovery of the blood-brain barrier after brain injury. These findings revealed that extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields significantly prolong the window of opportunity for brain protection and enhance the intensity of neuroprotection after traumatic brain injury. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Swallowing Disorders

    MedlinePlus

    ... most common cause of dysphagia); traumatic brain injury; cerebral palsy; Parkinson disease and other degenerative neurological disorders such ... most common cause of dysphagia); traumatic brain injury; cerebral palsy; Parkinson disease and other degenerative neurological disorders such ...

  10. Superoxide and Nitric Oxide Mechanisms in Traumatic Brain Injury and Hemorrhagic Hypotension.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1999-12-01

    DISTRIBUTION CODE 13. ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 Words) Traumatic brain injury (TBI) renders the brain vulnerable to secondary ischemia and poor outcome...cerebral blood flow (CBF) and renders the brain vulnerable to secondary ischemia. There is clinical evidence that hypotension contributes to poor...without TBI. These data indicate that even moderate TBI renders the brain sensitive to ischemic injury during relative mild levels of hypotension that

  11. Standardizing Data Collection in Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-01-01

    om th is p ro of . 15 Definitions of mild TBI vary considerably across studies ( Comper et al 2005). The American Congress of Rehabilitation...451-627. Comper P, Bisschop S, Carnide N, Tricco A (2005). A Systematic Review of Treatments for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Brain Injury 19, 863

  12. Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury: A Study of Post Acute Rehabilitation Services.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Schuyler, Suellen

    The problems facing a rehabilitation counselor in successfully working with survivors of brain trauma are myriad. This review examined evaluation techniques, rehabilitation therapies, and existing services that have proven effective with traumatic brain injury (TBI) clients. There is a gap in rehabilitation services that results in the TBI…

  13. 78 FR 28546 - Secondary Service Connection for Diagnosable Illnesses Associated With Traumatic Brain Injury

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-05-15

    ... DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 38 CFR Part 3 RIN 2900-AN89 Secondary Service Connection for Diagnosable Illnesses Associated With Traumatic Brain Injury Correction In proposed rule document 2012-29709...: The factors considered are: Structural imaging of the brain. LOC--Loss of consciousness. AOC...

  14. 76 FR 68460 - Findings of Research Misconduct

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-11-04

    ... Plasticity after Head Injury,'' D.A. Hovda, P.I. R01 NS052406, ``Age-dependent Ketone Metabolism after Brain Injury,'' M.L. Prims, P.I. K08 NS002197, ``NMDA Receptor Dysfunction after Traumatic Brain Injury,'' C.C... of calcium influx and modulation of local neurotransmitters as hallmarks of pediatric traumatic brain...

  15. 76 FR 72957 - 4th Annual Trauma Spectrum Conference: Bridging the Gap Between Research and Clinical Practice of...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-11-28

    ... Brain Injury: Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment and Recovery for the Iraq and Afghanistan Cohort Notice... Clinical Practice of Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury: Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment and... clinical practices for psychological health and traumatic brain injury (TBI) health concerns for returning...

  16. White Matter Damage and Cognitive Impairment after Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kinnunen, Kirsi Maria; Greenwood, Richard; Powell, Jane Hilary; Leech, Robert; Hawkins, Peter Charlie; Bonnelle, Valerie; Patel, Maneesh Chandrakant; Counsell, Serena Jane; Sharp, David James

    2011-01-01

    White matter disruption is an important determinant of cognitive impairment after brain injury, but conventional neuroimaging underestimates its extent. In contrast, diffusion tensor imaging provides a validated and sensitive way of identifying the impact of axonal injury. The relationship between cognitive impairment after traumatic brain injury…

  17. Multicolor Fluorescence Imaging of Traumatic Brain Injury in a Cryolesion Mouse Model

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Traumatic brain injury is characterized by initial tissue damage, which then can lead to secondary processes such as cell death and blood-brain-barrier disruption. Clinical and preclinical studies of traumatic brain injury typically employ anatomical imaging techniques and there is a need for new molecular imaging methods that provide complementary biochemical information. Here, we assess the ability of a targeted, near-infrared fluorescent probe, named PSS-794, to detect cell death in a brain cryolesion mouse model that replicates certain features of traumatic brain injury. In short, the model involves brief contact of a cold rod to the head of a living, anesthetized mouse. Using noninvasive whole-body fluorescence imaging, PSS-794 permitted visualization of the cryolesion in the living animal. Ex vivo imaging and histological analysis confirmed PSS-794 localization to site of brain cell death. The nontargeted, deep-red Tracer-653 was validated as a tracer dye for monitoring blood-brain-barrier disruption, and a binary mixture of PSS-794 and Tracer-653 was employed for multicolor imaging of cell death and blood-brain-barrier permeability in a single animal. The imaging data indicates that at 3 days after brain cryoinjury the amount of cell death had decreased significantly, but the integrity of the blood-brain-barrier was still impaired; at 7 days, the blood-brain-barrier was still three times more permeable than before cryoinjury. PMID:22860222

  18. Clinical trials in mild traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Hoffer, Michael E; Szczupak, Mikhaylo; Balaban, Carey

    2016-10-15

    Traumatic brain injury is an increasingly prevalent injury seen in both civilian and military populations. Regardless of the mechanisms of injury, the most common sub-type of injury continues to be mild traumatic brain injury. Within the last decade, there has been tremendous growth in the literature regarding this disease entity. To describe the obstacles necessary to overcome in performing a rigorous and sound clinical research study investigating mild traumatic brain injury. This examination begins by a consideration of changing standards for good faith open and total reporting of any and all conflicts of interest or commitment. This issue is particularly critical in mTBI research. We next examine obstacles that include but are not limited to diagnostic criteria, inclusion/exclusion criteria, source of injury, previous history of injury, presence of comorbid conditions and proper informed consent of participants. Frequently, multi-center studies are necessary for adequate subject accrual with the added challenges of site coordination, data core management and site specific study conduct. We propose a total reversal to the traditional translational research approach where clinical studies drive new concepts for future basic science studies. There have been few mild traumatic brain injury clinical trials in the literature with treatments/interventions that have been able to overcome many of these described obstacles. We look forward to the results of current and ongoing clinical mild traumatic brain injury studies providing the tools necessary for the next generation of basic science projects. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. The efficacy and safety of extended-release methylphenidate following traumatic brain injury: a randomised controlled pilot study.

    PubMed

    Dymowski, Alicia R; Ponsford, Jennie L; Owens, Jacqueline A; Olver, John H; Ponsford, Michael; Willmott, Catherine

    2017-06-01

    To investigate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of extended-release methylphenidate in enhancing processing speed, complex attentional functioning and everyday attentional behaviour after traumatic brain injury. Seven week randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel pilot study. Inpatient and outpatient Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program. Eleven individuals with reduced processing speed and/or attention deficits following complicated mild to severe traumatic brain injury. Participants were allocated using a blocked randomisation schedule to receive daily extended-release methylphenidate (Ritalin ® LA at a dose of 0.6 mg/kg) or placebo (lactose) in identical capsules. Tests of processing speed and complex attention, and ratings of everyday attentional behaviour were completed at baseline, week 7 (on-drug), week 8 (off-drug) and 9 months follow-up. Vital signs and side effects were monitored from baseline to week 8. Three percent ( n = 11) of individuals screened participated (mean post-traumatic amnesia duration = 63.80 days, SD = 45.15). Results were analysed for six and four individuals on methylphenidate and placebo, respectively. Groups did not differ on attentional test performance or relative/therapist ratings of everyday attentional behaviour. One methylphenidate participant withdrew due to difficulty sleeping. Methylphenidate was associated with trends towards increased blood pressure and reported anxiety. Methylphenidate was not associated with enhanced processing speed, attentional functioning or everyday attentional behaviour after traumatic brain injury. Alternative treatments for attention deficits after traumatic brain injury should be explored given the limited feasibility of methylphenidate in this population.

  20. Whakawhiti Kōrero, a Method for the Development of a Cultural Assessment Tool, Te Waka Kuaka, in Māori Traumatic Brain Injury.

    PubMed

    Elder, Hinemoa; Kersten, Paula

    2015-01-01

    The importance of tools for the measurement of outcomes and needs in traumatic brain injury is well recognised. The development of tools for these injuries in indigenous communities has been limited despite the well-documented disparity of brain injury. The wairua theory of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Māori proposes that a culturally defined injury occurs in tandem with the physical injury. A cultural response is therefore indicated. This research investigates a Māori method used in the development of cultural needs assessment tool designed to further examine needs associated with the culturally determined injury and in preparation for formal validation. Whakawhiti kōrero is a method used to develop better statements in the development of the assessment tool. Four wānanga (traditional fora) were held including one with whānau (extended family) with experience of traumatic brain injury. The approach was well received. A final version, Te Waka Kuaka, is now ready for validation. Whakawhiti kōrero is an indigenous method used in the development of cultural needs assessment tool in Māori traumatic brain injury. This method is likely to have wider applicability, such as Mental Health and Addictions Services, to ensure robust process of outcome measure and needs assessment development.

  1. Post-traumatic stress disorder vs traumatic brain injury

    PubMed Central

    Bryant, Richard

    2011-01-01

    Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) often coexist because brain injuries are often sustained in traumatic experiences. This review outlines the significant overlap between PTSD and TBI by commencing with a critical outline of the overlapping symptoms and problems of differential diagnosis. The impact of TBI on PTSD is then described, with increasing evidence suggesting that mild TBI can increase risk for PTSD. Several explanations are offered for this enhanced risk. Recent evidence suggests that impairment secondary to mild TBI is largely attributable to stress reactions after TBI, which challenges the long-held belief that postconcussive symptoms are a function of neurological insult This recent evidence is pointing to new directions for treatment of postconcussive symptoms that acknowledge that treating stress factors following TBI may be the optimal means to manage the effects of many TBIs, PMID:22034252

  2. Concordance of common data elements for assessment of subjective cognitive complaints after mild-traumatic brain injury: a TRACK-TBI Pilot Study.

    PubMed

    Ngwenya, Laura B; Gardner, Raquel C; Yue, John K; Burke, John F; Ferguson, Adam R; Huang, Michael C; Winkler, Ethan A; Pirracchio, Romain; Satris, Gabriela G; Yuh, Esther L; Mukherjee, Pratik; Valadka, Alex B; Okonkwo, David O; Manley, Geoffrey T

    2018-06-04

    To determine characteristics and concordance of subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs) 6 months following mild-traumatic brain injury (mTBI) as assessed by two different TBI common data elements (CDEs). The Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in Traumatic Brain Injury (TRACK-TBI) Pilot Study was a prospective observational study that utilized the NIH TBI CDEs, Version 1.0. We examined variables associated with SCC, performance on objective cognitive tests (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, California Verbal Learning Test, and Trail Making Tests A and B), and agreement on self-report of SCCs as assessed by the acute concussion evaluation (ACE) versus the Rivermead Post Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ). In total, 68% of 227 participants endorsed SCCs at 6 months. Factors associated with SCC included less education, psychiatric history, and being assaulted. Compared to participants without SCC, those with SCC defined by RPQ performed significantly worse on all cognitive tests. There was moderate agreement between the two measures of SCCs (kappa = 0.567 to 0.680). We show that the symptom questionnaires ACE and RPQ show good, but not excellent, agreement for SCCs in an mTBI study population. Our results support the retention of RPQ as a basic CDE for mTBI research. BSI-18: Brief Symptom Inventory; 18CDEs: common data elements; CT: computed tomography; CVLT: California Verbal Learning Test; ED: emergency department; GCS: Glasgow coma scale; LOC: loss of consciousnessm; TBI: mild-traumatic brain injury; PTA: post-traumatic amnesia; SCC: subjective cognitive complaints; TBI: traumatic brain injury; TRACK-TBI: Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in Traumatic Brain Injury; TMT: Trail Making Test; WAIS-PSI: Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Fourth Edition, Processing Speed Index.

  3. Disequilibrium after Traumatic Brain Injury: Vestibular Mechanisms

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-09-01

    potentially modifiable factors. 0078 Chiropractic Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) and Cranial Treatment Model for Traumatic Brain Injury Along with...model incorporating laboratory testing to evaluate neurotrans- mitter balance and chiropractic cranial care for the treatment of a patient with traumatic...Approach She has been under care for three years, which consisted of chiropractic sacro occipital technique (SOT) and cranial treat- ment. Within the

  4. JaK/STAT Inhibition to Prevent Post-Traumatic Epileptogenesis

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-09-01

    Distribution Unlimited 13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 14. ABSTRACT Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a well-established inducer of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE...INTRODUCTION: This research addresses the FY10 PRMRP topic area of Epilepsy . Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a well- established etiology of temporal ... lobe epilepsy (TLE), a frequently medically intractable and often progressive epilepsy syndrome. Much evidence indicates that abnormalities in

  5. Acute Neuroimmune Modulation Attenuates the Development of Anxiety-Like Freezing Behavior in an Animal Model of Traumatic Brain Injury

    PubMed Central

    Rodgers, Krista M.; Bercum, Florencia M.; McCallum, Danielle L.; Rudy, Jerry W.; Frey, Lauren C.; Johnson, Kirk W.; Watkins, Linda R.

    2012-01-01

    Abstract Chronic anxiety is a common and debilitating result of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in humans. While little is known about the neural mechanisms of this disorder, inflammation resulting from activation of the brain's immune response to insult has been implicated in both human post-traumatic anxiety and in recently developed animal models. In this study, we used a lateral fluid percussion injury (LFPI) model of TBI in the rat and examined freezing behavior as a measure of post-traumatic anxiety. We found that LFPI produced anxiety-like freezing behavior accompanied by increased reactive gliosis (reflecting neuroimmune inflammatory responses) in key brain structures associated with anxiety: the amygdala, insula, and hippocampus. Acute peri-injury administration of ibudilast (MN166), a glial cell activation inhibitor, suppressed both reactive gliosis and freezing behavior, and continued neuroprotective effects were apparent several months post-injury. These results support the conclusion that inflammation produced by neuroimmune responses to TBI play a role in post-traumatic anxiety, and that acute suppression of injury-induced glial cell activation may have promise for the prevention of post-traumatic anxiety in humans. PMID:22435644

  6. The effects of video game therapy on balance and attention in chronic ambulatory traumatic brain injury: an exploratory study.

    PubMed

    Straudi, Sofia; Severini, Giacomo; Sabbagh Charabati, Amira; Pavarelli, Claudia; Gamberini, Giulia; Scotti, Anna; Basaglia, Nino

    2017-05-10

    Patients with traumatic brain injury often have balance and attentive disorders. Video game therapy (VGT) has been proposed as a new intervention to improve mobility and attention through a reward-learning approach. In this pilot randomized, controlled trial, we tested the effects of VGT, compared with a balance platform therapy (BPT), on balance, mobility and selective attention in chronic traumatic brain injury patients. We enrolled chronic traumatic brain injury patients (n = 21) that randomly received VGT or BPT for 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks. The clinical outcome measures included: i) the Community Balance & Mobility Scale (CB&M); ii) the Unified Balance Scale (UBS); iii) the Timed Up and Go test (TUG); iv) static balance and v) selective visual attention evaluation (Go/Nogo task). Both groups improved in CB&M scores, but only the VGT group increased on the UBS and TUG with a between-group significance (p < 0.05). Selective attention improved significantly in the VGT group (p < 0.01). Video game therapy is an option for the management of chronic traumatic brain injury patients to ameliorate balance and attention deficits. NCT01883830 , April 5 2013.

  7. Brainstem auditory-evoked potentials as an objective tool for evaluating hearing dysfunction in traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Lew, Henry L; Lee, Eun Ha; Miyoshi, Yasushi; Chang, Douglas G; Date, Elaine S; Jerger, James F

    2004-03-01

    Because of the violent nature of traumatic brain injury, traumatic brain injury patients are susceptible to various types of trauma involving the auditory system. We report a case of a 55-yr-old man who presented with communication problems after traumatic brain injury. Initial results from behavioral audiometry and Weber/Rinne tests were not reliable because of poor cooperation. He was transferred to our service for inpatient rehabilitation, where review of the initial head computed tomographic scan showed only left temporal bone fracture. Brainstem auditory-evoked potential was then performed to evaluate his hearing function. The results showed bilateral absence of auditory-evoked responses, which strongly suggested bilateral deafness. This finding led to a follow-up computed tomographic scan, with focus on bilateral temporal bones. A subtle transverse fracture of the right temporal bone was then detected, in addition to the left temporal bone fracture previously identified. Like children with hearing impairment, traumatic brain injury patients may not be able to verbalize their auditory deficits in a timely manner. If hearing loss is suspected in a patient who is unable to participate in traditional behavioral audiometric testing, brainstem auditory-evoked potential may be an option for evaluating hearing dysfunction.

  8. Medical Management of the Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Patient.

    PubMed

    Marehbian, Jonathan; Muehlschlegel, Susanne; Edlow, Brian L; Hinson, Holly E; Hwang, David Y

    2017-12-01

    Severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) is a major contributor to long-term disability and a leading cause of death worldwide. Medical management of the sTBI patient, beginning with prehospital triage, is aimed at preventing secondary brain injury. This review discusses prehospital and emergency department management of sTBI, as well as aspects of TBI management in the intensive care unit where advances have been made in the past decade. Areas of emphasis include intracranial pressure management, neuromonitoring, management of paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity, neuroprotective strategies, prognostication, and communication with families about goals of care. Where appropriate, differences between the third and fourth editions of the Brain Trauma Foundation guidelines for the management of severe traumatic brain injury are highlighted.

  9. 75 FR 62487 - Compassionate Allowances for Cardiovascular Disease and Multiple Organ Transplants, Office of the...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-10-12

    ... hearings concerned rare diseases, cancers, traumatic brain injury and stroke, early-onset Alzheimer's... held five hearings since December 2007. These hearings were on rare diseases, cancers, traumatic brain...

  10. Comparison Of Efficacy Of Phenytoin And Levetiracetam For Prevention Of Early Post Traumatic Seizures.

    PubMed

    Khan, Shahbaz Ali; Bhatti, Sajid Nazir; Khan, Aftab Alam; Khan Afridi, Ehtisham Ahmed; Muhammad, Gul; Gul, Nasim; Zadran, Khalid Khan; Alam, Sudhair; Aurangzeb, Ahsan

    2016-01-01

    The incidence of early post-traumatic seizures after civilian traumatic brain injury ranges 4-25%. The control of early post-traumatic seizure is mandatory because these acute insults may add secondary damage to the already damaged brain with poor outcome. Prophylactic use of anti-epileptic drugs have been found to be have variable efficacy against early post-traumatic seizures. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of Phenytion and Levetiracetam in prevention of early post-traumatic seizures in moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. This randomized controlled trial was conducted in department of Neurosurgery, Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad from March, 2012 to March 2013. The patients with moderate to severe head injury were randomly allocated in two groups. Patients in group A were given phenytoin and patients in group B were given Levetiracetam. Patients were followed for one week to detect efficacy of drug in terms of early post traumatic seizures. The 154 patients included in the study were equally divided into two groups. Out of 154 patients 115 (74.7%) were male while 29 (25.3%) were females. Age of patients ranges from 7-48 (24.15±9.56) years. Ninety one (59.1%) patients had moderate head injury while 63 (40.9%) patients had severe head injury. Phenytoin was effective in preventing early post traumatic seizures in 73 (94.8%) patients whereas Levetiracetam effectively controlled seizures in 70 (90.95%) cases (p-value of .348). There is no statistically significant difference in the efficacy of Phenytoin and Levetiracetam in prophylaxis of early posttraumatic seizures in cases of moderate to severe traumatic brain injury.

  11. Bidirectional brain-gut interactions and chronic pathological changes after traumatic brain injury in mice

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has complex effects on the gastrointestinal tract that are associated with TBI-related morbidity and mortality. We examined changes in mucosal barrier properties and enteric glial cell response in the gut after experimental TBI in mice, as well as effects of the enteric...

  12. 78 FR 53764 - Proposed Data Collections Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-08-30

    ... days of this notice. Proposed Project Examining Traumatic Brain Injury in Youth--NEW--National Center...). Background and Brief Description Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the highest priorities in public... penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. The severity of a TBI may range from...

  13. 77 FR 34359 - Applications for New Awards: Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-06-11

    ... Projects and Centers Program; Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Centers AGENCY: Office of Special... Brain Injury Model Systems Centers (TBIMS). Notice inviting applications for new awards for fiscal year... 28, 2006 (71 FR 25472). The Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Centers priority is from the notice...

  14. Investigating Metacognition, Cognition, and Behavioral Deficits of College Students with Acute Traumatic Brain Injuries

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Martinez, Sarah; Davalos, Deana

    2016-01-01

    Objective: Executive dysfunction in college students who have had an acute traumatic brain injury (TBI) was investigated. The cognitive, behavioral, and metacognitive effects on college students who endorsed experiencing a brain injury were specifically explored. Participants: Participants were 121 college students who endorsed a mild TBI, and 121…

  15. Head trauma in the cat: 2. assessment and management of traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Garosi, Laurent; Adamantos, Sophie

    2011-11-01

    Feline trauma patients are commonly seen in general practice and frequently have sustained some degree of brain injury. Cats with traumatic brain injuries may have a variety of clinical signs, ranging from minor neurological deficits to life-threatening neurological impairment. Appropriate management depends on prompt and accurate patient assessment, and an understanding of the pathophysiology of brain injury. The most important consideration in managing these patients is maintenance of cerebral perfusion and oxygenation. For cats with severe head injury requiring decompressive surgery, early intervention is critical. There is a limited clinical evidence base to support the treatment of traumatic brain injury in cats, despite its relative frequency in general practice. Appropriate therapy is, therefore, controversial in veterinary medicine and mostly based on experimental studies or human head trauma studies. This review, which sets out to describe the specific approach to diagnosis and management of traumatic brain injury in cats, draws on the current evidence, as far as it exists, as well as the authors' clinical experience. Copyright © 2011 ISFM and AAFP. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. 78 FR 76196 - Secondary Service Connection for Diagnosable Illnesses Associated With Traumatic Brain Injury

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-12-17

    ...The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amends its adjudication regulations concerning service connection. This final rule acts upon a report of the National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine (IOM), Gulf War and Health, Volume 7: Long-Term Consequences of Traumatic Brain Injury, regarding the association between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and five diagnosable illnesses. This amendment establishes that if a veteran who has a service-connected TBI also has one of these diagnosable illnesses, then that illness will be considered service connected as secondary to the TBI.

  17. Rehabilitation Treatment and Progress of Traumatic Brain Injury Dysfunction

    PubMed Central

    Dang, Baoqi; Chen, Wenli; He, Weichun

    2017-01-01

    Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of chronic disability. Worldwide, it is the leading cause of disability in the under 40s. Behavioral problems, mood, cognition, particularly memory, attention, and executive function are commonly impaired by TBI. Spending to assist, TBI survivors with disabilities are estimated to be costly per year. Such impaired functional outcomes following TBI can be improved via various rehabilitative approaches. The objective of the present paper is to review the current rehabilitation treatment of traumatic brain injury in adults. PMID:28491478

  18. Nonconvulsive electrographic seizures after traumatic brain injury result in a delayed, prolonged increase in intracranial pressure and metabolic crisis.

    PubMed

    Vespa, Paul M; Miller, Chad; McArthur, David; Eliseo, Mathew; Etchepare, Maria; Hirt, Daniel; Glenn, Thomas C; Martin, Neil; Hovda, David

    2007-12-01

    To determine whether nonconvulsive electrographic post-traumatic seizures result in increases in intracranial pressure and microdialysis lactate/pyruvate ratio. Prospective monitoring with retrospective data analysis. Single center academic neurologic intensive care unit. Twenty moderate to severe traumatic brain injury patients (Glasgow Coma Score 3-13). Continuous electroencephalography and cerebral microdialysis were performed for 7 days after injury. Ten patients had seizures and were compared with a matched cohort of traumatic brain injury patients without seizures. The seizures were repetitive and constituted status epilepticus in seven of ten patients. Using a within-subject design, post-traumatic seizures resulted in episodic increases in intracranial pressure (22.4 +/- 7 vs. 12.8 +/- 4.3 mm Hg; p < .001) and an episodic increase in lactate/pyruvate ratio (49.4 +/- 16 vs. 23.8 +/- 7.6; p < .001) in the seizure group. Using a between-subjects comparison, the seizure group demonstrated a higher mean intracranial pressure (17.6 +/- 6.5 vs. 12.2 +/- 4.2 mm Hg; p < .001), a higher mean lactate/pyruvate ratio (38.6 +/- 18 vs. 27 +/- 9; p < .001) compared with nonseizure patients. The intracranial pressure and lactate/pyruvate ratio remained elevated beyond postinjury hour 100 in the seizure group but not the nonseizure group (p < .02). Post-traumatic seizures result in episodic as well as long-lasting increases in intracranial pressure and microdialysis lactate/pyruvate ratio. These data suggest that post-traumatic seizures represent a therapeutic target for patients with traumatic brain injury.

  19. Imaging of paediatric splenic injury with contrast-enhanced ultrasonography.

    PubMed

    Oldenburg, Anja; Hohmann, Joachim; Skrok, Jan; Albrecht, Thomas

    2004-04-01

    We report two children who sustained traumatic parenchymal splenic injury and were monitored with contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). In both cases, unenhanced US failed to diagnose splenic haematoma, but the injury was well demonstrated after injection of contrast agent. In one case agreement with CT was excellent; in the other, CT was not performed due to the comprehensive information provided by CEUS.

  20. "Grief that Has No Vent in Tears, Makes Other Organs Weep." Seeking Refuge from Trauma in the Medical Setting

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Martin, Paddy

    2012-01-01

    This paper will look at work carried out with asylum-seeking families and children within a hospital paediatric setting, exploring theories that can help us to understand how highly traumatic experiences, emotionally and cognitively unprocessed, may become expressed bodily. The case examples will show how these shattered and dislocated patients…

  1. Impact of Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography (SPECT/CT) and Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) in the Diagnosis of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Case Report.

    PubMed

    Molina-Vicenty, Irma L; Santiago-Sánchez, Michelaldemar; Vélez-Miró, Iván; Motta-Valencia, Keryl

    2016-09-01

    Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as damage to the brain resulting from an external force. TBI, a global leading cause of death and disability, is associated with serious social, economic, and health problems. In cases of mild-to-moderate brain damage, conventional anatomical imaging modalities may or may not detect the cascade of metabolic changes that have occurred or are occurring at the intracellular level. Functional nuclear medicine imaging and neurophysiological parameters can be used to characterize brain damage, as the former provides direct visualization of brain function, even in the absence of overt behavioral manifestations or anatomical findings. We report the case of a 30-year-old Hispanic male veteran who, after 2 traumatic brain injury events, developed cognitive and neuropsychological problems with no clear etiology in the presence of negative computed tomography (CT) findings.

  2. [Personality Change due to Brain Trauma Caused by Traffic Accidents and Its Assessment of Psychiatric Impairment].

    PubMed

    Fan, Hui-yu; Zhang, Qin-ting; Tang, Tao; Cai, Wei-xiong

    2016-04-01

    To explore the main performance of personality change in people with mild psychiatric impairments which due to the brain trauma caused by traffic accidents and its value in assessment of psychiatric impairment. The condition of personality change of patients with traumatic brain injury caused by traffic accident was evaluated by the Scale of Personality Change Post-traumatic Brain Injury (SPCPTBI). Furthermore, the correlation between the personality change and the degrees of traumatic brain injury and psychiatric impairment were explored. Results In 271 samples, 239 (88.2%) with personality changes. Among these 239 samples, 178 (65.7%), 46 (17.0%), 15 (5.5%) with mild, moderate and severe personality changes, respectively. The ratio based on the extent of personality changes to the degree of brain trauma was not significant (P > 0.05), but the total score difference between the groups was significant (P < 0.05). There was no statistical significance between the medium and high severity brain trauma groups. The higher degree of personality changes, the higher rank of mental disabilities. The total score difference of the scale of personality change among the different mild psychiatric impairment group was significant (P<0.05). The difference between other psychiatric impairment levels had statistical significance (P < 0.05) except level 7 and 8. The occurrence of personality change due to traumatic brain injury caused by traffic accident was high. Correlations exist between the personality change and the degree of psychiatric impairment. Personality change due to brain trauma caused by traffic accident can be assessed effectively by means of SPCPTBI, and the correlation between the total score and the extent of traumatic brain injury can be found.

  3. Computational modelling of traumatic brain injury predicts the location of chronic traumatic encephalopathy pathology

    PubMed Central

    Ghajari, Mazdak; Hellyer, Peter J; Sharp, David J

    2017-01-01

    Abstract Traumatic brain injury can lead to the neurodegenerative disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy. This condition has a clear neuropathological definition but the relationship between the initial head impact and the pattern of progressive brain pathology is poorly understood. We test the hypothesis that mechanical strain and strain rate are greatest in sulci, where neuropathology is prominently seen in chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and whether human neuroimaging observations converge with computational predictions. Three distinct types of injury were simulated. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy can occur after sporting injuries, so we studied a helmet-to-helmet impact in an American football game. In addition, we investigated an occipital head impact due to a fall from ground level and a helmeted head impact in a road traffic accident involving a motorcycle and a car. A high fidelity 3D computational model of brain injury biomechanics was developed and the contours of strain and strain rate at the grey matter–white matter boundary were mapped. Diffusion tensor imaging abnormalities in a cohort of 97 traumatic brain injury patients were also mapped at the grey matter–white matter boundary. Fifty-one healthy subjects served as controls. The computational models predicted large strain most prominent at the depths of sulci. The volume fraction of sulcal regions exceeding brain injury thresholds were significantly larger than that of gyral regions. Strain and strain rates were highest for the road traffic accident and sporting injury. Strain was greater in the sulci for all injury types, but strain rate was greater only in the road traffic and sporting injuries. Diffusion tensor imaging showed converging imaging abnormalities within sulcal regions with a significant decrease in fractional anisotropy in the patient group compared to controls within the sulci. Our results show that brain tissue deformation induced by head impact loading is greatest in sulcal locations, where pathology in cases of chronic traumatic encephalopathy is observed. In addition, the nature of initial head loading can have a significant influence on the magnitude and pattern of injury. Clarifying this relationship is key to understanding the long-term effects of head impacts and improving protective strategies, such as helmet design. PMID:28043957

  4. The role of physical exercise in cognitive recovery after traumatic brain injury: A systematic review.

    PubMed

    Morris, Timothy; Gomes Osman, Joyce; Tormos Muñoz, Jose Maria; Costa Miserachs, David; Pascual Leone, Alvaro

    2016-11-22

    There is a growing body of evidence revealing exercise-induced effects on brain structure and cognitive function across the lifespan. Animal models of traumatic brain injury also suggest exercise is capable of modulating not only the pathophysiological changes following trauma but also the associated cognitive deficits. To evaluate the effect of physical exercise on cognitive impairment following traumatic brain injury in humans. A systematic search of the PubMed database was performed using the search terms "cognition" and "executive function, memory or attention", "traumatic brain injury" and "physical exercise". Adult human traumatic brain injury studies that assessed cognitive function as an outcome measure (primary or secondary) and used physical exercise as a treatment (single or combined) were assessed by two independent reviewers. Data was extracted under the guidance of the population intervention comparison outcome framework wherein, characteristics of included studies (exercise duration, intensity, combined or single intervention, control groups and cognitive measures) were collected, after which, methodological quality (Cochrane criteria) was assessed. A total of 240 citations were identified, but only 6 met our inclusion criteria (3 from search records, 3 from reference lists. Only a small number of studies have evaluated the effect of exercise on cognition following traumatic brain injury in humans, and of those, assessment of efficacy is difficult due to low methodological strength and a high risk of different types of bias. Evidence of an effect of physical exercise on cognitive recovery suggests further studies should explore this treatment option with greater methodological approaches. Recommendations to reduce risk of bias and methodological shortfalls are discussed and include stricter inclusion criteria to create homogenous groups and larger patient pools, more rigorous cognitive assessments and the study and reporting of additional and combined rehabilitation techniques.

  5. TBI Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention

    MedlinePlus

    ... Bar Home Current Issue Past Issues Cover Story: Traumatic Brain Injury TBI Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention Past Issues / Fall ... very lucky in my ongoing recovery from the traumatic brain injury I suffered in Iraq." —Bob Woodruff Treatment Immediate ...

  6. Going Local to Find Help

    MedlinePlus

    ... Bar Home Current Issue Past Issues Cover Story: Traumatic Brain Injury Going Local to Find Help Past Issues / Fall ... all the time. From the MedlinePlus page on Traumatic Brain Injury, you can use Go Local to find specific ...

  7. Workplace discrimination and traumatic brain injury: the national EEOC ADA research project.

    PubMed

    McMahon, Brian T; West, Steven L; Shaw, Linda R; Waid-Ebbs, Kay; Belongia, Lisa

    2005-01-01

    Using the Integrated Mission System of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the employment discrimination experience of Americans with traumatic brain injury is documented. Researchers compare and contrast the key dimensions of workplace discrimination involving Americans with traumatic brain injury and persons with other physical, sensory, and neurological impairments. Specifically, the researchers examine demographic characteristics of the charging parties; the industry designation, location, and size of employers against whom complaints are filed; the nature of discrimination (i.e., type of adverse action) alleged to occur; and the outcome or resolution of the investigations. Findings indicate that persons with traumatic brain injury were more likely to encounter discrimination after obtaining employment as opposed to during the hiring process. They were also more likely to encounter discrimination when they were younger or Caucasian or when employed in the Midwestern or Western United States. Implications are addressed.

  8. [Stress adaptive effects after traumatic brain injury].

    PubMed

    Teryaeva, N B; Moshkin, A V

    Neuroendocrine dysfunction, in particular impaired synthesis of anterior pituitary hormones, is a common complication of traumatic brain injury. Deficiency of tropic pituitary hormones entails a hypofunction of the related peripheral endocrine glands and can be accompanied by persistent endocrine and metabolic disorders. In particular, the hypophyseal mechanisms are the key ones in implementation of most stress effects. Adequate implementation of these mechanisms largely determines a favorable outcome in the acute stage of disease. Traumatic brain injury (as well as any significant injury) initiates a stress response that can not develop in full in the case of pituitary gland failure. It is logical to suppose that the course of the acute phase of stress in the presence of hypopituitarism is different to a certain extent from the typical course, which inevitably affects certain adaptation elements. In this review, we analyzed the adaptive effects of stress after traumatic brain injury.

  9. [Methods of data selection from the French medical information system program for trauma patient's analysis: Burns and traumatic brain injuries].

    PubMed

    Paget, L-M; Dupont, A; Pédrono, G; Lasbeur, L; Thélot, B

    2017-10-01

    Data from the French medical information system program in medicine, surgery, obstetrics and dentistry can be adapted in some cases and under certain conditions, to account for hospitalizations for injuries. Two areas have been explored: burn and traumatic brain injury victims. An algorithm selecting data from the Medical information system program was established and implemented for several years for the study of burn victims. The methods of selection of stays for traumatic brain injuries, which are the subject of a more recent exploration, are described. Production of results in routine on the hospitalization for burns. Expected production of results on the hospitalization for traumatic brain injuries. In both cases, the knowledge obtained from these utilizations of the Medical information system program contributes to epidemiological surveillance and prevention and are useful for health care organization. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  10. Movement preparation and execution: differential functional activation patterns after traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Gooijers, Jolien; Beets, Iseult A M; Albouy, Genevieve; Beeckmans, Kurt; Michiels, Karla; Sunaert, Stefan; Swinnen, Stephan P

    2016-09-01

    Years following the insult, patients with traumatic brain injury often experience persistent motor control problems, including bimanual coordination deficits. Previous studies revealed that such deficits are related to brain structural white and grey matter abnormalities. Here, we assessed, for the first time, cerebral functional activation patterns during bimanual movement preparation and performance in patients with traumatic brain injury, using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Eighteen patients with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (10 females; aged 26.3 years, standard deviation = 5.2; age range: 18.4-34.6 years) and 26 healthy young adults (15 females; aged 23.6 years, standard deviation = 3.8; age range: 19.5-33 years) performed a complex bimanual tracking task, divided into a preparation (2 s) and execution (9 s) phase, and executed either in the presence or absence of augmented visual feedback. Performance on the bimanual tracking task, expressed as the average target error, was impaired for patients as compared to controls (P < 0.001) and for trials in the absence as compared to the presence of augmented visual feedback (P < 0.001). At the cerebral level, movement preparation was characterized by reduced neural activation in the patient group relative to the control group in frontal (bilateral superior frontal gyrus, right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex), parietal (left inferior parietal lobe) and occipital (right striate and extrastriate visual cortex) areas (P's < 0.05). During the execution phase, however, the opposite pattern emerged, i.e. traumatic brain injury patients showed enhanced activations compared with controls in frontal (left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, left lateral anterior prefrontal cortex, and left orbitofrontal cortex), parietal (bilateral inferior parietal lobe, bilateral superior parietal lobe, right precuneus, right primary somatosensory cortex), occipital (right striate and extrastriate visual cortices), and subcortical (left cerebellum crus II) areas (P's < 0.05). Moreover, a significant interaction effect between Feedback Condition and Group in the primary motor area (bilaterally) (P < 0.001), the cerebellum (left) (P < 0.001) and caudate (left) (P < 0.05), revealed that controls showed less overlap of activation patterns accompanying the two feedback conditions than patients with traumatic brain injury (i.e. decreased neural differentiation). In sum, our findings point towards poorer predictive control in traumatic brain injury patients in comparison to controls. Moreover, irrespective of the feedback condition, overactivations were observed in traumatically brain injured patients during movement execution, pointing to more controlled processing of motor task performance. © The Author (2016). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Guarantors of Brain. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  11. A Pilot Study of the Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Brain Response to Traumatic Reminders of Combat in Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom Combat Veterans with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.

    PubMed

    Bremner, James Douglas; Mishra, Sanskriti; Campanella, Carolina; Shah, Majid; Kasher, Nicole; Evans, Sarah; Fani, Negar; Shah, Amit Jasvant; Reiff, Collin; Davis, Lori L; Vaccarino, Viola; Carmody, James

    2017-01-01

    Brain imaging studies in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have implicated a circuitry of brain regions including the medial prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, parietal cortex, and insula. Pharmacological treatment studies have shown a reversal of medial prefrontal deficits in response to traumatic reminders. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a promising non-pharmacologic approach to the treatment of anxiety and pain disorders. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of MBSR on PTSD symptoms and brain response to traumatic reminders measured with positron-emission tomography (PET) in Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) combat veterans with PTSD. We hypothesized that MBSR would show increased prefrontal response to stress and improved PTSD symptoms in veterans with PTSD. Twenty-six OEF/OIF combat veterans with PTSD who had recently returned from a combat zone were block randomized to receive eight sessions of MBSR or present-centered group therapy (PCGT). PTSD patients underwent assessment of PTSD symptoms with the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), mindfulness with the Five Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and brain imaging using PET in conjunction with exposure to neutral and Iraq combat-related slides and sound before and after treatment. Nine patients in the MBSR group and 8 in the PCGT group completed all study procedures. Post-traumatic stress disorder patients treated with MBSR (but not PCGT) had an improvement in PTSD symptoms measured with the CAPS that persisted for 6 months after treatment. MBSR also resulted in an increase in mindfulness measured with the FFMQ. MBSR-treated patients had increased anterior cingulate and inferior parietal lobule and decreased insula and precuneus function in response to traumatic reminders compared to the PCGT group. This study shows that MBSR is a safe and effective treatment for PTSD. Furthermore, MBSR treatment is associated with changes in brain regions that have been implicated in PTSD and are involved in extinction of fear responses to traumatic memories as well as regulation of the stress response.

  12. Vascular Neural Network phenotypic transformation after traumatic injury: potential role in long-term sequelae

    PubMed Central

    Badaut, J.; Bix, G.J.

    2014-01-01

    The classical neurovascular unit (NVU), composed primarily of endothelium, astrocytes and neurons, could be expanded to include smooth muscle and perivascular nerves present in both the up and down stream feeding blood vessels (arteries and veins). The extended NVU, which can be defined as the vascular neural network (VNN), may represent a new physiological unit to consider for therapeutic development in stroke, traumatic brain injury, and other brain disorders [1]. This review is focused on traumatic brain injury and resultant post-traumatic changes in cerebral blood-flow, smooth muscle cells, matrix, BBB structures and function and the association of these changes with cognitive outcomes as described in clinical and experimental reports. We suggest that studies characterizing TBI outcomes should increase their focus on changes to the VNN as this may yield meaningful therapeutic targets to resolve post-traumatic dysfunction. PMID:24323723

  13. Perspectives on Creating Clinically Relevant Blast Models for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms

    PubMed Central

    Brenner, Lisa A.; Bahraini, Nazanin; Hernández, Theresa D.

    2012-01-01

    Military personnel are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and reporting non-specific physical (somatic), behavioral, psychological, and cognitive symptoms. Many of these symptoms are frequently associated with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and/or post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite significant attention and advances in assessment and intervention for these two conditions, challenges persist. To address this, clinically relevant blast models are essential in the full characterization of this type of injury, as well as in the testing and identification of potential treatment strategies. In this publication, existing diagnostic challenges and current treatment practices for mTBI and/or PTSD will be summarized, along with suggestions regarding how what has been learned from existing models of PTSD and traditional mechanism (e.g., non-blast) traumatic brain injury can be used to facilitate the development of clinically relevant blast models. PMID:22408635

  14. Traumatic stress: effects on the brain

    PubMed Central

    Bremner, J. Douglas

    2006-01-01

    Brain areas implicated in the stress response include the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. Traumatic stress can be associated with lasting changes in these brain areas. Traumatic stress is associated with increased cortisol and norepinephrine responses to subsequent stressors. Antidepressants have effets on the hippocampus that counteract the effects of stress. Findings from animal studies have been extended to patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) showing smaller hippocampal and anterior cingulate volumes, increased amygdala function, and decreased medial prefrontal/anterior cingulate function. In addition, patients with PTSD show increased cortisol and norepinephrine responses to stress. Treatments that are efficacious for PTSD show a promotion of neurogenesis in animal studies, as well as promotion of memory and increased hippocampal volume in PTSD. PMID:17290802

  15. Improvement of Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity in Traumatic Brain Injury and Hemorrhagic Shock Following Treatment With Valproic Acid and Fresh Frozen Plasma.

    PubMed

    Nikolian, Vahagn C; Dekker, Simone E; Bambakidis, Ted; Higgins, Gerald A; Dennahy, Isabel S; Georgoff, Patrick E; Williams, Aaron M; Andjelkovic, Anuska V; Alam, Hasan B

    2018-01-01

    Combined traumatic brain injury and hemorrhagic shock are highly lethal. Following injuries, the integrity of the blood-brain barrier can be impaired, contributing to secondary brain insults. The status of the blood-brain barrier represents a potential factor impacting long-term neurologic outcomes in combined injuries. Treatment strategies involving plasma-based resuscitation and valproic acid therapy have shown efficacy in this setting. We hypothesize that a component of this beneficial effect is related to blood-brain barrier preservation. Following controlled traumatic brain injury, hemorrhagic shock, various resuscitation and treatment strategies were evaluated for their association with blood-brain barrier integrity. Analysis of gene expression profiles was performed using Porcine Gene ST 1.1 microarray. Pathway analysis was completed using network analysis tools (Gene Ontology, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, and Parametric Gene Set Enrichment Analysis). Female Yorkshire swine were subjected to controlled traumatic brain injury and 2 hours of hemorrhagic shock (40% blood volume, mean arterial pressure 30-35 mmHg). Subjects were resuscitated with 1) normal saline, 2) fresh frozen plasma, 3) hetastarch, 4) fresh frozen plasma + valproic acid, or 5) hetastarch + valproic acid (n = 5 per group). After 6 hours of observation, brains were harvested for evaluation. Immunofluoroscopic evaluation of the traumatic brain injury site revealed significantly increased expression of tight-junction associated proteins (zona occludin-1, claudin-5) following combination therapy (fresh frozen plasma + valproic acid and hetastarch + valproic acid). The extracellular matrix protein laminin was found to have significantly improved expression with combination therapies. Pathway analysis indicated that valproic acid significantly modulated pathways involved in endothelial barrier function and cell signaling. Resuscitation with fresh frozen plasma results in improved expression of proteins essential for blood-brain barrier integrity. The addition of valproic acid provides significant improvement to these protein expression profiles. This is likely secondary to activation of key pathways related to endothelial functions.

  16. The clinical spectrum of sport-related traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Jordan, Barry D

    2013-04-01

    Acute and chronic sports-related traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a substantial public health concern. Various types of acute TBI can occur in sport, but detection and management of cerebral concussion is of greatest importance as mismanagement of this syndrome can lead to persistent or chronic postconcussion syndrome (CPCS) or diffuse cerebral swelling. Chronic TBI encompasses a spectrum of disorders that are associated with long-term consequences of brain injury, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), dementia pugilistica, post-traumatic parkinsonism, post-traumatic dementia and CPCS. CTE is the prototype of chronic TBI, but can only be definitively diagnosed at autopsy as no reliable biomarkers of this disorder are available. Whether CTE shares neuropathological features with CPCS is unknown. Evidence suggests that participation in contact-collision sports may increase the risk of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer disease, but the data are conflicting. In this Review, the spectrum of acute and chronic sport-related TBI is discussed, highlighting how examination of athletes involved in high-impact sports has advanced our understanding of pathology of brain injury and enabled improvements in detection and diagnosis of sport-related TBI.

  17. The Changed Brain: Teacher Awareness of Traumatic Brain Injury and Instruction Methods to Enhance Cognitive Processing in Mathematics

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Stahl, Judith M.

    2008-01-01

    Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has come to subjugate and exert its authority on education as some survivors re-enter the academic arena. A key component of a TBI student's academic success is dependent upon a teacher's awareness of the TBI learner and a willingness to modify curriculum to promote the uniqueness of the changed brain and therefore,…

  18. Complement C3 and C5 play critical roles in traumatic brain cryoinjury: blocking effects on neutrophil extravasation by C5a receptor antagonist☆

    PubMed Central

    Sewell, Diane L.; Nacewicz, Brendon; Liu, Frances; Macvilay, Sinarack; Erdei, Anna; Lambris, John D.; Sandor, Matyas; Fabry, Zsuzsa

    2016-01-01

    The role of complement components in traumatic brain injury is poorly understood. Here we show that secondary damage after acute cryoinjury is significantly reduced in C3−/− or C5−/− mice or in mice treated with C5a receptor antagonist peptides. Injury sizes and neutrophil extravasation were compared. While neutrophil density increased following traumatic brain injury in wild type (C57BL/6) mice, C3-deficient mice demonstrated lower neutrophil extravasation and injury sizes in the brain. RNase protection assay indicated that C3 contributes to the induction of brain inflammatory mediators, MIF, RANTES (CCL5) and MCP-1 (CCL2). Intracranial C3 injection induced neutrophil extravasation in injured brains of C3−/− mice suggesting locally produced C3 is important in brain inflammation. We show that neutrophil extravasation is significantly reduced in both C5−/− mice and C5a receptor antagonist treated cryoinjured mice suggesting that one of the possible mechanisms of C3 effect on neutrophil extravasation is mediated via downstream complement activation products such as C5a. Our data indicates that complement inhibitors may ameliorate traumatic brain injury. PMID:15342196

  19. Definition of Traumatic Brain Injury, Neurosurgery, Trauma Orthopedics, Neuroimaging, Psychology, and Psychiatry in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

    PubMed

    Pervez, Mubashir; Kitagawa, Ryan S; Chang, Tiffany R

    2018-02-01

    Traumatic brain injury (TBI) disrupts the normal function of the brain. This condition can adversely affect a person's quality of life with cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and physical symptoms that limit interpersonal, social, and occupational functioning. Although many systems exist, the simplest classification includes mild, moderate, and severe TBI depending on the nature of injury and the impact on the patient's clinical status. Patients with TBI require prompt evaluation and multidisciplinary management. Aside from the type and severity of the TBI, recovery is influenced by individual patient characteristics, social and environmental factors, and access to medical and rehabilitation services. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Traumatic Brain Injury: A Guide for Caregivers of Service Members and Veterans. Module 1: Introduction to Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-04-01

    bruising. An MRI scan provides detailed images of the brain using magnetic energy rather than x-ray technology . Intracranial means within the...member/veteran is unable to swallow for many days to weeks, a per cutaneous gastronomy tube (PEG tube) will be placed directly into his or her

  1. Structural Dissociation of Attentional Control and Memory in Adults with and without Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Niogi, Sumit N.; Mukherjee, Pratik; Ghajar, Jamshid; Johnson, Carl E.; Kolster, Rachel; Lee, Hana; Suh, Minah; Zimmerman, Robert D.; Manley, Geoffrey T.; McCandliss, Bruce D.

    2008-01-01

    Memory and attentional control impairments are the two most common forms of dysfunction following mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) and lead to significant morbidity in patients, yet these functions are thought to be supported by different brain networks. This 3 T magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) study investigates whether…

  2. Measurement of Physical Performance and Objective Fatigability in People with Mild-to-Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Merritta, Catherine; Cherian, Binu; Macaden, Ashish S.; John, Judy Ann

    2010-01-01

    The aims of this study were to objectively measure the physical performance and physical endurance of patients with traumatic brain injury with minimization of cognitive and psychological fatigue, and to compare the physical performance of brain injured patients with that of healthy controls. This was a nonrandomized partially blinded controlled…

  3. Endocannabinoids as a Target for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-11-01

    COVERED 4 October 201 - 3 October 201 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Endocannabinoids as a Target for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury 5a. CONTRACT...injury, blood brain barrier, neuroinflammation, neurological dysfunction, endocannabinoids Table of Contents Introduction...promote neuroinflammation and potentially lead to neurodegeneration. We have previously demonstrated that treatments to the endocannabinoid system 2

  4. Neuroimaging in Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury: Current and Future Predictors of Functional Outcome

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Suskauer, Stacy J.; Huisman, Thierry A. G. M.

    2009-01-01

    Although neuroimaging has long played a role in the acute management of pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI), until recently, its use as a tool for understanding and predicting long-term brain-behavior relationships after TBI has been limited by the relatively poor sensitivity of routine clinical imaging for detecting diffuse axonal injury…

  5. Reintegrating Troops with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) into their Communities: Understanding the Scope and Timeline of Post-Deployment Driving Problems

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-10-01

    behaviors and anxieties among post- deployed SMs with and without traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) or TBI with...post- traumatic stress syndrome (TBI/PTSD). The goal was to compare SMs who were post-deployment to SMs who had not served in OEF/OIF/OND, however all...in situations when SM would typically drive (p=.02) with TBI/PTSD reporting this more common than TBI and 0Dx. • Move to middle of road or onto

  6. Translational Research for Blast-Induced Traumatic Brain Injury: Injury Mechanism to Development of Medical Instruments

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nakagawa, A.; Ohtani, K.; Arafune, T.; Washio, T.; Iwasaki, M.; Endo, T.; Ogawa, Y.; Kumabe, T.; Takayama, K.; Tominaga, T.

    1. Investigation of shock wave-induced phenomenon: blast-induced traumatic brain injury Blast wave (BW) is generated by explosion and is comprised of lead shock wave (SE) followed by subsequent supersonic flow.

  7. 77 FR 30015 - Disease, Disability, and Injury Prevention and Control Special Emphasis Panel (SEP): Initial Review

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-05-21

    ... announced below concerns Field Triage of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in Older Adults Taking Anticoagulants... received in response to ``Field Triage of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in Older Adults Taking...

  8. A neurovascular perspective for long-term changes after brain trauma.

    PubMed

    Pop, V; Badaut, J

    2011-12-01

    Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects all age groups in a population and is an injury generating scientific interest not only as an acute event, but also as a complex brain disease with several underlying neurobehavioral and neuropathological characteristics. We review early and long-term alterations after juvenile and adult TBI with a focus on changes in the neurovascular unit (NVU), including neuronal interactions with glia and blood vessels at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Post-traumatic changes in cerebral blood-flow, BBB structures and function, as well as mechanistic pathways associated with brain aging and neurodegeneration are presented from clinical and experimental reports. Based on the literature, increased attention on BBB changes should be integrated in studies characterizing TBI outcome and may provide a meaningful therapeutic target to resolve detrimental post-traumatic dysfunction.

  9. Modeling Pediatric Brain Trauma: Piglet Model of Controlled Cortical Impact.

    PubMed

    Pareja, Jennifer C Munoz; Keeley, Kristen; Duhaime, Ann-Christine; Dodge, Carter P

    2016-01-01

    The brain has different responses to traumatic injury as a function of its developmental stage. As a model of injury to the immature brain, the piglet shares numerous similarities in regards to morphology and neurodevelopmental sequence compared to humans. This chapter describes a piglet scaled focal contusion model of traumatic brain injury that accounts for the changes in mass and morphology of the brain as it matures, facilitating the study of age-dependent differences in response to a comparable mechanical trauma.

  10. PITUITARY DEFICIENCY FOLLOWING TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY IN EARLY CHILDHOOD: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE.

    PubMed

    Soliman, A T; Adel, A; Soliman, N A; Elalaily, R; De Sanctis, V

    2015-01-01

    AIMS OF REVIEW: the intent of the current manuscript is to critically review the studies on pituitary gland dysfunction in early childhood following traumatic brain injury (TBI), in comparison with those in adults. Search of the literature: The MEDLINE database was accessed through PubMed in April 2015. Results were restricted to the past 15 years and English language of articles. Both transient and permanent hypopituitarisms are not uncommon after TBI. Early after the TBI, pituitary dysfunction/s differ than those occurring after few weeks and months. Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and alterations in puberty are the most common. After the one to more years of TBI, pituitary dysfunction tends to improve in some patients but may deteriorate in others. GH deficiency as well as Hypogonadism and thyroid dysfunction are the most common permanent lesions. Many of the symptoms of these endocrine defects can pass unnoticed because of the psychomotor defects associated with the TBI like depression and apathy. Unfortunately pituitary dysfunction appear to negatively affect psycho-neuro-motor recovery as well as growth and pubertal development of children and adolescents after TBI. Therefore, the current review highlights the importance of closely following patients, especially children and adolescents for growth and other symptoms and signs suggestive of endocrine dysfunction. In addition, all should be screened serially for possible endocrine disturbances early after the TBI as well as few months to a year after the injury. Risk factors for pituitary dysfunction after TBI include relatively serious TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale score < 10 and MRI showing damage to the hypothalamic pituitary area), diffuse brain swelling and the occurrence of hypotensive and/or hypoxic episodes. There is a considerable risk of developing pituitary dysfunction after TBI in children and adolescents. These patients should be clinically followed and screened for these abnormalities according to an agreed protocol of investigations. Further multicenter and multidisciplinary prospective studies are required to explore in details the occurrence of permanent pituitary dysfunction after TBI in larger numbers of children with TBI. This requires considerable organisation and communication between many disciplines such as neurosurgery, neurology, endocrinology, rehabilitation and developmental paediatrics.

  11. 77 FR 30015 - Disease, Disability, and Injury Prevention and Control Special Emphasis Panel (SEP): Initial Review

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-05-21

    ... announced below concerns Characterizing the Short and Long Term Consequences of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI... ``Characterizing the Short and Long Term Consequences of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) among Children in the United...

  12. Development of an Ontology for Rehabilitation: Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Grove, Michael J.

    2013-01-01

    Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) rehabilitation interventions are very heterogeneous due to injury characteristics and pathology, patient demographics, healthcare settings, caregiver variability, and individualized, multi-discipline treatment plans. Consequently, comparing and generalizing the effectiveness of interventions is limited largely due to…

  13. Acupuncture for central pain affecting the ribcage following traumatic brain injury and rib fractures--a case report.

    PubMed

    Donnellan, Clare P

    2006-09-01

    This case report describes the use of acupuncture in the management of chronic central pain in a 51 year old man following severe traumatic brain injury and multiple injuries including rib fractures. The patient reported rapid and significant improvements in pain and mood during a course of acupuncture treatment. Chronic pain following traumatic brain injury is a significant problem. Chronic pain after rib fractures is also commonly reported. Acupuncture is widely used in the management of pain but its use has been reported rarely in the traumatic brain injury literature. This case report suggests that acupuncture may be a useful option to consider in these patients. Outcome was assessed formally using a 0-10 verbal numerical rating scale for pain, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for psychological status before and after the course of treatment. These scales are widely used in clinical practice as well as in research involving patients with traumatic brain injury, although they have not been validated in this population. The changes in this patient's outcome scores were not consistent with the benefits he reported. Treatment of this patient highlighted the difficulties of using standardised self rating scales for patients with cognitive impairment. The report also discusses the effects of acupuncture on this patient's mood.

  14. The neural basis of impaired self-awareness after traumatic brain injury

    PubMed Central

    Ham, Timothy E.; Bonnelle, Valerie; Hellyer, Peter; Jilka, Sagar; Robertson, Ian H.; Leech, Robert

    2014-01-01

    Self-awareness is commonly impaired after traumatic brain injury. This is an important clinical issue as awareness affects long-term outcome and limits attempts at rehabilitation. It can be investigated by studying how patients respond to their errors and monitor their performance on tasks. As awareness is thought to be an emergent property of network activity, we tested the hypothesis that impaired self-awareness is associated with abnormal brain network function. We investigated a group of subjects with traumatic brain injury (n = 63) split into low and high performance-monitoring groups based on their ability to recognize and correct their own errors. Brain network function was assessed using resting-state and event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging. This allowed us to investigate baseline network function, as well as the evoked response of networks to specific events including errors. The low performance-monitoring group underestimated their disability and showed broad attentional deficits. Neural activity within what has been termed the fronto-parietal control network was abnormal in patients with impaired self-awareness. The dorsal anterior cingulate cortex is a key part of this network that is involved in performance-monitoring. This region showed reduced functional connectivity to the rest of the fronto-parietal control network at ‘rest’. In addition, the anterior insulae, which are normally tightly linked to the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, showed increased activity following errors in the impaired group. Interestingly, the traumatic brain injury patient group with normal performance-monitoring showed abnormally high activation of the right middle frontal gyrus, putamen and caudate in response to errors. The impairment of self-awareness was not explained either by the location of focal brain injury, or the amount of traumatic axonal injury as demonstrated by diffusion tensor imaging. The results suggest that impairments of self-awareness after traumatic brain injury result from breakdown of functional interactions between nodes within the fronto-parietal control network. PMID:24371217

  15. The neural basis of impaired self-awareness after traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Ham, Timothy E; Bonnelle, Valerie; Hellyer, Peter; Jilka, Sagar; Robertson, Ian H; Leech, Robert; Sharp, David J

    2014-02-01

    Self-awareness is commonly impaired after traumatic brain injury. This is an important clinical issue as awareness affects long-term outcome and limits attempts at rehabilitation. It can be investigated by studying how patients respond to their errors and monitor their performance on tasks. As awareness is thought to be an emergent property of network activity, we tested the hypothesis that impaired self-awareness is associated with abnormal brain network function. We investigated a group of subjects with traumatic brain injury (n = 63) split into low and high performance-monitoring groups based on their ability to recognize and correct their own errors. Brain network function was assessed using resting-state and event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging. This allowed us to investigate baseline network function, as well as the evoked response of networks to specific events including errors. The low performance-monitoring group underestimated their disability and showed broad attentional deficits. Neural activity within what has been termed the fronto-parietal control network was abnormal in patients with impaired self-awareness. The dorsal anterior cingulate cortex is a key part of this network that is involved in performance-monitoring. This region showed reduced functional connectivity to the rest of the fronto-parietal control network at 'rest'. In addition, the anterior insulae, which are normally tightly linked to the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, showed increased activity following errors in the impaired group. Interestingly, the traumatic brain injury patient group with normal performance-monitoring showed abnormally high activation of the right middle frontal gyrus, putamen and caudate in response to errors. The impairment of self-awareness was not explained either by the location of focal brain injury, or the amount of traumatic axonal injury as demonstrated by diffusion tensor imaging. The results suggest that impairments of self-awareness after traumatic brain injury result from breakdown of functional interactions between nodes within the fronto-parietal control network.

  16. Traumatic Alterations in Consciousness: Traumatic Brain Injury

    PubMed Central

    Blyth, Brian J.; Bazarian, Jeffrey J.

    2010-01-01

    Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) refers to the clinical condition of transient alteration of consciousness as a result of traumatic injury to the brain. The priority of emergency care is to identify and facilitate the treatment of rare but potentially life threatening intra-cranial injuries associated with mTBI through the judicious application of appropriate imaging studies and neurosurgical consultation. Although post-mTBI symptoms quickly and completely resolve in the vast majority of cases, a significant number of patients will complain of lasting problems that may cause significant disability. Simple and early interventions such as patient education and appropriate referral can reduce the likelihood of chronic symptoms. Although definitive evidence is lacking, mTBI is likely to be related to significant long-term sequelae such as Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative processes. PMID:20709244

  17. Getting My Bearings, Returning to School: Issues Facing Adolescents with Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Schilling, Ethan J.; Getch, Yvette Q.

    2012-01-01

    Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is characterized by a blow to the head or other penetrating head injury resulting in impairment of the brain's functioning. Despite the high incidence of TBI in adolescents, many educators still consider TBI to be a low-incidence disability. In addition, school personnel often report receiving little to no pre-service…

  18. Decision-making for children with traumatized permanent incisors: a holistic approach.

    PubMed

    Rodd, Helen D; Murray, Alison M; Yesudian, Grainne; Lewis, Benjamin R K

    2008-09-01

    Traumatic injury to permanent central incisors is a common occurrence in childhood and adolescence. It is of paramount importance that expedient and appropriate care is provided to ensure an optimum short- and long-term outcome for injured teeth and, importantly, the patients themselves. Treatment planning should thus adopt a holistic approach, taking into account a number of patient- and dental-related factors. Multidisciplinary care, involving paediatric dentistry, orthodontics or oral and maxillofacial surgery may be indicated. Decisions should also be informed by a sound understanding of the exact nature and prognosis of the presenting dental injury. Poor primary management of dental trauma may have lifelong consequences for the young patient.

  19. Electrophysiological biomarkers of epileptogenicity after traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Perucca, Piero; Smith, Gregory; Santana-Gomez, Cesar; Bragin, Anatol; Staba, Richard

    2018-06-05

    Post-traumatic epilepsy is the architype of acquired epilepsies, wherein a brain insult initiates an epileptogenic process culminating in an unprovoked seizure after weeks, months or years. Identifying biomarkers of such process is a prerequisite for developing and implementing targeted therapies aimed at preventing the development of epilepsy. Currently, there are no validated electrophysiological biomarkers of post-traumatic epileptogenesis. Experimental EEG studies using the lateral fluid percussion injury model have identified three candidate biomarkers of post-traumatic epileptogenesis: pathological high-frequency oscillations (HFOs, 80-300 Hz); repetitive HFOs and spikes (rHFOSs); and reduction in sleep spindle duration and dominant frequency at the transition from stage III to rapid eye movement sleep. EEG studies in humans have yielded conflicting data; recent evidence suggests that epileptiform abnormalities detected acutely after traumatic brain injury carry a significantly increased risk of subsequent epilepsy. Well-designed studies are required to validate these promising findings, and ultimately establish whether there are post-traumatic electrophysiological features which can guide the development of 'antiepileptogenic' therapies. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Found in translation: understanding the biology and behavior of experimental traumatic brain injury

    PubMed Central

    Bondi, Corina O.; Semple, Bridgette D.; Noble-Haeusslein, Linda J.; Osier, Nicole D.; Carlson, Shaun W.; Dixon, C. Edward; Giza, Christopher C.; Kline, Anthony E.

    2014-01-01

    BONDI, C.O., B.D. Semple, L.J. Noble-Haeusslein, N.D. Osier, S.W. Carlson, C.E. Dixon, C.C. Giza and A.E. Kline. Found in translation: understanding the biology and behavior of experimental traumatic brain injury. NEUROSCI BIOBEHAV REV. The aim of this review is to discuss in greater detail the topics covered in the recent symposium entitled “Traumatic brain injury: laboratory and clinical perspectives,” presented at the 2014 International Behavioral Neuroscience Society annual meeting. Herein we review contemporary laboratory models of traumatic brain injury (TBI) including common assays for sensorimotor and cognitive behavior. New modalities to evaluate social behavior after injury to the developing brain, as well as the attentional set-shifting test (AST) as a measure of executive function in TBI, will be highlighted. Environmental enrichment (EE) will be discussed as a preclinical model of neurorehabilitation, and finally, an evidence-based approach to sports-related concussion will be considered. The review consists predominantly of published data, but some discussion of ongoing or future directions is provided. PMID:25496906

  1. Assessing Children with Traumatic Brain Injuries: Integrating Educational and Medical Issues.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Shaw, Steven R.; Yingst, Christine A.

    1992-01-01

    This overview of traumatic brain injuries discusses (1) incidence and prevalence; (2) characteristics; (3) the recovery process; and (4) educational/medical assessment, including premorbid functioning, current functioning, educationally relevant medical issues, and amount and type of family support. (JDD)

  2. Traumatic Brain Injury: An Overview of School Re-Entry.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tucker, Bonnie Foster; Colson, Steven E.

    1992-01-01

    This article presents a definition of traumatic brain injury (TBI); describes problem behavioral characteristics of students post-TBI and some possible solutions; examines academic, social, emotional, and cognitive factors; and outlines interventions to assist teachers in working constructively with TBI students. (JDD)

  3. Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Facilitating School Success.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hux, Karen; Hacksley, Carolyn

    1996-01-01

    A case study is used to demonstrate the effects of mild traumatic brain injury on educational efforts. Discussion covers factors complicating school reintegration, ways to facilitate school reintegration, identification of cognitive and behavioral consequences, minimization of educators' discomfort, reintegration program design, and family…

  4. Plasticity-Based Adaptive Cognitive Remediation (PACR) for OIF/OEF Veterans: A Randomized Controlled Trial

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-10-01

    TERMS traumatic brain injury, tbi, concussion , persistent post- concussive symptoms, cognition, cognitive function, cognitive rehabilitation...veterans and active duty military personnel suffering from persistent post- concussive symptoms (PPCS) following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) at

  5. Investigation of the Correlation Between Neurocognitive Function with Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Electroencephalography (EEG) in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury Exposure: Neurocognitive function and advanced MRI and EEG

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-01-01

    rotation soudaine , à la tête engendré par des forces externes. Des symptômes persistants tels que maux de tête, troubles du sommeil, problèmes...neuropsychological findings in veterans with traumatic brain injury and/or post traumatic stress disorder. Military Medicine. Brenner, L.A. et al . (2010

  6. Developing a Family-Centered Care Model for Critical Care After Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury.

    PubMed

    Moore, Megan; Robinson, Gabrielle; Mink, Richard; Hudson, Kimberly; Dotolo, Danae; Gooding, Tracy; Ramirez, Alma; Zatzick, Douglas; Giordano, Jessica; Crawley, Deborah; Vavilala, Monica S

    2015-10-01

    This study examined the family experience of critical care after pediatric traumatic brain injury in order to develop a model of specific factors associated with family-centered care. Qualitative methods with semi-structured interviews were used. Two level 1 trauma centers. Fifteen mothers of children who had an acute hospital stay after traumatic brain injury within the last 5 years were interviewed about their experience of critical care and discharge planning. Participants who were primarily English, Spanish, or Cantonese speaking were included. None. Content analysis was used to code the transcribed interviews and develop the family-centered care model. Three major themes emerged: 1) thorough, timely, compassionate communication, 2) capacity building for families, providers, and facilities, and 3) coordination of care transitions. Participants reported valuing detailed, frequent communication that set realistic expectations and prepared them for decision making and outcomes. Areas for capacity building included strategies to increase provider cultural humility, parent participation in care, and institutional flexibility. Coordinated care transitions, including continuity of information and maintenance of partnerships with families and care teams, were highlighted. Participants who were not primarily English speaking reported particular difficulty with communication, cultural understanding, and coordinated transitions. This study presents a family-centered traumatic brain injury care model based on family perspectives. In addition to communication and coordination strategies, the model offers methods to address cultural and structural barriers to meeting the needs of non-English-speaking families. Given the stress experienced by families of children with traumatic brain injury, careful consideration of the model themes identified here may assist in improving overall quality of care to families of hospitalized children with traumatic brain injury.

  7. Incidence of Traumatic Brain Injury Across the Full Disease Spectrum: A Population-Based Medical Record Review Study

    PubMed Central

    Leibson, Cynthia L.; Brown, Allen W.; Ransom, Jeanine E.; Diehl, Nancy N.; Perkins, Patricia K.; Mandrekar, Jay; Malec, James F.

    2012-01-01

    Background Extremely few objective estimates of traumatic brain injury incidence include all ages, both sexes, all injury mechanisms, and the full spectrum from very mild to fatal events. Methods We used unique Rochester Epidemiology Project medical records-linkage resources, including highly sensitive and specific diagnostic coding, to identify all Olmsted County, MN, residents with diagnoses suggestive of traumatic brain injury regardless of age, setting, insurance, or injury mechanism. Provider-linked medical records for a 16% random sample were reviewed for confirmation as definite, probable, possible (symptomatic), or no traumatic brain injury. We estimated incidence per 100,000 person-years for 1987–2000 and compared these record-review rates with rates obtained using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data-systems approach. For the latter, we identified all Olmsted County residents with any CDC-specified diagnosis codes recorded on hospital/emergency department administrative claims or death certificates 1987–2000. Results Of sampled individuals, 1257 met record-review criteria for incident traumatic brain injury; 56% were ages 16–64 years, 56% were male, 53% were symptomatic. Mechanism, sex, and diagnostic certainty differed by age. The incidence rate per 100,000 person-years was 558 (95% confidence interval = 528–590) versus 341 (331–350) using the CDC data system approach. The CDC approach captured only 40% of record-review cases. Seventy-four percent of missing cases presented to hospital/emergency department; none had CDC-specified codes assigned on hospital/emergency department administrative claims or death certificates; 66% were symptomatic. Conclusions Capture of symptomatic traumatic brain injuries requires a wider range of diagnosis codes, plus sampling strategies to avoid high rates of false-positive events. PMID:21968774

  8. Injury-Related Production of Cysteinyl Leukotrienes Contributes to Brain Damage following Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury

    PubMed Central

    Farias, Santiago; Frey, Lauren C.; Murphy, Robert C.

    2009-01-01

    Abstract The leukotrienes belong to a family of biologically active lipids derived from arachidonate that are often involved in inflammatory responses. In the central nervous system, a group of leukotrienes, known as the cysteinyl leukotrienes, is generated in brain tissue in response to a variety of acute brain injuries. Although the exact clinical significance of this excess production remains unclear, the cysteinyl leukotrienes may contribute to injury-related disruption of the brain-blood barrier and exacerbate secondary injury processes. In the present study, the formation and role of cysteinyl leukotrienes was explored in the fluid percussion injury model of traumatic brain injury in rats. The results showed that levels of the cysteinyl leukotrienes were elevated after fluid percussion injury with a maximal formation 1 hour after the injury. Neutrophils contributed to cysteinyl leukotriene formation in the injured brain hemisphere, potentially through a transcellular biosynthetic mechanism. Furthermore, pharmacological reduction of cysteinyl leukotriene formation after the injury, using MK-886, resulted in reduction of brain lesion volumes, suggesting that the cysteinyl leukotrienes play an important role in traumatic brain injury. PMID:19886806

  9. Ganoderma Lucidum Protects Rat Brain Tissue Against Trauma-Induced Oxidative Stress.

    PubMed

    Özevren, Hüseyin; İrtegün, Sevgi; Deveci, Engin; Aşır, Fırat; Pektanç, Gülsüm; Deveci, Şenay

    2017-10-01

    Traumatic brain injury causes tissue damage, breakdown of cerebral blood flow and metabolic regulation. This study aims to investigate the protective influence of antioxidant Ganoderma lucidum ( G. lucidum ) polysaccharides (GLPs) on brain injury in brain-traumatized rats. Sprague-Dawley conducted a head-traumatized method on rats by dropping off 300 g weight from 1 m height. Groups were categorized as control, G. lucidum , trauma, trauma+ G. lucidum (20 mL/kg per day via gastric gavage). Brain tissues were dissected from anesthetized rats 7 days after injury. For biochemical analysis, malondialdehyde, glutathione and myeloperoxidase values were measured. In histopathological examination, neuronal damage in brain cortex and changes in blood brain barrier were observed. In the analysis of immunohistochemical and western blot, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, vascular endothelial growth factor and cluster of differentiation 68 expression levels were shown. These analyzes demonstrated the beneficial effects of GLPs on brain injury. We propose that GLPs treatment after brain injury could be an alternative treatment to decraseing inflammation and edema, preventing neuronal and glial cells degeneration if given in appropriate dosage and in particular time intervals.

  10. Use of brain electrical activity for the identification of hematomas in mild traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Hanley, Daniel F; Chabot, Robert; Mould, W Andrew; Morgan, Timothy; Naunheim, Rosanne; Sheth, Kevin N; Chiang, William; Prichep, Leslie S

    2013-12-15

    This study investigates the potential clinical utility in the emergency department (ED) of an index of brain electrical activity to identify intracranial hematomas. The relationship between this index and depth, size, and type of hematoma was explored. Ten minutes of brain electrical activity was recorded from a limited montage in 38 adult patients with traumatic hematomas (CT scan positive) and 38 mild head injured controls (CT scan negative) in the ED. The volume of blood and distance from recording electrodes were measured by blinded independent experts. Brain electrical activity data were submitted to a classification algorithm independently developed traumatic brain injury (TBI) index to identify the probability of a CT+traumatic event. There was no significant relationship between the TBI-Index and type of hematoma, or distance of the bleed from recording sites. A significant correlation was found between TBI-Index and blood volume. The sensitivity to hematomas was 100%, positive predictive value was 74.5%, and positive likelihood ratio was 2.92. The TBI-Index, derived from brain electrical activity, demonstrates high accuracy for identification of traumatic hematomas. Further, this was not influenced by distance of the bleed from the recording electrodes, blood volume, or type of hematoma. Distance and volume limitations noted with other methods, (such as that based on near-infrared spectroscopy) were not found, thus suggesting the TBI-Index to be a potentially important adjunct to acute assessment of head injury. Because of the life-threatening risk of undetected hematomas (false negatives), specificity was permitted to be lower, 66%, in exchange for extremely high sensitivity.

  11. A comparative study of brain perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in patients with post-traumatic anosmia.

    PubMed

    Atighechi, Saeid; Salari, Hadi; Baradarantar, Mohammad Hossein; Jafari, Rozita; Karimi, Ghasem; Mirjali, Mehdi

    2009-01-01

    Loss of smell is a problem that can occur in up to 30% of patients with head trauma. The olfactory function investigation methods so far in use have mostly relied on subjective responses given by patients. Recently, some studies have used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to evaluate patients with post-traumatic anosmia. The present study seeks to detect post-traumatic anosmia and the areas in the brain that are related to olfactory impairment by using SPECT and MRI as imaging techniques. The study was conducted on 21 patients suffering from head injury and consequently anosmia as defined by an olfactory identification test. Two control groups (traumatic normosmic and nontraumatic healthy individuals) were selected. Brain MRI, qualitative and semiquantitative SPECT with 99mtc-ethyl-cysteinate-dimer were taken from all the patients. Then the brain SPECT and MRI were compared with each other. Semi-quantitative assessment of the brain perfusion SPECT revealed frontal, left parietal, and left temporal hypoperfusion as compared with the two control groups. Eighty-five percent of the anosmic patients had abnormal brain MRI. Regarding the MRI, the main abnormality proved to be in the anterior inferior region of the frontal lobes and olfactory bulbs. The findings of this study suggest that damage to the frontal lobes and olfactory bulbs as shown in the brain MRI and hypoperfusion in the frontal, left parietal, and left temporal lobes in the semiquantitative SPECT corresponds to post-traumatic anosmia. Further neurophysiological and imaging studies are definitely needed to set the idea completely.

  12. Brain pathology after mild traumatic brain injury: an exploratory study by repeated magnetic resonance examination.

    PubMed

    Lannsjö, Marianne; Raininko, Raili; Bustamante, Mariana; von Seth, Charlotta; Borg, Jörgen

    2013-09-01

    To explore brain pathology after mild traumatic brain injury by repeated magnetic resonance examination. A prospective follow-up study. Nineteen patients with mild traumatic brain injury presenting with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) 14-15. The patients were examined on day 2 or 3 and 3-7 months after the injury. The magnetic resonance protocol comprised conventional T1- and T2-weighted sequences including fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), two susceptibility-weighted sequences to reveal haemorrhages, and diffusion-weighted sequences. Computer-aided volume comparison was performed. Clinical outcome was assessed by the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE). At follow-up, 7 patients (37%) reported ≥  3 symptoms in RPQ, 5 reported some anxiety and 1 reported mild depression. Fifteen patients reported upper level of good recovery and 4 patients lower level of good recovery (GOSE 8 and 7, respectively). Magnetic resonance pathology was found in 1 patient at the first examination, but 4 patients (21%) showed volume loss at the second examination, at which 3 of them reported < 3 symptoms and 1 ≥ 3 symptoms, all exhibiting GOSE scores of 8. Loss of brain volume, demonstrated by computer-aided magnetic resonance imaging volumetry, may be a feasible marker of brain pathology after mild traumatic brain injury.

  13. Performance characteristics of five triage tools for major incidents involving traumatic injuries to children.

    PubMed

    Price, C L; Brace-McDonnell, S J; Stallard, N; Bleetman, A; Maconochie, I; Perkins, G D

    2016-05-01

    Context Triage tools are an essential component of the emergency response to a major incident. Although fortunately rare, mass casualty incidents involving children are possible which mandate reliable triage tools to determine the priority of treatment. To determine the performance characteristics of five major incident triage tools amongst paediatric casualties who have sustained traumatic injuries. Retrospective observational cohort study using data from 31,292 patients aged less than 16 years who sustained a traumatic injury. Data were obtained from the UK Trauma Audit and Research Network (TARN) database. Interventions Statistical evaluation of five triage tools (JumpSTART, START, CareFlight, Paediatric Triage Tape/Sieve and Triage Sort) to predict death or severe traumatic injury (injury severity score >15). Main outcome measures Performance characteristics of triage tools (sensitivity, specificity and level of agreement between triage tools) to identify patients at high risk of death or severe injury. Of the 31,292 cases, 1029 died (3.3%), 6842 (21.9%) had major trauma (defined by an injury severity score >15) and 14,711 (47%) were aged 8 years or younger. There was variation in the performance accuracy of the tools to predict major trauma or death (sensitivities ranging between 36.4 and 96.2%; specificities 66.0-89.8%). Performance characteristics varied with the age of the child. CareFlight had the best overall performance at predicting death, with the following sensitivity and specificity (95% CI) respectively: 95.3% (93.8-96.8) and 80.4% (80.0-80.9). JumpSTART was superior for the triaging of children under 8 years; sensitivity and specificity (95% CI) respectively: 86.3% (83.1-89.5) and 84.8% (84.2-85.5). The triage tools were generally better at identifying patients who would die than those with non-fatal severe injury. This statistical evaluation has demonstrated variability in the accuracy of triage tools at predicting outcomes for children who sustain traumatic injuries. No single tool performed consistently well across all evaluated scenarios. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Changing the Odds A North Carolina family's search to help those with TBI

    MedlinePlus

    ... Bar Home Current Issue Past Issues Cover Story: Traumatic Brain Injury Changing the Odds A North Carolina family's search ... his. But the 1984 crash left him with traumatic brain injury (TBI)—and changed his family's life forever. "Back ...

  15. Cerebrovascular regulation, exercise, and mild traumatic brain injury

    PubMed Central

    Meehan, William P.; Iverson, Grant L.; Taylor, J. Andrew

    2014-01-01

    A substantial number of people who sustain a mild traumatic brain injury report persistent symptoms. Most common among these symptoms are headache, dizziness, and cognitive difficulties. One possible contributor to sustained symptoms may be compromised cerebrovascular regulation. In addition to injury-related cerebrovascular dysfunction, it is possible that prolonged rest after mild traumatic brain injury leads to deconditioning that may induce physiologic changes in cerebral blood flow control that contributes to persistent symptoms in some people. There is some evidence that exercise training may reduce symptoms perhaps because it engages an array of cerebrovascular regulatory mechanisms. Unfortunately, there is very little work on the degree of impairment in cerebrovascular control that may exist in patients with mild traumatic brain injury, and there are no published studies on the subacute phase of recovery from this injury. This review aims to integrate the current knowledge of cerebrovascular mechanisms that might underlie persistent symptoms and seeks to synthesize these data in the context of exploring aerobic exercise as a feasible intervention to treat the underlying pathophysiology. PMID:25274845

  16. Emerging MRI and metabolic neuroimaging techniques in mild traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Lu, Liyan; Wei, Xiaoer; Li, Minghua; Li, Yuehua; Li, Wenbin

    2014-01-01

    Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is the most common traumatic injury. It is difficult to detect mTBI using a routine neuroimaging. Advanced techniques with greater sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis and treatment of mTBI are required. The aim of this review is to offer an overview of various emerging neuroimaging methodologies that can solve the clinical health problems associated with mTBI. Important findings and improvements in neuroimaging that hold value for better detection, characterization and monitoring of objective brain injuries in patients with mTBI are presented. Conventional computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are not very efficient for visualizing mTBI. Moreover, techniques such as diffusion tensor imaging, magnetization transfer imaging, susceptibility-weighted imaging, functional MRI, single photon emission computed tomography, positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging were found to be useful for mTBI imaging.

  17. Xenon Protects against Blast-Induced Traumatic Brain Injury in an In Vitro Model.

    PubMed

    Campos-Pires, Rita; Koziakova, Mariia; Yonis, Amina; Pau, Ashni; Macdonald, Warren; Harris, Katie; Edge, Christopher J; Franks, Nicholas P; Mahoney, Peter F; Dickinson, Robert

    2018-04-15

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective efficacy of the inert gas xenon as a treatment for patients with blast-induced traumatic brain injury in an in vitro laboratory model. We developed a novel blast traumatic brain injury model using C57BL/6N mouse organotypic hippocampal brain-slice cultures exposed to a single shockwave, with the resulting injury quantified using propidium iodide fluorescence. A shock tube blast generator was used to simulate open field explosive blast shockwaves, modeled by the Friedlander waveform. Exposure to blast shockwave resulted in significant (p < 0.01) injury that increased with peak-overpressure and impulse of the shockwave, and which exhibited a secondary injury development up to 72 h after trauma. Blast-induced propidium iodide fluorescence overlapped with cleaved caspase-3 immunofluorescence, indicating that shock-wave-induced cell death involves apoptosis. Xenon (50% atm) applied 1 h after blast exposure reduced injury 24 h (p < 0.01), 48 h (p < 0.05), and 72 h (p < 0.001) later, compared with untreated control injury. Xenon-treated injured slices were not significantly different from uninjured sham slices at 24 h and 72 h. We demonstrate for the first time that xenon treatment after blast traumatic brain injury reduces initial injury and prevents subsequent injury development in vitro. Our findings support the idea that xenon may be a potential first-line treatment for those with blast-induced traumatic brain injury.

  18. Conversion of Clinical Data from the NABISH 1 and 2 into FITBIR

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-10-01

    Research (FITBIR) Informatics System. Data sets from the National Acute Brain Injury Study: Hypothermia (NABISH) projects will be reviewed, analyzed, and...Keywords and Acronyms: Common Data Elements (CDEs) FITBIR – the Federal Interagency Traumatic Brain Injury Research Informatics System Form...NOTES 14. ABSTRACT This project will prepare a related group of legacy data sets for addition to the Federal Interagency Traumatic Brain Injury

  19. Minocycline and N-acetylcysteine: A Synergistic Drug Combination to Treat Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-10-01

    AD_________________ Award Number: W81XWH-10-2-0171 TITLE: Minocycline and N-acetylcysteine: A... Minocycline and N-acetylcysteine: A Synergistic Drug Combination to Treat Traumatic Brain Injury 5b. GRANT NUMBER W81XWH-10-2-0171 5c. PROGRAM...combination of minocycline (MINO) and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) synergistically improved brain function when dosed one hour following closed cortical

  20. Does Speech-to-Text Assistive Technology Improve the Written Expression of Students with Traumatic Brain Injury?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Noakes, Michaela Ann

    2017-01-01

    Traumatic Brain Injury outcomes vary by individual due to age at the onset of injury, the location of the injury, and the degree to which the deficits appear to be pronounced, among other factors. As an acquired injury to the brain, the neurophysiological consequences are not homogenous; they are as varied as the individuals who experience them.…

  1. Defining traumatic brain injury in children and youth using international classification of diseases version 10 codes: a systematic review protocol.

    PubMed

    Chan, Vincy; Thurairajah, Pravheen; Colantonio, Angela

    2013-11-13

    Although healthcare administrative data are commonly used for traumatic brain injury research, there is currently no consensus or consistency on using the International Classification of Diseases version 10 codes to define traumatic brain injury among children and youth. This protocol is for a systematic review of the literature to explore the range of International Classification of Diseases version 10 codes that are used to define traumatic brain injury in this population. The databases MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process, Embase, PsychINFO, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews will be systematically searched. Grey literature will be searched using Grey Matters and Google. Reference lists of included articles will also be searched. Articles will be screened using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria and all full-text articles that meet the predefined inclusion criteria will be included for analysis. The study selection process and reasons for exclusion at the full-text level will be presented using a PRISMA study flow diagram. Information on the data source of included studies, year and location of study, age of study population, range of incidence, and study purpose will be abstracted into a separate table and synthesized for analysis. All International Classification of Diseases version 10 codes will be listed in tables and the codes that are used to define concussion, acquired traumatic brain injury, head injury, or head trauma will be identified. The identification of the optimal International Classification of Diseases version 10 codes to define this population in administrative data is crucial, as it has implications for policy, resource allocation, planning of healthcare services, and prevention strategies. It also allows for comparisons across countries and studies. This protocol is for a review that identifies the range and most common diagnoses used to conduct surveillance for traumatic brain injury in children and youth. This is an important first step in reaching an appropriate definition using International Classification of Diseases version 10 codes and can inform future work on reaching consensus on the codes to define traumatic brain injury for this vulnerable population.

  2. A functional magnetic resonance imaging investigation of episodic memory after traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Russell, Kathryn C; Arenth, Patricia M; Scanlon, Joelle M; Kessler, Lauren J; Ricker, Joseph H

    2011-06-01

    Traumatic brain injury often negatively impacts episodic memory; however, studies of the neural substrates of this impairment have been limited. In this study, both encoding and recognition of visually presented stimuli were examined with functional magnetic resonance imaging. Twelve adults with chronic complicated mild, moderate, and severe injuries were compared with a matched group of 12 controls. Behavioral task performance did not differentiate the groups. During neuroimaging, however, the group of individuals with traumatic brain injury exhibited increased activation, as well as increased bilaterality and dispersion as compared to controls. Findings are discussed in terms of increased resource recruitment.

  3. Invited commentary on Quality of care indicators for the rehabilitation of children with traumatic brain injury, and Quality of care indicators for the structure and organization of inpatient rehabilitation care of children with traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Whyte, John

    2012-03-01

    Measures of structure and process in health care have been shown to be associated with care outcomes in prior research. Two articles in this issue propose measures of structure and process that may be relevant to pediatric traumatic brain injury rehabilitation. This commentary considers how these potential measures may be related to the actual treatments and services that ultimately affect patient outcomes. Copyright © 2012 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Update on the Epidemiology of Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

    PubMed

    Voss, Jameson D; Connolly, Joseph; Schwab, Karen A; Scher, Ann I

    2015-07-01

    Mild traumatic injuries to the brain (e.g., concussion) are common and have been recognized since antiquity, although definitions have varied historically. Nonetheless, studying the epidemiology of concussion helps clarify the overall importance, risk factors, and at-risk populations for this injury. The present review will focus on recent findings related to the epidemiology of concussion including definition controversies, incidence, and patterns in the population overall and in the military and athlete populations specifically. Finally, as this is an area of active research, we will discuss how future epidemiologic observations hold promise for gaining greater clarity about concussion and mild traumatic brain injury.

  5. Transplantation of autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells for traumatic brain injury☆

    PubMed Central

    Jiang, Jindou; Bu, Xingyao; Liu, Meng; Cheng, Peixun

    2012-01-01

    Results from the present study demonstrated that transplantation of autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells into the lesion site in rat brain significantly ameliorated brain tissue pathological changes and brain edema, attenuated glial cell proliferation, and increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression. In addition, the number of cells double-labeled for 5-bromodeoxyuridine/glial fibrillary acidic protein and cells expressing nestin increased. Finally, blood vessels were newly generated, and the rats exhibited improved motor and cognitive functions. These results suggested that transplantation of autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells promoted brain remodeling and improved neurological functions following traumatic brain injury. PMID:25806058

  6. Discriminating military and civilian traumatic brain injuries.

    PubMed

    Reid, Matthew W; Velez, Carmen S

    2015-05-01

    Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs at higher rates among service members than civilians. Explosions from improvised explosive devices and mines are the leading cause of TBI in the military. As such, TBI is frequently accompanied by other injuries, which makes its diagnosis and treatment difficult. In addition to postconcussion symptoms, those who sustain a TBI commonly report chronic pain and posttraumatic stress symptoms. This combination of symptoms is so typical they have been referred to as the "polytrauma clinical triad" among injured service members. We explore whether these symptoms discriminate civilian occurrences of TBI from those of service members, as well as the possibility that repeated blast exposure contributes to the development of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Traumatic Brain Injury'. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Portable MRI

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Espy, Michelle A.

    This project proposes to: (1) provide the power of MRI to situations where it presently isn't available; (2) perform the engineering required to move from lab to a functional prototype; and (3) leverage significant existing infrastructure and capability in ultra-low field MRI. The reasons for doing this: (1) MRI is the most powerful tool for imaging soft-tissue (e.g. brain); (2) Billions don't have access due to cost or safety issues; (3) metal will heat/move in high magnetic fields; (4) Millions of cases of traumatic brain injury in US alone; (5) even more of non-traumatic brain injury; (6) (e.g. stroke, infection,more » chemical exposure); (7) Need for early diagnostic; (8) 'Signature' wound of recent conflicts; (9) 22% of injuries; (10) Implications for post-traumatic stress disorder; and (11) chronic traumatic encephalopathy.« less

  8. PHIT for Duty, a Personal Health Intervention Tool for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-04-01

    Award Number: W81XWH-11-2-0129 TITLE: PHIT for Duty, a Personal Health Intervention Tool for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury...TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER W81XWH-11-2-0129 PHIT for Duty, a Personal Health Intervention Tool for Psychological Health and Traumatic...health problems. PHIT for Duty integrates self-report and physiological sensor instruments to assess health status via brief weekly screening

  9. Progressive Return to Activity Following Acute Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Guidance for the Rehabilitation Provider in Deployed and Non-deployed Settings

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-01-01

    RPE and references are also included as part of the CST. DCoE Clinical Recommendation | January 2014 Progressive Return to Activity Following Acute...Recommendation | January 2014 Progressive Return to Activity Following Acute Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Guidance for the Rehabilitation Provider...days Symptoms are worsening 3 DCoE Clinical Recommendation | January 2014 Progressive Return to Activity Following Acute Concussion/Mild Traumatic

  10. Movement disorders secondary to craniocerebral trauma.

    PubMed

    Krauss, Joachim K

    2015-01-01

    Over the past few decades it has been recognized that traumatic brain injury may result in various movement disorders. In survivors of severe head injury, post-traumatic movement disorders were reported in about 20%, and they persisted in about 10% of patients. The most frequent persisting movement disorder in this population is kinetic cerebellar outflow tremor in about 9%, followed by dystonia in about 4%. While tremor is associated most frequently with cerebellar or mesencephalic lesions, patients with dystonia frequently have basal ganglia or thalamic lesions. Moderate or mild traumatic brain injury only rarely causes persistent post-traumatic movement disorders. It appears that the frequency of post-traumatic movement disorders overall has been declining which most likely is secondary to improved treatment of brain injury. In patients with disabling post-traumatic movement disorders which are refractory to medical treatment, stereotactic neurosurgery can provide long-lasting benefit. While in the past the primary option for severe kinetic tremor was thalamotomy and for dystonia thalamotomy or pallidotomy, today deep brain stimulation has become the preferred treatment. Parkinsonism is a rare consequence of single head injury, but repeated head injury such as seen in boxing can result in chronic encephalopathy with parkinsonian features. While there is still controversy whether or not head injury is a risk factor for the development of Parkinson's disease, recent studies indicate that genetic susceptibility might be relevant. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Early plasma transfusion is associated with improved survival after isolated traumatic brain injury in patients with multifocal intracranial hemorrhage.

    PubMed

    Chang, Ronald; Folkerson, Lindley E; Sloan, Duncan; Tomasek, Jeffrey S; Kitagawa, Ryan S; Choi, H Alex; Wade, Charles E; Holcomb, John B

    2017-02-01

    Plasma-based resuscitation improves outcomes in trauma patients with hemorrhagic shock, while large-animal and limited clinical data suggest that it also improves outcomes and is neuroprotective in the setting of combined hemorrhage and traumatic brain injury. However, the choice of initial resuscitation fluid, including the role of plasma, is unclear for patients after isolated traumatic brain injury. We reviewed adult trauma patients admitted from January 2011 to July 2015 with isolated traumatic brain injury. "Early plasma" was defined as transfusion of plasma within 4 hours. Purposeful multiple logistic regression modeling was performed to analyze the relationship of early plasma and inhospital survival. After testing for interaction, subgroup analysis was performed based on the pattern of brain injury on initial head computed tomography: epidural hematoma, intraparenchymal contusion, subarachnoid hemorrhage, subdural hematoma, or multifocal intracranial hemorrhage. Of the 633 isolated traumatic brain injury patients included, 178 (28%) who received early plasma were injured more severely coagulopathic, hypoperfused, and hypotensive on admission. Survival was similar in the early plasma versus no early plasma groups (78% vs 84%, P = .08). After adjustment for covariates, early plasma was not associated with improved survival (odds ratio 1.18, 95% confidence interval 0.71-1.96). On subgroup analysis, multifocal intracranial hemorrhage was the largest subgroup with 242 patients. Of these, 61 (25%) received plasma within 4 hours. Within-group logistic regression analysis with adjustment for covariates found that early plasma was associated with improved survival (odds ratio 3.34, 95% confidence interval 1.20-9.35). Although early plasma transfusion was not associated with improved in-hospital survival for all isolated traumatic brain injury patients, early plasma was associated with increased in-hospital survival in those with multifocal intracranial hemorrhage. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Effect of glutamate and blood glutamate scavengers oxaloacetate and pyruvate on neurological outcome and pathohistology of the hippocampus after traumatic brain injury in rats.

    PubMed

    Zlotnik, Alexander; Sinelnikov, Igor; Gruenbaum, Benjamin F; Gruenbaum, Shaun E; Dubilet, Michael; Dubilet, Elena; Leibowitz, Akiva; Ohayon, Sharon; Regev, Adi; Boyko, Matthew; Shapira, Yoram; Teichberg, Vivian I

    2012-01-01

    Decreasing blood glutamate concentrations after traumatic brain injury accelerates brain-to-blood glutamate efflux, leading to improved neurologic outcomes. The authors hypothesize that treatment with blood glutamate scavengers should reduce neuronal cell loss, whereas administration of glutamate should worsen outcomes. The authors performed histologic studies of neuronal survival in the rat hippocampus after traumatic brain injury and treatment with blood glutamate scavengers. Traumatic brain injury was induced on anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats by a standardized weight drop. Intravenous treatment groups included saline (control), oxaloacetate, pyruvate, and glutamate. Neurologic outcome was assessed using a Neurological Severity Score at 1 h, and 1, 2, 7, 14, 21, 28 days. Blood glutamate was determined at baseline and 90 min. Four weeks after traumatic brain injury, a histologic analysis of surviving neurons was performed. Oxaloacetate and pyruvate treatment groups demonstrated increased neuronal survival (oxaloacetate 2,200 ± 37, pyruvate 2,108 ± 137 vs. control 1,978 ± 46, P < 0.001, mean ± SD). Glutamate treatment revealed decreased neuronal survival (1,715 ± 48, P < 0.001). Treatment groups demonstrated favorable neurologic outcomes at 24 and 48 h (Neurological Severity Score at 24 and 48 h: 5.5 (1-8.25), 5 (1.75-7.25), P = 0.02 and 3(1-6.5), 4 (1.75-4.5), P = 0.027, median ± corresponding interquartile range). Blood glutamate concentrations were decreased in the oxaloacetate and pyruvate treatment groups. Administration of oxaloacetate and pyruvate was not shown to have any adverse effects. The authors demonstrate that the blood glutamate scavengers oxaloacetate and pyruvate provide neuroprotection after traumatic brain injury, expressed both by reduced neuronal loss in the hippocampus and improved neurologic outcomes. The findings of this study may bring about new therapeutic possibilities in a variety of clinical settings.

  13. School Reentry Following Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Deidrick, Kathleen K. M.; Farmer, Janet E.

    2005-01-01

    Successful school reentry following traumatic brain injury (TBI) is critical to recovery. Physical, cognitive, behavioral, academic, and social problems can affect a child's school performance after a TBI. However, early intervention has the potential to improve child academic outcomes and promote effective coping with any persistent changes in…

  14. Traumatic Brain Injury. An Overview Look at Effects and Strategies for Remediation.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Brongiel, Andrea

    This paper provides an overview of traumatic brain injury (TBI), including incidence, definition, characteristics, assessment and identification, remediation, teacher responsibility, and parent involvement. It discusses the eligibility of students with TBI to receive appropriate and related services in school under the Individuals with…

  15. Draft evidence report : traumatic brain injury and commercial motor vehicle driver safety (comprehensive review).

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2009-03-30

    Purpose of this evidence report is to address several key questions posed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration : Key question 1: What is the impact of traumatic brain injury on crash risk/driving performance? Key question 2: What factor...

  16. 78 FR 27036 - Final Priority. National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research-Traumatic Brain...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-05-09

    ... individuals with disabilities in conducting TBIMS research. Types of Priorities When inviting applications for... Rehabilitation Research--Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Centers Collaborative Research Project AGENCY... Services announces a priority for the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program...

  17. 38 CFR 71.20 - Eligible veterans and servicemembers.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... Armed Forces. (b) The individual has a serious injury, including traumatic brain injury, psychological... impairment or injury, including traumatic brain injury. (3) Psychological trauma or a mental disorder that..., naval, or air service on or after September 11, 2001. (c) Such serious injury renders the individual in...

  18. 38 CFR 71.20 - Eligible veterans and servicemembers.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... Armed Forces. (b) The individual has a serious injury, including traumatic brain injury, psychological... impairment or injury, including traumatic brain injury. (3) Psychological trauma or a mental disorder that..., naval, or air service on or after September 11, 2001. (c) Such serious injury renders the individual in...

  19. 38 CFR 71.20 - Eligible veterans and servicemembers.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... Armed Forces. (b) The individual has a serious injury, including traumatic brain injury, psychological... impairment or injury, including traumatic brain injury. (3) Psychological trauma or a mental disorder that..., naval, or air service on or after September 11, 2001. (c) Such serious injury renders the individual in...

  20. School-Based Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion Management Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Davies, Susan C.

    2016-01-01

    Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions, can result in a constellation of physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that affect students' well-being and performance at school. Despite these effects, school personnel remain underprepared identify, educate, and assist this population of students. This article describes a…

  1. 38 CFR 71.20 - Eligible veterans and servicemembers.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... Armed Forces. (b) The individual has a serious injury, including traumatic brain injury, psychological... impairment or injury, including traumatic brain injury. (3) Psychological trauma or a mental disorder that..., naval, or air service on or after September 11, 2001. (c) Such serious injury renders the individual in...

  2. Cerebrovascular Pressure Reactivity in Children With Traumatic Brain Injury.

    PubMed

    Lewis, Philip M; Czosnyka, Marek; Carter, Bradley G; Rosenfeld, Jeffrey V; Paul, Eldho; Singhal, Nitesh; Butt, Warwick

    2015-10-01

    Traumatic brain injury is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Cerebral autoregulation disturbance after traumatic brain injury is associated with worse outcome. Pressure reactivity is a fundamental component of cerebral autoregulation that can be estimated using the pressure-reactivity index, a correlation between slow arterial blood pressure, and intracranial pressure fluctuations. Pressure-reactivity index has shown prognostic value in adult traumatic brain injury, with one study confirming this in children. Pressure-reactivity index can identify a cerebral perfusion pressure range within which pressure reactivity is optimal. An increasing difference between optimal cerebral perfusion pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure is associated with worse outcome in adult traumatic brain injury; however, this has not been investigated in children. Our objective was to study pressure-reactivity index and optimal cerebral perfusion pressure in pediatric traumatic brain injury, including associations with outcome, age, and cerebral perfusion pressure. Prospective observational study. ICU, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. Patients with traumatic brain injury who are 6 months to 16 years old, are admitted to the ICU, and require arterial blood pressure and intracranial pressure monitoring. None. Arterial blood pressure, intracranial pressure, and end-tidal CO2 were recorded electronically until ICU discharge or monitoring cessation. Pressure-reactivity index and optimal cerebral perfusion pressure were computed according to previously published methods. Clinical data were collected from electronic medical records. Outcome was assessed 6 months post discharge using the modified Glasgow Outcome Score. Thirty-six patients were monitored, with 30 available for follow-up. Pressure-reactivity index correlated with modified Glasgow Outcome Score (Spearman ρ = 0.42; p = 0.023) and was higher in patients with unfavorable outcome (0.23 vs -0.09; p = 0.0009). A plot of pressure-reactivity index averaged within 5 mm Hg cerebral perfusion pressure bins showed a U-shape, reaffirming the concept of cerebral perfusion pressure optimization in children. Optimal cerebral perfusion pressure increased with age (ρ = 0.40; p = 0.02). Both the duration and magnitude of negative deviations in the difference between cerebral perfusion pressure and optimal cerebral perfusion pressure were associated with unfavorable outcome. In pediatric patients with traumatic brain injury, pressure-reactivity index has prognostic value and can identify cerebral perfusion pressure targets that may differ from treatment protocols. Our results suggest but do not confirm that cerebral perfusion pressure targeting using pressure-reactivity index as a guide may positively impact on outcome. This question should be addressed by a prospective clinical study.

  3. Selective mutism due to a dog bite trauma in a 4-year-old girl: a case report

    PubMed Central

    2009-01-01

    Introduction A child experiencing an event of threatening or catastrophic nature may experience considerable post-traumatic psychological distress. Dog bites present an important public health problem and are a frequent cause of physical trauma in children. Physicians who manage paediatric trauma may not be vigilant of the high risk of psychological stress in children exposed to a physical injury. Case presentation A 4-year-old white girl of Greek origin, with a dog-bite related trauma was admitted to the University Hospital of Crete, Greece, for surgical repair and intravenous antibiotic therapy due to extensive lesions. Exposure to the traumatic event triggered the onset of an unusual psychological response, selective mutism and acute post-traumatic stress disorder. Conclusion There is limited literature discussing the psychological effect of dog bites in children. Parents and physicians involved in pediatric physical trauma need to be more familiar with post-traumatic behavioral reactions. Awareness of the potential development of such reactions may result in early detection and effective management of children at risk. PMID:19946578

  4. Prehospital paediatric emergencies treated by an Australian helicopter emergency medical service.

    PubMed

    Barker, Claire L; Weatherall, Andrew D

    2014-04-01

    The aim of this study was to describe the mechanism and severity of injuries in the paediatric population treated by an Australian helicopter emergency medical service and to examine the frequency and nature of interventions performed. This information is important for planning education and continuing professional development in prehospital medicine. The study is a retrospective cohort analysis of 349 patients under the age of 16 treated by CareFlight in Sydney, Australia, between April 2007 and April 2012. Data collected included age, type of incident, medication and fluid administered, procedures performed, receiving hospital, 24 h and 30-day mortality and injuries sustained. Falls (33%), motor vehicle incidents (30%), sport injury (14%) and immersion injury (12%) were the most common mechanisms. A total of 27 children died within 30 days; nontrauma cases were proportionally overrepresented in the deaths. With respect to tasking, 59% cases involved a severely or significantly injured child. Among the children, 97% with a traumatic mechanism were transferred directly to a paediatric trauma centre.In addition, 81% of children had at least one intervention by the helicopter emergency medical services team at the incident scene, most commonly intravenous cannulation (61%), crystalloid bolus (29%), intubation (21%) and intravenous analgesia administration (15%). Paediatric prehospital patients can be of high dependency, requiring urgent critical care procedures. Training in prehospital medicine should include paediatrics. It is essential that practitioners maintain skills in venous access, airway management and provision of adequate analgesia in children.

  5. PET and Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography in Brain Concussion.

    PubMed

    Raji, Cyrus A; Henderson, Theodore A

    2018-02-01

    This article offers an overview of the application of PET and single photon emission computed tomography brain imaging to concussion, a type of mild traumatic brain injury and traumatic brain injury, in general. The article reviews the application of these neuronuclear imaging modalities in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Additionally, this article frames the current literature with an overview of the basic physics and radiation exposure risks of each modality. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Post-traumatic seizure susceptibility is attenuated by hypothermia therapy

    PubMed Central

    Atkins, Coleen M.; Truettner, Jessie S.; Lotocki, George; Sanchez-Molano, Juliana; Kang, Yuan; Alonso, Ofelia F.; Sick, Thomas J.; Dietrich, W. Dalton; Bramlett, Helen M.

    2010-01-01

    Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major risk factor for the subsequent development of epilepsy. Currently, chronic seizures after brain injury are often poorly controlled by available anti-epileptic drugs. Hypothermia treatment, a modest reduction in brain temperature, reduces inflammation, activates pro-survival signaling pathways, and improves cognitive outcome after TBI. Given the well-known effect of therapeutic hypothermia to ameliorate pathological changes in the brain after TBI, we hypothesized that hypothermia therapy may attenuate the development of post-traumatic epilepsy and some of the pathomechanisms that underlie seizure formation. To test this hypothesis, adult male Sprague Dawley rats received moderate parasagittal fluid-percussion brain injury, and then were maintained at normothermic or moderate hypothermic temperatures for 4 hr. At 12 weeks after recovery, seizure susceptibility was assessed by challenging the animals with pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), a GABAA receptor antagonist. PTZ elicited a significant increase in seizure frequency in TBI normothermic animals as compared to sham surgery animals and this was significantly reduced in TBI hypothermic animals. Early hypothermia treatment did not rescue chronic dentate hilar neuronal loss, nor did it improve loss of doublecortin-labeled cells in the dentate gyrus post-seizure. However, mossy fiber sprouting was significantly attenuated by hypothermia therapy. These findings demonstrate that reductions in seizure susceptibility after TBI are improved with post-traumatic hypothermia and provide a new therapeutic avenue for the treatment of post-traumatic epilepsy. PMID:21044182

  7. Effect of Obesity on Motor Functional Outcome of Rehabilitating Traumatic Brain Injury Patients.

    PubMed

    Le, David; Shafi, Shahid; Gwirtz, Patricia; Bennett, Monica; Reeves, Rustin; Callender, Librada; Dunklin, Cynthia; Cleveland, Samantha

    2015-08-01

    The aim of this study was to determine the association between obesity and functional motor outcome of patients undergoing inpatient rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury. This retrospective study at an urban acute inpatient rehabilitation center screened data from 761 subjects in the Traumatic Brain Injury Model System who were admitted from January 2010 to September 2013. Inclusion criteria consisted of age of 18 years or older and an abnormal Functional Independence Measure motor score. Body mass index was used to determine obesity in the study population. Patients with a body mass index of 30.0 kg/m or greater were considered obese. A total of 372 subjects met the criteria for inclusion in the study. Of these, 54 (13.2%) were obese. Both obese and nonobese patients showed similar improvement in Functional Independence Measure motor score (mean [SD], 30.4 [12.8] for the obese patients, P = 0.115, and 27.3 [13.1] for the nonobese patients). The mean (SD) Functional Independence Measure motor scores at discharge for the obese and nonobese patients were 63.0 (12.6) and 62.3 (10.1) (P = 0.6548), respectively. Obesity had no adverse impact on motor functional outcomes of the traumatic brain injury patients who underwent inpatient rehabilitation. Therefore, obesity should not be considered an obstacle in inpatient rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury, if patients are able to participate in necessary therapy.

  8. Mild traumatic brain injury: a Midwest survey of discharge teaching practices of emergency department nurses.

    PubMed

    Bay, Esther; Strong, Carrie

    2011-01-01

    Research indicates that the assessment and discharge teaching practices for persons with traumatic brain injury are more focused on ruling out severe brain injury and informing the person about "red flags" warranting a return visit to the medical provider. Our primary purpose was to determine the extent to which discharge practices were aligned with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines contained within the Acute Concussion Evaluation care plan. Responses from 87 nurses (25.0% response rate) to a tailored survey were analyzed to determine emergency department nurses' discharge teaching practices for adults who experienced a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). Results indicated that nurses in general were focused on injury-specific information and less often provided information about MTBI, symptom management, or strategies for preventing future brain damage. System improvements are justified to provide injured persons with a clearly defined diagnosis and instructions for follow-up and symptom management.

  9. Aging, neurodegenerative disease, and traumatic brain injury: the role of neuroimaging.

    PubMed

    Esopenko, Carrie; Levine, Brian

    2015-02-15

    Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a highly prevalent condition with significant effects on cognition and behavior. While the acute and sub-acute effects of TBI recover over time, relatively little is known about the long-term effects of TBI in relation to neurodegenerative disease. This issue has recently garnered a great deal of attention due to publicity surrounding chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in professional athletes, although CTE is but one of several neurodegenerative disorders associated with a history of TBI. Here, we review the literative on neurodegenerative disorders linked to remote TBI. We also review the evidence for neuroimaging changes associated with unhealthy brain aging in the context of remote TBI. We conclude that neuroimaging biomarkers have significant potential to increase understanding of the mechanisms of unhealthy brain aging and neurodegeneration following TBI, with potential for identifying those at risk for unhealthy brain aging prior to the clinical manifestation of neurodegenerative disease.

  10. Central diabetes insipidus in pediatric severe traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Alharfi, Ibrahim M; Stewart, Tanya Charyk; Foster, Jennifer; Morrison, Gavin C; Fraser, Douglas D

    2013-02-01

    To determine the occurrence rate of central diabetes insipidus in pediatric patients with severe traumatic brain injury and to describe the clinical, injury, biochemical, imaging, and intervention variables associated with mortality. Retrospective chart and imaging review. Children's Hospital, level 1 trauma center. Severely injured (Injury Severity Score ≥ 12) pediatric trauma patients (>1 month and <18 yr) with severe traumatic brain injury (presedation Glasgow Coma Scale ≤ 8 and head Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale ≥ 4) that developed acute central diabetes insipidus between January 2000 and December 2011. Of 818 severely injured trauma patients, 180 had severe traumatic brain injury with an overall mortality rate of 27.2%. Thirty-two of the severe traumatic brain injury patients developed acute central diabetes insipidus that responded to desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin and/or vasopressin infusion, providing an occurrence rate of 18%. At the time of central diabetes insipidus diagnosis, median urine output and serum sodium were 6.8 ml/kg/hr (interquartile range = 5-11) and 154 mmol/L (interquartile range = 149-159), respectively. The mortality rate of central diabetes insipidus patients was 87.5%, with 71.4% declared brain dead after central diabetes insipidus diagnosis. Early central diabetes insipidus onset, within the first 2 days of severe traumatic brain injury, was strongly associated with mortality (p < 0.001), as were a lower presedation Glasgow Coma Scale (p = 0.03), a lower motor Glasgow Coma Scale (p = 0.01), an occurrence of fixed pupils (p = 0.04), and a prolonged partial thromboplastin time (p = 0.04). Cerebral edema on the initial computed tomography, obtained in the first 24 hrs after injury, was the only imaging finding associated with death (p = 0.002). Survivors of central diabetes insipidus were more likely to have intracranial pressure monitoring (p = 0.03), have thiopental administered to induce coma (p = 0.04) and have received a decompressive craniectomy for elevated intracranial pressure (p = 0.04). The incidence of central diabetes insipidus in pediatric patients with severe traumatic brain injury is 18%. Mortality was associated with early central diabetes insipidus onset and cerebral edema on head computed tomography. Central diabetes insipidus nonsurvivors were less likely to have received intracranial pressure monitoring, thiopental coma and decompressive craniectomy.

  11. Biomarkers of Traumatic Injury Are Transported from Brain to Blood via the Glymphatic System

    PubMed Central

    Plog, Benjamin A.; Dashnaw, Matthew L.; Hitomi, Emi; Peng, Weiguo; Liao, Yonghong; Lou, Nanhong; Deane, Rashid

    2015-01-01

    The nonspecific and variable presentation of traumatic brain injury (TBI) has motivated an intense search for blood-based biomarkers that can objectively predict the severity of injury. However, it is not known how cytosolic proteins released from traumatized brain tissue reach the peripheral blood. Here we show in a murine TBI model that CSF movement through the recently characterized glymphatic pathway transports biomarkers to blood via the cervical lymphatics. Clinically relevant manipulation of glymphatic activity, including sleep deprivation and cisternotomy, suppressed or eliminated TBI-induced increases in serum S100β, GFAP, and neuron specific enolase. We conclude that routine TBI patient management may limit the clinical utility of blood-based biomarkers because their brain-to-blood transport depends on glymphatic activity. PMID:25589747

  12. Neuropathology and brain weight in traumatic-crush asphyxia.

    PubMed

    Al-Sarraj, Safa; Laxton, Ross; Swift, Ben; Kolar, Alexander J; Chapman, Rob C; Fegan-Earl, Ashley W; Cary, Nat R B

    2017-11-01

    Traumatic (crush) asphyxia is a rare condition caused by severe compression of the chest and trunk leading to often extreme so-called asphyxial signs, including cyanosis in head and neck regions, multiple petechiae, and subconjunctival haemorrhage as well as neurological manifestations. To investigate the neuropathology and brain weight in traumatic asphyxia caused by different accidents such as industrial accidents and road traffic collision. Post mortem records of 20 cases of traumatic asphyxia (TA) resulting from different causes of which four brains are available for comprehensive neuropathological examination. The expected brain weights for given body height and associated 95% confidence range were calculated according to the following formula: baseline brain weight (BBW) + body height x rate (g/cm). The 95% confidence range was calculated by adding and subtracting the standard error (SE) x 1.96 (7-8). There was a trend for higher brain weight in the TA cohort but it was not significant (1494 g vs 1404 g, p = 0.1). The upper limits of the brain weight of 95% confidence was 1680 g vs 1660 g, p = 0.9. The neuropathological examination of four available brains from the TA cohort showed severe congestion of blood vessels, perivascular haemorrhages and occasional βAPP deposits consistent with early axonal disruption. Brain examination is informative as part of investigation of TA. Developing ischaemic changes and an increase in brain weight are the most likely indicators of a prolonged period of patient's survival. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd and Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine. All rights reserved.

  13. Traumatic Brain Injury in Early Childhood: Developmental Effects and Interventions.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lowenthal, Barbara; Lowenthal, Barbara

    1998-01-01

    Describes the unique effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on development in early childhood and offers suggestions for interventions in the cognitive, language, social-emotional, motor, and adaptive domains. Urges more intensive, long-term studies on the immediate and long-term effects of TBI. (Author/DB)

  14. Mechanism and Therapy for the Shared Susceptibility to Migraine and Epilepsy after Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-10-01

    malignant stroke, subarachnoid and intracranial hemorrhage, and traumatic brain injury. J. Cereb. Blood Flow Metab. 31, 17–35. Leventhal, C., Rafii , S... Rafii , D., Shahar, A., Goldman, S.A., 1999. Endothelial trophic support of neuronal production and recruitment from the adult mammalian subependyma

  15. The Association between Mild Traumatic Brain Injury History and Cognitive Control

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pontifex, Matthew B.; O'Connor, Phillip M.; Broglio, Steven P.; Hillman, Charles H.

    2009-01-01

    The influence of multiple mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) on neuroelectric and task performance indices of the cognitive control of action monitoring was assessed in individuals with and without a history of concussion. Participants completed a standard clinical neurocognitive assessment and the error-related negativity of the…

  16. Educator Guidelines for Serving Students with Traumatic Brain Injuries. Revised Edition.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Utah State Univ., Logan. Mountain Plains Regional Resource Center.

    These guidelines were developed for serving students with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in school settings. An introduction reviews the frequency of TBI, range of severity, and legal responsibility for special education services. Guidelines are offered for creating prevention and awareness programs and for implementing staff development. A section…

  17. Behavioral treatment of the traumatically brain-injured: a case study.

    PubMed

    Horton, A M; Howe, N R

    1981-10-01

    The present case illustrates the application of behavioral modification methodology with a traumatically brain-injured adult. Such a treatment regime utilizing a report-card system and a response-cost procedure was implemented to decrease behaviors of using foul language and biting staff members. Dramatic improvement was demonstrated.

  18. Educational Directions for Students with Traumatic Brain Injury.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Center for Innovations in Special Education, Columbia, MO.

    This manual, developed to assist Missouri school personnel in the provision of educational opportunities for students with traumatic brain injury (TBI), answers commonly asked questions about the educational needs of these students, and gives practical applications of educational practices and programming. Three case studies are introduced to help…

  19. Traumatic Brain Injury and Special Education: An Information Resource Guide.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Stevens, Alice M.

    This resource guide of annotated references on traumatic brain injury (TBI) was created to help educators locate information from such disciplines as neurology, neuropsychology, rehabilitation, and pediatric medicine. Twenty-four resources published from 1990 to 1994 are listed, with annotations. The resources include research reports/reviews,…

  20. Correlates of Depression in Adult Siblings of Persons with Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Degeneffe, Charles Edmund; Lynch, Ruth Torkelson

    2006-01-01

    Using Pearlin's stress process model, this study examined correlates of depression in 170 adult siblings of persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Approximately 39% of adult sibling participants evinced "Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression" (CES-D; Radloff, 1977) scores indicating clinically significant depressive symptoms. Background…

  1. Predictors of Neuropsychological Test Performance After Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Donders, Jacobus; Nesbit-Greene, Kelly

    2004-01-01

    The influence of neurological and demographic variables on neuropsychological test performance was examined in 100 9- to 16-year-old children with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Regression analyses were conducted to determine the relative contributions of coma, neuroimaging findings, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and gender to variance in…

  2. Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury. Special Topic Report #3.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Waaland, Pamela K.; Cockrell, Janice L.

    This brief report summarizes what is known about pediatric traumatic brain injury, including the following: risk factors (e.g., males especially those ages 5 to 25, youth with preexisting problems including previous head injury victims, and children receiving inadequate supervision); life after injury; physical and neurological consequences (e.g.,…

  3. Traumatic Brain Injury and Vocational Rehabilitation.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Corthell, David W., Ed.

    Intended to serve as a resource guide on traumatic brain injury for rehabilitation practitioners, the book's 10 chapters are grouped into sections which provide an introduction and examine aspects of evaluation, treatment and placement planning, and unresolved issues. Chapters have the following titles and authors: "Scope of the Problem" (Marilyn…

  4. Traumatic Brain Injury: A Guidebook for Educators.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    New York State Education Dept., Albany. Office for Special Education Services.

    This guidebook is designed to help New York school staff better understand the specialized needs of students with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and appropriately apply educational interventions to improve special and general education services for these students. It provides information on the following areas: (1) the causes, incidence, and…

  5. 78 FR 13600 - Proposed Priority-National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research-Traumatic Brain...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-02-28

    ... designs. The research must focus on outcomes in one or more of the following domains identified in NIDRR's... Rehabilitation Research--Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Centers Collaborative Research Project [CFDA Number... Services proposes a priority under the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program...

  6. Evaluation of a Health Education Programme about Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Garcia, Jane Mertz; Sellers, Debra M.; Hilgendorf, Amy E.; Burnett, Debra L.

    2014-01-01

    Objective: Our aim was to evaluate a health education programme (TBIoptions: Promoting Knowledge) designed to increase public awareness and understanding about traumatic brain injury (TBI) through in-person (classroom) and computer-based (electronic) learning environments. Design: We used a pre-post survey design with randomization of participants…

  7. Working with Students with Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lucas, Matthew D.

    2010-01-01

    The participation of a student with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in general physical education can often be challenging and rewarding for the student and physical education teacher. This article addresses common characteristics of students with TBI and presents basic solutions to improve the education of students with TBI in the general physical…

  8. Assisting Students with a Traumatic Brain Injury in School Interventions

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Aldrich, Erin M.; Obrzut, John E.

    2012-01-01

    Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children and adolescents can significantly affect their lives and educational needs. Deficits are often exhibited in areas such as attention, concentration, memory, executive function, emotional regulation, and behavioral functioning, but specific outcomes are not particular to any one child or adolescent with a…

  9. Cognitive Task Demands and Discourse Performance after Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Byom, Lindsey; Turkstra, Lyn S.

    2017-01-01

    Background: Social communication problems are common in adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI), particularly problems in spoken discourse. Social communication problems are thought to reflect underlying cognitive impairments. Aims: To measure the contribution of two cognitive processes, executive functioning (EF) and theory of mind (ToM), to the…

  10. Combined Effects of Primary and Tertiary Blast on Rat Brain: Characterization of a Model of Blast-induced Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-03-01

    blast injury mechanisms in rat TBI - Roles of polyunsaturated fatty acids in traumatic brain injury vulnerabilities and resilience: evaluation of...salutary effects of DHA supplementation using neurolipidomics and functional outcome assessments - Diagnostic and Therapeutic Targeting of...immunohistochemical assessments reveal greater glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and IBa1 immunoreactivity in rats subjected to combined injuries than are

  11. The Relationship between Concussion Knowledge and the High School Athlete's Intention to Report Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms: A Systematic Review of the Literature

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Taylor, Mary Ellen; Sanner, Jennifer E.

    2017-01-01

    Sports-related concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a frequent occurrence among high school athletes. Long-term and short-term effects of TBI on the athlete's developing brain can be minimized if the athlete reports and is effectively treated for TBI symptoms. Knowledge of concussion symptoms and a school culture of support are critical…

  12. TBI-Induced Formation of Toxic Tau and Its Biochemical Similarities to Tau in AD Brains

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-10-01

    onto wild-type mice markedly reduces 1) memory including contextual fear memory and spatial memory, and 2) long-term potentiation, a type of...TERMS Tau, contextual fear memory, spatial memory, synaptic plasticity, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer’s disease 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17...mechanism leading to TBI and AD. 2 KEYWORDS Tau, contextual fear memory, spatial memory, synaptic plasticity, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer’s

  13. Optical imaging of cell death in traumatic brain injury using a heat shock protein-90 alkylator

    PubMed Central

    Xie, B-W; Park, D; Van Beek, E R; Blankevoort, V; Orabi, Y; Que, I; Kaijzel, E L; Chan, A; Hogg, P J; Löwik, C W G M

    2013-01-01

    Traumatic brain injury is a major public health concern and is characterised by both apoptotic and necrotic cell death in the lesion. Anatomical imaging is usually used to assess traumatic brain injuries and there is a need for imaging modalities that provide complementary cellular information. We sought to non-invasively image cell death in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury using a near-infrared fluorescent conjugate of a synthetic heat shock protein-90 alkylator, 4-(N-(S-glutathionylacetyl) amino) phenylarsonous acid (GSAO). GSAO labels both apoptotic and necrotic cells coincident with loss of plasma membrane integrity. The optical GSAO specifically labelled apoptotic and necrotic cells in culture and did not accumulate in healthy organs or tissues in the living mouse body. The conjugate is a very effective imager of cell death in brain lesions. The optical GSAO was detected by fluorescence intensity and GSAO bound to dying/dead cells was detected from prolongation of the fluorescence lifetime. An optimal signal-to-background ratio was achieved as early as 3 h after injection of the probe and the signal intensity positively correlated with both lesion size and probe concentration. This optical GSAO offers a convenient and robust means to non-invasively image apoptotic and necrotic cell death in brain and other lesions. PMID:23348587

  14. Minocycline Transiently Reduces Microglia/Macrophage Activation but Exacerbates Cognitive Deficits Following Repetitive Traumatic Brain Injury in the Neonatal Rat

    PubMed Central

    Hanlon, Lauren A.; Huh, Jimmy W.

    2016-01-01

    Elevated microglial/macrophage-associated biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid of infant victims of abusive head trauma (AHT) suggest that these cells play a role in the pathophysiology of the injury. In a model of AHT in 11-day-old rats, 3 impacts (24 hours apart) resulted in spatial learning and memory deficits and increased brain microglial/macrophage reactivity, traumatic axonal injury, neuronal degeneration, and cortical and white-matter atrophy. The antibiotic minocycline has been effective in decreasing injury-induced microglial/macrophage activation while simultaneously attenuating cellular and functional deficits in models of neonatal hypoxic ischemia, but the potential for this compound to rescue deficits after impact-based trauma to the immature brain remains unexplored. Acute minocycline administration in this model of AHT decreased microglial/macrophage reactivity in the corpus callosum of brain-injured animals at 3 days postinjury, but this effect was lost by 7 days postinjury. Additionally, minocycline treatment had no effect on traumatic axonal injury, neurodegeneration, tissue atrophy, or spatial learning deficits. Interestingly, minocycline-treated animals demonstrated exacerbated injury-induced spatial memory deficits. These results contrast with previous findings in other models of brain injury and suggest that minocycline is ineffective in reducing microglial/macrophage activation and ameliorating injury-induced deficits following repetitive neonatal traumatic brain injury. PMID:26825312

  15. The Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury on the Aging Brain.

    PubMed

    Young, Jacob S; Hobbs, Jonathan G; Bailes, Julian E

    2016-09-01

    Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has come to the forefront of both the scientific and popular culture. Specifically, sports-related concussions or mild TBI (mTBI) has become the center of scientific scrutiny with a large amount of research focusing on the long-term sequela of this type of injury. As the populace continues to age, the impact of TBI on the aging brain will become clearer. Currently, reports have come to light that link TBI to neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, as well as certain psychiatric diseases. Whether these associations are causations, however, is yet to be determined. Other long-term sequelae, such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), appear to be associated with repetitive injuries. Going forward, as we gain better understanding of the pathophysiological process involved in TBI and subclinical head traumas, and individual traits that influence susceptibility to neurocognitive diseases, a clearer, more comprehensive understanding of the connection between brain injury and resultant disease processes in the aging brain will become evident.

  16. Cocaine Abuse, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Preexisting Brain Lesions as Risk Factors for Bupropion-Associated Psychosis.

    PubMed

    Barman, Rajdip; Kumar, Sanjeev; Pagadala, Bhuvaneshwar; Detweiler, Mark B

    2017-08-01

    Bupropion is generally considered safe and is widely used both as a monotherapy and as an augmentation agent for the treatment of major depression. Concerns have been raised about bupropion's propensity to precipitate new psychosis and worsen existing psychotic symptoms, although the mechanism is poorly understood. Three cases are reported in which bupropion use was associated with psychosis. The aim of the study was to explore the risk factors and possible mechanisms of psychosis in each case. Case 1 describes the interaction of cocaine abuse sensitization in a patient who developed psychosis with a lower dosage of bupropion. Cases 2 and 3 discuss the role of traumatic brain injury and structural brain lesions in increasing the risk of psychosis when using bupropion. Cocaine abuse, traumatic brain injury, and preexisting brain lesions appear to be risk factors for developing psychosis in persons taking bupropion. In such cases, clinicians should carefully assess the risks and benefits and closely monitor patients for symptoms of psychosis.

  17. Combat veterans, mental health issues, and the death penalty: addressing the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Giardino, Anthony E

    2009-05-01

    More than 1.5 million Americans have participated in combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past seven years. Some of these veterans have subsequently committed capital crimes and found themselves in our nation's criminal justice system. This Essay argues that combat veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury at the time of their offenses should not be subject to the death penalty.Offering mitigating evidence regarding military training, post-traumatic stress disorder, and traumatic brain injury presents one means that combat veterans may use to argue for their lives during the sentencing phase of their trials. Alternatively, Atkins v. Virginia and Roper v. Simmons offer a framework for establishing a legislatively or judicially created categorical exclusion for these offenders, exempting them from the death penalty as a matter of law. By understanding how combat service and service-related injuries affect the personal culpability of these offenders, the legal system can avoid the consequences of sentencing to death America's mentally wounded warriors, ensuring that only the worst offenders are subject to the ultimate punishment.

  18. The Cost of Treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-03-01

    and may increase the risk for Alzheimer‟ s disease and Parkinson ‟ s disease as the person ages (Traumatic Brain Injury: Hope Through Research, 2002...not injured and can be sent back into battle , when there could be an undetected internal injury. Due to the overlap in symptoms, many soldiers are...the constant support and advice from Major Shay Capehart was fundamental in moving this research along. Lt Col Eric Unger‟ s guidance and wisdom was

  19. An ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method for plasma and cerebrospinal fluid pharmacokinetics of rhein in patients with traumatic brain injury after administration of rhubarb decoction.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yang; Fan, Rong; Luo, Jiekun; Tang, Tao; Xing, Zhihua; Xia, Zian; Peng, Weijun; Wang, Wenzhu; Lv, Huiying; Huang, Wei; Liang, Yizeng; Yi, Lunzhao; Lu, Hongmei; Huang, Xi

    2015-04-01

    Damage of blood-brain barrier is a common result of traumatic brain injury. This damage can open the blood-brain barrier and allow drug passage. An ultraperformance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method was established to determine the concentration of rhein in the biofluids (plasma and cerebrospinal fluid) of patients with a compromised blood-brain barrier following traumatic brain injury after rhubarb administration. Furthermore, the pharmacokinetic profiles were analyzed. A triple-quadruple tandem mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization was used for rhein detection. The mass transition followed was m/z 283.06→239.0. The calibration curve was linear in the concentration range of 10-8000 ng/mL for the biofluids. The intra- and interday precisions were less than 10%. The relative standard deviation of recovery was less than 15% in biological matrices. The pharmacokinetic data showed that rhein was rapidly transported into biofluids, and exhibited a peak concentration 1 h after rhubarb administration. The elimination rate of rhein was slow. The AUCcerebrospinal fluid /AUCplasma (AUC is area under curve) of rhein was approximately 17%, indicating that portions of rhein could pass the impaired blood-brain barrier. The method was successfully applied to quantify rhein in the biofluids of all patients. The data presented can help to guide clinical applications of rhubarb for treating traumatic brain injury. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  20. Advances in neuroimaging of traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder

    PubMed Central

    Van Boven, Robert W.; Harrington, Greg S.; Hackney, David B.; Ebel, Andreas; Gauger, Grant; Bremner, J. Douglas; D’Esposito, Mark; Detre, John A.; Haacke, E. Mark; Jack, Clifford R.; Jagust, William J.; Le Bihan, Denis; Mathis, Chester A.; Mueller, Susanne; Mukherjee, Pratik; Schuff, Norbert; Chen, Anthony; Weiner, Michael W.

    2011-01-01

    Improved diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are needed for our military and veterans, their families, and society at large. Advances in brain imaging offer important biomarkers of structural, functional, and metabolic information concerning the brain. This article reviews the application of various imaging techniques to the clinical problems of TBI and PTSD. For TBI, we focus on findings and advances in neuroimaging that hold promise for better detection, characterization, and monitoring of objective brain changes in symptomatic patients with combat-related, closed-head brain injuries not readily apparent by standard computed tomography or conventional magnetic resonance imaging techniques. PMID:20104401

  1. 3 CFR 8969 - Proclamation 8969 of April 30, 2013. National Mental Health Awareness Month, 2013

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... veterans suffering from traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. And we have proposed new... of a mental health problem. They shoulder conditions like depression and anxiety, post-traumatic...

  2. Early Detection of Increased Intracranial Pressure Episodes in Traumatic Brain Injury: External Validation in an Adult and in a Pediatric Cohort.

    PubMed

    Güiza, Fabian; Depreitere, Bart; Piper, Ian; Citerio, Giuseppe; Jorens, Philippe G; Maas, Andrew; Schuhmann, Martin U; Lo, Tsz-Yan Milly; Donald, Rob; Jones, Patricia; Maier, Gottlieb; Van den Berghe, Greet; Meyfroidt, Geert

    2017-03-01

    A model for early detection of episodes of increased intracranial pressure in traumatic brain injury patients has been previously developed and validated based on retrospective adult patient data from the multicenter Brain-IT database. The purpose of the present study is to validate this early detection model in different cohorts of recently treated adult and pediatric traumatic brain injury patients. Prognostic modeling. Noninterventional, observational, retrospective study. The adult validation cohort comprised recent traumatic brain injury patients from San Gerardo Hospital in Monza (n = 50), Leuven University Hospital (n = 26), Antwerp University Hospital (n = 19), Tübingen University Hospital (n = 18), and Southern General Hospital in Glasgow (n = 8). The pediatric validation cohort comprised patients from neurosurgical and intensive care centers in Edinburgh and Newcastle (n = 79). None. The model's performance was evaluated with respect to discrimination, calibration, overall performance, and clinical usefulness. In the recent adult validation cohort, the model retained excellent performance as in the original study. In the pediatric validation cohort, the model retained good discrimination and a positive net benefit, albeit with a performance drop in the remaining criteria. The obtained external validation results confirm the robustness of the model to predict future increased intracranial pressure events 30 minutes in advance, in adult and pediatric traumatic brain injury patients. These results are a large step toward an early warning system for increased intracranial pressure that can be generally applied. Furthermore, the sparseness of this model that uses only two routinely monitored signals as inputs (intracranial pressure and mean arterial blood pressure) is an additional asset.

  3. Xenon Protects against Blast-Induced Traumatic Brain Injury in an In Vitro Model

    PubMed Central

    Campos-Pires, Rita; Koziakova, Mariia; Yonis, Amina; Pau, Ashni; Macdonald, Warren; Harris, Katie; Edge, Christopher J.; Franks, Nicholas P.; Mahoney, Peter F.

    2018-01-01

    Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective efficacy of the inert gas xenon as a treatment for patients with blast-induced traumatic brain injury in an in vitro laboratory model. We developed a novel blast traumatic brain injury model using C57BL/6N mouse organotypic hippocampal brain-slice cultures exposed to a single shockwave, with the resulting injury quantified using propidium iodide fluorescence. A shock tube blast generator was used to simulate open field explosive blast shockwaves, modeled by the Friedlander waveform. Exposure to blast shockwave resulted in significant (p < 0.01) injury that increased with peak-overpressure and impulse of the shockwave, and which exhibited a secondary injury development up to 72 h after trauma. Blast-induced propidium iodide fluorescence overlapped with cleaved caspase-3 immunofluorescence, indicating that shock-wave–induced cell death involves apoptosis. Xenon (50% atm) applied 1 h after blast exposure reduced injury 24 h (p < 0.01), 48 h (p < 0.05), and 72 h (p < 0.001) later, compared with untreated control injury. Xenon-treated injured slices were not significantly different from uninjured sham slices at 24 h and 72 h. We demonstrate for the first time that xenon treatment after blast traumatic brain injury reduces initial injury and prevents subsequent injury development in vitro. Our findings support the idea that xenon may be a potential first-line treatment for those with blast-induced traumatic brain injury. PMID:29285980

  4. [Traumatic brain injuries--forensic and expertise aspects].

    PubMed

    Vuleković, Petar; Simić, Milan; Misić-Pavkov, Gordana; Cigić, Tomislav; Kojadinović, Zeljko; Dilvesi, Dula

    2008-01-01

    Traumatic brain injuries have major socio-economic importance due to their frequency, high mortality and serious consequences. According to their nature the consequences of these injuries may be classified as neurological, psychiatric and esthetic. Various lesions of brain structures cause neurological consequences such as disturbance of motor functions, sensibility, coordination or involuntary movements, speech disturbances and other deviations, as well as epilepsy. Psychiatric consequences include cognitive deficit, emotional disturbances and behavior disturbances. CRIMINAL-LEGAL ASPECT OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES AND LITIGATION: Criminal-legal aspect of traumatic brain injuries expertise understands the qualification of these injuries as mild, serious and qualified serious body injuries as well as the expertise about the mechanisms of their occurrence. Litigation expertise includes the estimation of pain, fear, diminished, i.e. lost vital activity and disability, esthetic marring, and psychological suffer based on the diminished general vital activity and esthetic marring. Evaluation of consequences of traumatic brain injuries should be performed only when it can be positively confirmed that they are permanent, i.e. at least one year after the injury. Expertise of these injuries is interdisciplinary. Among clinical doctors the most competent medical expert is the one who is in charge for diagnostics and injury treatment, with the recommendation to avoid, if possible, the doctor who conducted treatment. For the estimation of general vital activity, the neurological consequences, pain and esthetic marring expertise, the most competent doctors are neurosurgeon and neurologist. Psychological psychiatric consequences and fear expertise have to be performed by the psychiatrist. Specialists of forensic medicine contribute with knowledge of criminal low and legal expertise.

  5. Neuroimaging in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Other Stress-related Disorders

    PubMed Central

    Bremner, J. Douglas

    2009-01-01

    Synopsis Traumatic stress has a broad range of effects on the brain. Brain areas implicated in the stress response include the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. Studies in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychiatric disorders related to stress have replicated findings in animal studies by finding alterations in these brain areas. Brain regions implicated in PTSD also play an important role in memory function, highlighting the important interplay between memory and the traumatic stress response. Abnormalities in these brain areas are hypothesized to underlie symptoms of PTSD and other stress-related psychiatric disorders. PMID:17983968

  6. Concussion, microvascular injury, and early tauopathy in young athletes after impact head injury and an impact concussion mouse model

    PubMed Central

    Tagge, Chad A; Fisher, Andrew M; Minaeva, Olga V; Gaudreau-Balderrama, Amanda; Moncaster, Juliet A; Zhang, Xiao-Lei; Wojnarowicz, Mark W; Casey, Noel; Lu, Haiyan; Kokiko-Cochran, Olga N; Saman, Sudad; Ericsson, Maria; Onos, Kristen D; Veksler, Ronel; Senatorov, Vladimir V; Kondo, Asami; Zhou, Xiao Z; Miry, Omid; Vose, Linnea R; Gopaul, Katisha R; Upreti, Chirag; Nowinski, Christopher J; Cantu, Robert C; Alvarez, Victor E; Hildebrandt, Audrey M; Franz, Erich S; Konrad, Janusz; Hamilton, James A; Hua, Ning; Tripodis, Yorghos; Anderson, Andrew T; Howell, Gareth R; Kaufer, Daniela; Hall, Garth F; Lu, Kun P; Ransohoff, Richard M; Cleveland, Robin O; Kowall, Neil W; Stein, Thor D; Lamb, Bruce T; Huber, Bertrand R; Moss, William C; Friedman, Alon; Stanton, Patric K; McKee, Ann C; Goldstein, Lee E

    2018-01-01

    Abstract The mechanisms underpinning concussion, traumatic brain injury, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and the relationships between these disorders, are poorly understood. We examined post-mortem brains from teenage athletes in the acute-subacute period after mild closed-head impact injury and found astrocytosis, myelinated axonopathy, microvascular injury, perivascular neuroinflammation, and phosphorylated tau protein pathology. To investigate causal mechanisms, we developed a mouse model of lateral closed-head impact injury that uses momentum transfer to induce traumatic head acceleration. Unanaesthetized mice subjected to unilateral impact exhibited abrupt onset, transient course, and rapid resolution of a concussion-like syndrome characterized by altered arousal, contralateral hemiparesis, truncal ataxia, locomotor and balance impairments, and neurobehavioural deficits. Experimental impact injury was associated with axonopathy, blood–brain barrier disruption, astrocytosis, microgliosis (with activation of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells, TREM2), monocyte infiltration, and phosphorylated tauopathy in cerebral cortex ipsilateral and subjacent to impact. Phosphorylated tauopathy was detected in ipsilateral axons by 24 h, bilateral axons and soma by 2 weeks, and distant cortex bilaterally at 5.5 months post-injury. Impact pathologies co-localized with serum albumin extravasation in the brain that was diagnostically detectable in living mice by dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. These pathologies were also accompanied by early, persistent, and bilateral impairment in axonal conduction velocity in the hippocampus and defective long-term potentiation of synaptic neurotransmission in the medial prefrontal cortex, brain regions distant from acute brain injury. Surprisingly, acute neurobehavioural deficits at the time of injury did not correlate with blood–brain barrier disruption, microgliosis, neuroinflammation, phosphorylated tauopathy, or electrophysiological dysfunction. Furthermore, concussion-like deficits were observed after impact injury, but not after blast exposure under experimental conditions matched for head kinematics. Computational modelling showed that impact injury generated focal point loading on the head and seven-fold greater peak shear stress in the brain compared to blast exposure. Moreover, intracerebral shear stress peaked before onset of gross head motion. By comparison, blast induced distributed force loading on the head and diffuse, lower magnitude shear stress in the brain. We conclude that force loading mechanics at the time of injury shape acute neurobehavioural responses, structural brain damage, and neuropathological sequelae triggered by neurotrauma. These results indicate that closed-head impact injuries, independent of concussive signs, can induce traumatic brain injury as well as early pathologies and functional sequelae associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy. These results also shed light on the origins of concussion and relationship to traumatic brain injury and its aftermath. PMID:29360998

  7. Does intracranial pressure management hurt more than it helps in traumatic brain injury?

    PubMed Central

    Adams, Charles A; Stein, Deborah M; Scalea, Thomas M

    2018-01-01

    Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death after traumatic injury. Raised intracranial pressure (ICP) is particularly associated with poor TBI outcomes, prompting clinicians to monitor this parameter, using it to guide therapies aimed at reducing pressures. Despite this approach being recommended by several bodies such as the Brain Trauma Foundation and the American College of Surgeons, the evidence demonstrating that ICP-guided therapy improves outcome is limited. The topic was debated at the 36th Annual Point/Counterpoint Acute Care Surgery Conference and the following article summarizes the discussants points of view along with a summary of the evidence. Level of evidence Level III. PMID:29766131

  8. Traumatic Brain Injury: Unmet Support Needs of Caregivers and Families in Florida

    PubMed Central

    Dillahunt-Aspillaga, Christina; Jorgensen-Smith, Tammy; Ehlke, Sarah; Sosinski, Melanie; Monroe, Douglas; Thor, Jennifer

    2013-01-01

    Sustaining a Traumatic Brain Injury results in familial strain due to the significant impact the injury has upon the role and function of individuals and their families at home and in the community. Using the Stress Process Model of Caregiving, a caregiver needs assessment survey was developed and conducted to better understand the needs of individuals with a Traumatic Brain Injury and their caregivers. Survey results indicate that caregivers experience many challenges including unmet needs in areas of relational supports such as maintaining relationships, long-term emotional and financial support for themselves and the survivor, and the need for a patient or caregiver advocate. Implications for future practice are presented. PMID:24358236

  9. Down-Regulation of Olfactory Receptors in Response to Traumatic Brain Injury Promotes Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-10-01

    SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 14. ABSTRACT Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a risk factor for subsequent development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Abnormal tau...Special Reporting Requirements……………………………………10 9. Appendices……………………………………………………………10 1. INTRODUCTION Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a risk factor for... risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, Neurosci. Biobehav. Rev. 36(5), 1376-81. Teague SJ, Davis AM, Leeson PD, Oprea T (1999) The Design of Leadlike

  10. Predictors of Major Depression and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Following Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

    PubMed

    Cnossen, Maryse C; Scholten, Annemieke C; Lingsma, Hester F; Synnot, Anneliese; Haagsma, Juanita; Steyerberg, Prof Ewout W; Polinder, Suzanne

    2017-01-01

    Although major depressive disorder (MDD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are prevalent after traumatic brain injury (TBI), little is known about which patients are at risk for developing them. The authors systematically reviewed the literature on predictors and multivariable models for MDD and PTSD after TBI. The authors included 26 observational studies. MDD was associated with female gender, preinjury depression, postinjury unemployment, and lower brain volume, whereas PTSD was related to shorter posttraumatic amnesia, memory of the traumatic event, and early posttraumatic symptoms. Risk of bias ratings for most studies were acceptable, although studies that developed a multivariable model suffered from methodological shortcomings.

  11. Cognitive profile and disorders affecting higher brain functions in paediatric patients with neurofibromatosis type 1.

    PubMed

    Vaucheret Paz, E; López Ballent, A; Puga, C; García Basalo, M J; Baliarda, F; Ekonen, C; Ilari, R; Agosta, G

    2017-04-18

    Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common neurocutaneous syndrome often associated with specific cognitive deficits that are rarely monitored during follow-up of these patients. The purpose of our study is two-fold. First, we aimed to describe the cognitive profile of patients with NF1 and detect disorders in higher brain functions associated with the disease. Second, we identified the reasons for consultation associated with school performance in these patients. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study of 24 paediatric patients (ages 5 to 16) with NF1 who underwent neuropsychological assessment. The most frequent reasons for consultation were attention deficits (58.33%), learning disorders (25%), poor motor coordination (25%), and language impairment (0.8%). Although 96% of the patients displayed impairments in at least one of the assessed areas, only 83.34% of the parents had reported such impairments. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was present in 58.33% of the patients, whereas 33.33% had nonverbal learning disabilities, 20.83% had expressive language disorder, 8.33% had borderline intellectual functioning, 4.16% had mental retardation, and only 4.16% showed no cognitive impairment. Higher brain functions are frequently impaired in paediatric patients with NF1. Although many parents report such disorders, they can go undetected in some cases. Neuropsychological assessment is recommended for all paediatric patients with NF1 to detect cognitive impairment and provide early, effective rehabilitation treatment. Copyright © 2017 Sociedad Española de Neurología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  12. Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, Annual Report 2009

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-01-01

    applications for recovering from disaster and trauma Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center Develops and delivers advanced TBI-specifi c treatment...specifically aimed at developing cognitive and motor therapy tools using videogame technology, game-based PH outreach tools and support tools for children of...Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Annual Report 2009 Report Documentation Page Form ApprovedOMB No

  13. Development of in Vivo Biomarkers for Progressive Tau Pathology after Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-11-01

    Psychological medicine 1973;3:270-303. 3. Jordan BD. Chronic traumatic brain injury associated with boxing. Seminars in neurology 2000;20:179- 185...astrogliosis in sham or injured animals. In summary, we show that repetitive brain injury produces persistent behavioral abnormalities as late as one...sections, we used power coherence as a measure of white matter integrity as previously described.32 Briefly, each ROI was subdivided into square

  14. Clinical Phase IIB Trial of Oxycyte Perflurocarbon in Severe Human Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-10-01

    TERMS Penetrating ballistic brain injury, ischemia, hypoxia, perfluorocarbon , cell death, perfusion. 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION...SUBTITLE The Role of Perfluorocarbons in Mitigating Traumatic Brain Injury 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER W81XWH-08-1-0419 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM...damage seems to be mediated by mechanisms that follow the initial injury (secondary mechanisms). Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) are one of the methods by which

  15. Using external lumbar CSF drainage to treat communicating external hydrocephalus in adult patients after acute traumatic or non-traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Manet, Romain; Payen, Jean-François; Guerin, Romain; Martinez, Orianne; Hautefeuille, Serge; Francony, Gilles; Gergelé, Laurent

    2017-10-01

    Despite various treatments to control intracranial pressure (ICP) after brain injury, patients may present a late onset of high ICP or a poor response to medications. External lumbar drainage (ELD) can be considered a therapeutic option if high ICP is due to communicating external hydrocephalus. We aimed at describing the efficacy and safety of ELD used in a cohort of traumatic or non-traumatic brain-injured patients. In this multicentre retrospective analysis, patients had a delayed onset of high ICP after the initial injury and/or a poor response to ICP treatments. ELD was considered in the presence of radiological signs of communicating external hydrocephalus. Changes in ICP values and side effects following the ELD procedure were reported. Thirty-three patients with a median age of 51 years (25-75th percentile: 34-61 years) were admitted after traumatic (n = 22) or non-traumatic (n = 11) brain injuries. Their initial Glasgow Coma Scale score was 8 (4-11). Eight patients underwent external ventricular drainage prior to ELD. Median time to ELD insertion was 5 days (4-8) after brain insult. In all patients, ELD was dramatically effective in lowering ICP: 25 mmHg (20-31) before versus 7 mmHg (3-10) after (p < 0.001). None of the patients showed adverse effects such as pupil changes or intracranial bleeding after the procedure. One patient developed an ELD-related infection. These findings indicate that ELD may be considered potentially effective in controlling ICP, remaining safe if a firm diagnosis of communicating external hydrocephalus has been made.

  16. Liberal Bias Mediates Emotion Recognition Deficits in Frontal Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Callahan, Brandy L.; Ueda, Keita; Sakata, Daisuke; Plamondon, Andre; Murai, Toshiya

    2011-01-01

    It is well-known that patients having sustained frontal-lobe traumatic brain injury (TBI) are severely impaired on tests of emotion recognition. Indeed, these patients have significant difficulty recognizing facial expressions of emotion, and such deficits are often associated with decreased social functioning and poor quality of life. As of yet,…

  17. Motor Deficits Following Pediatric Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Implications for School Psychologists

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Davis, Andrew S.; Moore, Brittney; Rice, Valerie; Decker, Scott

    2015-01-01

    Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), sometimes referred to as concussion, is one of the most common acquired neurological problems of childhood. When children return to school following mTBI, school psychologists should be actively involved in the determination of neurocognitive and functional deficits for the purpose of designing strength-based…

  18. Defense.gov - Special Report: Defense Centers of Excellence

    Science.gov Websites

    Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) assesses, validates, oversees and programs for psychological health and traumatic brain injury to ensure the Defense Department meets the audience of more than 1,000 military and other government agency health-care workers and officials gathered

  19. Return to Work Following Traumatic Brain Injury. Special Issue, Volume 5, Number 1.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Goodall, Patricia, Ed.

    The report examines employment service issues related to assisting persons who have suffered traumatic brain injury to re-enter the labor force and maintain their employment. An interdisciplinary team treatment approach is recommended and the roles of each of the following professionals are summarized: employment specialist, neuropsychologist,…

  20. Behavior Problems in School and Their Educational Correlates among Children with Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Yeates, Keith Owen; Taylor, H. Gerry

    2006-01-01

    This study examined the emotional and behavioral adjustment of children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in school and its relationship to post-injury academic performance and educational interventions. Teachers' ratings of child behavior and academic performance were collected during a prospective, longitudinal study of 53 children with severe…

  1. Interventions for Students with Traumatic Brain Injury: Managing Behavioral Disturbances.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kehle, Thomas J.; And Others

    1996-01-01

    This article discusses behavioral sequelae common in children and adolescents following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the design of intervention strategies. Emphasis is on the unique needs of these students and the cognitive sequelae of TBI (such as impaired attention, reasoning, learning, and memory) that can cause further behavioral…

  2. Biologic and plastic effects of experimental traumatic brain injury treatment paradigms and their relevance to clinical rehabilitation

    PubMed Central

    Garcia, Alexandra N.; Shah, Mansi A.; Dixon, C. Edward; Wagner, Amy K.; Kline, Anthony E.

    2011-01-01

    Neuroplastic changes, whether induced by traumatic brain injury (TBI) or therapeutic interventions, alter neurobehavioral outcome. Here we present several treatment strategies that have been evaluated using experimental TBI models and discuss potential mechanisms of action (i.e., plasticity) and how such changes affect function. PMID:21703575

  3. Text-to-Speech and Reading While Listening: Reading Support for Individuals with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Harvey, Judy

    2013-01-01

    Individuals with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) often have reading challenges. They maintain or reestablish basic decoding and word recognition skills following injury, but problems with reading comprehension often persist. Practitioners have the potential to accommodate struggling readers by changing the presentational mode of text in a…

  4. Barriers to Meeting the Needs of Students with Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Canto, Angela I.; Chesire, David J.; Buckley, Valerie A.; Andrews, Terrie W.; Roehrig, Alysia D.

    2014-01-01

    Many students with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are identified by the medical community each year and many more experience head injuries that are not examined by medical personnel. School psychologists and allied consultants have important liaison roles to identify and assist these students post-injury. In this study, 75 school psychologists (the…

  5. Traumatic Brain Injury and Grief: Considerations and Practical Strategies for School Psychologists

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jantz, Paul B.; Comerchero, Victoria A.; Canto, Angela I.; Pierson, Eric

    2015-01-01

    Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result in a range of social, emotional, neurological, cognitive, and behavioral outcomes. If these outcomes are significant, family members and the individual who has sustained the TBI may struggle with accepting the effects of these deficits. They may grieve over disrupted family relationships, roles, and routines…

  6. Predicting Story Goodness Performance from Cognitive Measures Following Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Le, Karen; Coelho, Carl; Mozeiko, Jennifer; Krueger, Frank; Grafman, Jordan

    2012-01-01

    Purpose: This study examined the prediction of performance on measures of the Story Goodness Index (SGI; Le, Coelho, Mozeiko, & Grafman, 2011) from executive function (EF) and memory measures following traumatic brain injury (TBI). It was hypothesized that EF and memory measures would significantly predict SGI outcomes. Method: One hundred…

  7. Physicians' Initial Forensic Impressions of Hypothetical Cases of Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Laskey, Antoinette L.; Sheridan, Michael J.; Hymel, Kent P.

    2007-01-01

    Objective: To describe physicians' initial forensic impressions of hypothetical cases of pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to compare the responses of pathologists and pediatricians. Method: A survey was administered to physicians who attended workshops on pediatric TBI; were members of two national internet list serves; and were members…

  8. Relation of Executive Functioning to Pragmatic Outcome following Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Douglas, Jacinta M.

    2010-01-01

    Purpose: This study was designed to explore the behavioral nature of pragmatic impairment following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to evaluate the contribution of executive skills to the experience of pragmatic difficulties after TBI. Method: Participants were grouped into 43 TBI dyads (TBI adults and close relatives) and 43 control…

  9. Topic Repetitiveness after Traumatic Brain Injury: An Emergent, Jointly Managed Behaviour

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Body, Richard; Parker, Mark

    2005-01-01

    Topic repetitiveness is a common component of pragmatic impairment and a powerful contributor to social exclusion. Despite this, description, characterization and intervention remain underdeveloped. This article explores the nature of repetitiveness in traumatic brain injury (TBI). A case study of one individual after TBI provides the basis for a…

  10. Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury: An Introduction

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Trudel, Tina M.; Scherer, Marcia J.; Elias, Eileen

    2009-01-01

    This article is the first of a multi-part series on traumatic brain injury (TBI). Historically, TBI has received very limited national public policy attention and support. However since it has become the signature injury of the military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, TBI has gained the attention of elected officials, military leaders,…

  11. Traumatic Brain Injury: Looking Back, Looking Forward

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bartlett, Sue; Lorenz, Laura; Rankin, Theresa; Elias, Eileen; Weider, Katie

    2011-01-01

    This article is the eighth of a multi-part series on traumatic brain injury (TBI). Historically, TBI has received limited national attention and support. However, since it is the signature injury of the military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, TBI has gained attention of elected officials, military leaders, policymakers, and the public. The…

  12. Traumatic Brain Injury: Exploring the Role of Cooperative Extension in Kansas Communities

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sellers, Debra M.; Garcia, Jane Mertz

    2012-01-01

    TBI"options" helps survivors of traumatic brain injury and their families identify, locate, and contact helpful organizations in their local communities to promote successful living. This article discusses the role of county agents in the program and the support offered by community partners. Results of pre- and post-surveys for both…

  13. Explaining Pragmatic Performance in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Process Perspective on Communicative Errors

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bosco, Francesca M.; Angeleri, Romina; Sacco, Katiuscia; Bara, Bruno G.

    2015-01-01

    Background: The purpose of this study is to investigate the pragmatic abilities of individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Several studies in the literature have previously reported communicative deficits in individuals with TBI, however such research has focused principally on communicative deficits in general, without providing an…

  14. Humor, Rapport, and Uncomfortable Moments in Interactions with Adults with Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kovarsky, Dana; Schiemer, Christine; Murray, Allison

    2011-01-01

    We examined uncomfortable moments that damaged rapport during group interactions between college students in training to become speech-language pathologists and adults with traumatic brain injury. The students worked as staff in a community-based program affiliated with a university training program that functioned as a recreational gathering…

  15. Traumatic Brain Injury and the Transition to Postsecondary Education: Recommendations for Student Success

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Davies, Susan C.; Trunk, Daniel J.; Kramer, Michaela M.

    2014-01-01

    For many students with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), postsecondary education presents a new set of cognitive, academic, social, and emotional challenges. Students with TBI warranted services and accommodations through an Individualized Education Program or 504 plan may find supports and services not readily accessible at the postsecondary…

  16. The Cognitive Basis for Sentence Planning Difficulties in Discourse after Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Peach, Richard K.

    2013-01-01

    Purpose: Analyses of language production of individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) place increasing emphasis on microlinguistic (i.e., within-sentence) patterns. It is unknown whether the observed problems involve implementation of well-formed sentence frames or represent a fundamental linguistic disturbance in computing sentence structure.…

  17. Return to Work and Social Communication Ability Following Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Douglas, Jacinta M.; Bracy, Christine A.; Snow, Pamela C.

    2016-01-01

    Purpose: Return to competitive employment presents a major challenge to adults who survive traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study was undertaken to better understand factors that shape employment outcome by comparing the communication profiles and self-awareness of communication deficits of adults who return to and maintain employment with those…

  18. Academic and Language Outcomes in Children after Traumatic Brain Injury: A Meta-Analysis

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Vu, Jennifer A.; Babikian, Talin; Asarnow, Robert F .

    2011-01-01

    Expanding on Babikian and Asarnow's (2009) meta-analytic study examining neurocognitive domains, this current meta-analysis examined academic and language outcomes at different time points post-traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children and adolescents. Although children with mild TBI exhibited no significant deficits, studies indicate that children…

  19. Neuroimaging Correlates of Novel Psychiatric Disorders after Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Max, Jeffrey E.; Wilde, Elisabeth A.; Bigler, Erin D.; Thompson, Wesley K.; MacLeod, Marianne; Vasquez, Ana C.; Merkley, Tricia L.; Hunter, Jill V.; Chu, Zili D.; Yallampalli, Ragini; Hotz, Gillian; Chapman, Sandra B.; Yang, Tony T.; Levin, Harvey S.

    2012-01-01

    Objective: To study magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) correlates of novel (new-onset) psychiatric disorders (NPD) after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and orthopedic injury (OI). Method: Participants were 7 to 17 years of age at the time of hospitalization for either TBI or OI. The study used a prospective, longitudinal, controlled design with…

  20. Time Perception in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Patients: A Study Comparing Different Methodologies

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mioni, G.; Mattalia, G.; Stablum, F.

    2013-01-01

    In this study, we investigated time perception in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Fifteen TBI patients and 15 matched healthy controls participated in the study. Participants were tested with durations above and below 1s on three different temporal tasks that involved time reproduction, production, and discrimination tasks. Data…

  1. Narrative Language in Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Marini, Andrea; Galetto, Valentina; Zampieri, Elisa; Vorano, Lorenza; Zettin, Marina; Carlomagno, Sergio

    2011-01-01

    Persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI) often show impaired linguistic and/or narrative abilities. The present study aimed to document the features of narrative discourse impairment in a group of adults with TBI. 14 severe TBI non-aphasic speakers (GCS less than 8) in the phase of neurological stability and 14 neurologically intact participants…

  2. Misconceptions about Traumatic Brain Injury among Students Preparing to Be Special Education Professionals

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hux, Karen; Bush, Erin; Evans, Kelli; Simanek, Gina

    2013-01-01

    The researchers performed a survey study to determine the effectiveness of collegiate programmes in dispelling common misconceptions about traumatic brain injury (TBI) while preparing undergraduate and graduate students for special education (SpEd) careers. Respondents included 136 undergraduate and 147 graduate SpEd students in their final…

  3. Sentence Processing in Traumatic Brain Injury: Evidence from the P600

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Key-DeLyria, Sarah E.

    2016-01-01

    Purpose: Sentence processing can be affected following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to linguistic or cognitive deficits. Language-related event-related potentials (ERPs), particularly the P600, have not been described in individuals with TBI history. Method: Four young adults with a history of closed head injury participated. Two had severe…

  4. TBI-ROC Part Nine: Diagnosing TBI and Psychiatric Disorders

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Elias, Eileen; Weider, Katie; Mustafa, Ruman

    2011-01-01

    This article is the ninth of a multi-part series on traumatic brain injury (TBI). It focuses on the process of diagnosing TBI and psychiatric disorders. Diagnosing traumatic brain injury can be challenging. It can be difficult differentiating TBI and psychiatric symptoms, as both have similar symptoms (e.g., memory problems, emotional outbursts,…

  5. Evaluation after Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Trudel, Tina M.; Halper, James; Pines, Hayley; Cancro, Lorraine

    2010-01-01

    It is important to determine if a traumatic brain injury (TBI) has occurred when an individual is assessed in a hospital emergency room after a car accident, fall, or other injury that affects the head. This determination influences decisions about treatment. It is essential to screen for the injury, because the sooner they begin appropriate…

  6. Hemispheric Visual Attentional Imbalance in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pavlovskaya, Marina; Groswasser, Zeev; Keren, Ofer; Mordvinov, Eugene; Hochstein, Shaul

    2007-01-01

    We find a spatially asymmetric allocation of attention in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) despite the lack of obvious asymmetry in neurological indicators. Identification performance was measured for simple spatial patterns presented briefly to a locus 5 degrees into the left or right hemifield, after precuing attention to the same…

  7. Biomarkers of traumatic injury are transported from brain to blood via the glymphatic system.

    PubMed

    Plog, Benjamin A; Dashnaw, Matthew L; Hitomi, Emi; Peng, Weiguo; Liao, Yonghong; Lou, Nanhong; Deane, Rashid; Nedergaard, Maiken

    2015-01-14

    The nonspecific and variable presentation of traumatic brain injury (TBI) has motivated an intense search for blood-based biomarkers that can objectively predict the severity of injury. However, it is not known how cytosolic proteins released from traumatized brain tissue reach the peripheral blood. Here we show in a murine TBI model that CSF movement through the recently characterized glymphatic pathway transports biomarkers to blood via the cervical lymphatics. Clinically relevant manipulation of glymphatic activity, including sleep deprivation and cisternotomy, suppressed or eliminated TBI-induced increases in serum S100β, GFAP, and neuron specific enolase. We conclude that routine TBI patient management may limit the clinical utility of blood-based biomarkers because their brain-to-blood transport depends on glymphatic activity. Copyright © 2015 the authors 0270-6474/15/350518-09$15.00/0.

  8. Found in translation: Understanding the biology and behavior of experimental traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Bondi, Corina O; Semple, Bridgette D; Noble-Haeusslein, Linda J; Osier, Nicole D; Carlson, Shaun W; Dixon, C Edward; Giza, Christopher C; Kline, Anthony E

    2015-11-01

    The aim of this review is to discuss in greater detail the topics covered in the recent symposium entitled "Traumatic brain injury: laboratory and clinical perspectives," presented at the 2014 International Behavioral Neuroscience Society annual meeting. Herein, we review contemporary laboratory models of traumatic brain injury (TBI) including common assays for sensorimotor and cognitive behavior. New modalities to evaluate social behavior after injury to the developing brain, as well as the attentional set-shifting test (AST) as a measure of executive function in TBI, will be highlighted. Environmental enrichment (EE) will be discussed as a preclinical model of neurorehabilitation, and finally, an evidence-based approach to sports-related concussion will be considered. The review consists predominantly of published data, but some discussion of ongoing or future directions is provided. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Tics after traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Ranjan, Nishant; Nair, Krishnan Padmakumari Sivaraman; Romanoski, Charles; Singh, Rajiv; Venketswara, Guruprasad

    2011-01-01

    Tics are involuntary non-rhythmic, stereotyped muscle contractions which can be suppressed temporarily. Tics usually start during childhood as part of Tourette syndrome. Adult onset tics are infrequent. This study reports on an adult man who developed tics 1 year after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Case report and review of literature. A 19-year-old man sustained TBI following a road traffic accident. He did not have tics or features of obsessive compulsive disorder before the brain injury. A year after injury he developed motor and vocal tics. Magnetic resonance image of the brain showed lesions in the basal ganglia. A search of databases Medline, EMBASE and CINHAL found only four publications on tics in adults with TBI. None of these reported cases had lesions in the basal ganglia. Tics are a rare complication of TBI. People with early onset post-traumatic tics may have had a previously unrecognized, mild tic disorder or a genetic predisposition for tics, which was unmasked by the TBI. In contrast, late post-traumatic tics could be due to delayed effects of injury on neural circuits connecting the frontal cortex and basal ganglia.

  10. Race/Ethnicity and Retention in Traumatic Brain Injury Outcomes Research: A Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems National Database Study.

    PubMed

    Sander, Angelle M; Lequerica, Anthony H; Ketchum, Jessica M; Hammond, Flora M; Gary, Kelli Williams; Pappadis, Monique R; Felix, Elizabeth R; Johnson-Greene, Douglas; Bushnik, Tamara

    2018-05-31

    To investigate the contribution of race/ethnicity to retention in traumatic brain injury (TBI) research at 1 to 2 years postinjury. Community. With dates of injury between October 1, 2002, and March 31, 2013, 5548 whites, 1347 blacks, and 790 Hispanics enrolled in the Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems National Database. Retrospective database analysis. Retention, defined as completion of at least 1 question on the follow-up interview by the person with TBI or a proxy. Retention rates 1 to 2 years post-TBI were significantly lower for Hispanic (85.2%) than for white (91.8%) or black participants (90.5%) and depended significantly on history of problem drug or alcohol use. Other variables associated with low retention included older age, lower education, violent cause of injury, and discharge to an institution versus private residence. The findings emphasize the importance of investigating retention rates separately for blacks and Hispanics rather than combining them or grouping either with other races or ethnicities. The results also suggest the need for implementing procedures to increase retention of Hispanics in longitudinal TBI research.

  11. Treatment of metaphor interpretation deficits subsequent to traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Brownell, Hiram; Lundgren, Kristine; Cayer-Meade, Carol; Milione, Janet; Katz, Douglas I; Kearns, Kevin

    2013-01-01

    To improve oral interpretation of metaphors by patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Both single subject experimental design and group analysis. Patients' homes. Eight adult patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury sustained 3 to 20 years before testing. The Metaphor Training Program consisted typically of 10 baseline sessions, 3 to 9 1-hour sessions of structured intervention, and 10 posttraining baseline sessions. Training used extensive practice with simple graphic displays to illustrate semantic associations. Quality of orally produced metaphor interpretation and accuracy of line orientation judgments served as dependent measures obtained during baseline, training, posttraining, and at a 3- to 4-month follow-up. Untrained line orientation judgments provided a control measure. Group data showed significant improvement in metaphor interpretation but not in line orientation. Six of 8 patients individually demonstrated significant improvement in metaphor interpretation. Gains persisted for 3 of the 6 patients at the 3- to 4-month follow-up. The Metaphor Training Program can improve cognitive-communication performance for individuals with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. Results support the potential for treating patients' residual cognitive-linguistic deficits.

  12. Former combatants in Liberia: the burden of possible traumatic brain injury among demobilized combatants.

    PubMed

    Johnson, Kirsten; Asher, Jana; Kisielewski, Michael; Lawry, Lynn

    2012-05-01

    To provide a better understanding of any associations between Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration, previous head injury, and mental health symptoms among former combatants in Liberia. A cluster-sampled national survey of the adult household-based Liberian population. Former combatants with reported head injury were more likely to experience major depressive disorder symptoms, suicidal ideation and attempts, and current substance abuse. Former combatants with head injury are 2.83 times more likely to have major depressive disorder symptoms, and those with suspected traumatic brain injury are five times more likely to have post-traumatic stress disorder. The poor mental health of former combatants in Liberia, both child and adult, might be mitigated if Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration programming assessed participants for head trauma and traumatic brain injury using simple screening methods. The specific health and mental health needs of ex-combatants--a highly vulnerable group--will need to be addressed by Liberia. If left untreated, ex-combatants with high rates of suicidal ideation and post-traumatic stress disorder might be susceptible to re-recruitment into new conflicts in the region.

  13. Persistent Sleep Disturbances Independently Predict Poorer Functional and Social Outcomes 1 Year After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

    PubMed

    Chan, Lai Gwen; Feinstein, Anthony

    2015-01-01

    To investigate the effect of sleep disturbances on functional and social outcomes after mild traumatic brain injury. Outpatient traumatic brain injury clinic in a tertiary trauma center. A total of 374 mild traumatic brain injury patients were assessed within 3 months of injury and followed up every 3 months for 1 year. Analysis of a historical cohort in a naturalistic clinical setting. At each visit, symptoms of concussion and psychological distress and indices of functional and social outcomes were measured with the Rivermead Postconcussion Questionnaire, 28-item General Health Questionnaire, and Rivermead Head Injury Follow-up Questionnaire, respectively. Changes in outcome scores over time were explored using repeated measures analysis of variance and compared between subjects with persistent (SD) and recovered (SR) sleep disturbances. Predictors of functional/social outcome were determined using linear regression. The percentages of subjects reporting sleep disturbances at each time point were 71.9%, 57.2%, 55.1%, and 53.7%, respectively. For functional and social outcomes, significant effects of time (F3,315 = 9.54; P < .001), group (SD vs SR) F1,317 = 5.32; P = .022, and time X group interaction F3,315 = 4.14; P = .007 were found. Persistent sleep disturbance (P = 0.011) and higher symptom burden at 6 months postinjury (P < .0001) were independent predictors of poorer outcome. Sleep disturbance, independent of psychological distress, is an important prognostic factor of functional and social outcomes after mild traumatic brain injury.

  14. An evaluation of antisocial behaviour in children after traumatic brain injury: the prospect of improving the quality of life in rehabilitation.

    PubMed

    Tomaszewski, Wiesław; Buliński, Leszek; Mirski, Andrzej; Rasmus, Anna; Kowalczyk, Jakub; Bazan, Maria; Pąchalska, Maria

    2014-01-01

    The aim of the article is to present the consequences of traumatic brain injury in children, associated with general cognition and behavioural disorders, mainly of the antisocial type. A total of 20 school-age children took part in the study, including six girls and 14 boys. The average age of the children was 13.35 years (standard deviation SD = 1.95). The research instruments included an analysis of documentation, a structured clinical interview, MMSE and Frontal Behavioral Inventory (FBInv) with additional set of five supplementary questions directed for detection of antisocial behavior. The research was conducted from the beginning of January 2009 until the end of May 2009. As hypothesized, the functioning of the children with traumatic brain injury is severely disrupted, because of the presence of cognitive impairment, however, dementia is not manifested. In a significant number of the children with traumatic brain injury we found not only the frontal syndrome, but also the occurrence of antisocial behaviour. The most commonly reported behavioural problems were: disorganization commonly referred to as laziness, hypersensitivity, and anxiety. The most common types of anti-social behaviour were: impulsivity, physical and verbal aggression, and also an outburst of anger. The children with traumatic brain injury suffer from a cognitive disorders and behavioural problems, especially impulsivity, physical and verbal aggression, increased anxiety, and disorganization. The occurrence of frontal syndrome is related to the development of antisocial behaviour.

  15. A systematic review of peer mentoring interventions for people with traumatic brain injury.

    PubMed

    Morris, Richard Pg; Fletcher-Smith, Joanna C; Radford, Kathryn A

    2017-08-01

    This systematic review sought evidence concerning the effectiveness of peer mentoring for people with traumatic brain injury. Fourteen electronic databases were searched, including PsycINFO, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library, from inception to September 21 2016. Ten grey literature databases, PROSPERO, two trials registers, reference lists and author citations were also searched. Studies which employed a model of one-to-one peer mentoring between traumatic brain injury survivors were included. Two reviewers independently screened all titles and abstracts before screening full texts of shortlisted studies. A third reviewer resolved disagreements. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed studies for quality and risk of bias. The search returned 753 records, including one identified through hand searching. 495 records remained after removal of duplicates and 459 were excluded after screening. Full texts were assessed for the remaining 36 studies and six met the inclusion criteria. All were conducted in the United States between 1996 and 2012 and employed a variety of designs including two randomised controlled trials. A total of 288 people with traumatic brain injury participated in the studies. No significant improvements in social activity level or social network size were found, but significant improvements were shown in areas including behavioural control, mood, coping and quality of life. There is limited evidence for the effectiveness of peer mentoring after traumatic brain injury. The available evidence comes from small-scale studies, of variable quality, without detailed information on the content of sessions or the 'active ingredient' of the interventions.

  16. Angiotensin II AT1 receptor blockers as treatments for inflammatory brain disorders

    PubMed Central

    SAAVEDRA, Juan M.

    2012-01-01

    The effects of brain AngII (angiotensin II) depend on AT1 receptor (AngII type 1 receptor) stimulation and include regulation of cerebrovascular flow, autonomic and hormonal systems, stress, innate immune response and behaviour. Excessive brain AT1 receptor activity associates with hypertension and heart failure, brain ischaemia, abnormal stress responses, blood–brain barrier breakdown and inflammation. These are risk factors leading to neuronal injury, the incidence and progression of neurodegerative, mood and traumatic brain disorders, and cognitive decline. In rodents, ARBs (AT1 receptor blockers) ameliorate stress-induced disorders, anxiety and depression, protect cerebral blood flow during stroke, decrease brain inflammation and amyloid-β neurotoxicity and reduce traumatic brain injury. Direct anti-inflammatory protective effects, demonstrated in cultured microglia, cerebrovascular endothelial cells, neurons and human circulating monocytes, may result not only in AT1 receptor blockade, but also from PPARγ (peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor γ) stimulation. Controlled clinical studies indicate that ARBs protect cognition after stroke and during aging, and cohort analyses reveal that these compounds significantly reduce the incidence and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. ARBs are commonly used for the therapy of hypertension, diabetes and stroke, but have not been studied in the context of neurodegenerative, mood or traumatic brain disorders, conditions lacking effective therapy. These compounds are well-tolerated pleiotropic neuroprotective agents with additional beneficial cardiovascular and metabolic profiles, and their use in central nervous system disorders offers a novel therapeutic approach of immediate translational value. ARBs should be tested for the prevention and therapy of neurodegenerative disorders, in particular Alzheimer’s disease, affective disorders, such as co-morbid cardiovascular disease and depression, and traumatic brain injury. PMID:22827472

  17. Predicting Intracranial Pressure and Brain Tissue Oxygen Crises in Patients With Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

    PubMed

    Myers, Risa B; Lazaridis, Christos; Jermaine, Christopher M; Robertson, Claudia S; Rusin, Craig G

    2016-09-01

    To develop computer algorithms that can recognize physiologic patterns in traumatic brain injury patients that occur in advance of intracranial pressure and partial brain tissue oxygenation crises. The automated early detection of crisis precursors can provide clinicians with time to intervene in order to prevent or mitigate secondary brain injury. A retrospective study was conducted from prospectively collected physiologic data. intracranial pressure, and partial brain tissue oxygenation crisis events were defined as intracranial pressure of greater than or equal to 20 mm Hg lasting at least 15 minutes and partial brain tissue oxygenation value of less than 10 mm Hg for at least 10 minutes, respectively. The physiologic data preceding each crisis event were used to identify precursors associated with crisis onset. Multivariate classification models were applied to recorded data in 30-minute epochs of time to predict crises between 15 and 360 minutes in the future. The neurosurgical unit of Ben Taub Hospital (Houston, TX). Our cohort consisted of 817 subjects with severe traumatic brain injury. Our algorithm can predict the onset of intracranial pressure crises with 30-minute advance warning with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.86 using only intracranial pressure measurements and time since last crisis. An analogous algorithm can predict the start of partial brain tissue oxygenation crises with 30-minute advanced warning with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.91. Our algorithms provide accurate and timely predictions of intracranial hypertension and tissue hypoxia crises in patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Almost all of the information needed to predict the onset of these events is contained within the signal of interest and the time since last crisis.

  18. Cost-effectiveness of the PECARN rules in children with minor head trauma.

    PubMed

    Nishijima, Daniel K; Yang, Zhuo; Urbich, Michael; Holmes, James F; Zwienenberg-Lee, Marike; Melnikow, Joy; Kuppermann, Nathan

    2015-01-01

    To improve the efficiency and appropriateness of computed tomography (CT) use in children with minor head trauma, clinical prediction rules were derived and validated by the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN). The objective of this study was to conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing the PECARN traumatic brain injury prediction rules to usual care for selective CT use. We used decision analytic modeling to project the outcomes, costs, and cost-effectiveness of applying the PECARN rules compared with usual care in a hypothetical cohort of 1,000 children with minor blunt head trauma. Clinical management was directed by level of risk as specified by the presence or absence of variables in the PECARN traumatic brain injury prediction rules. Immediate costs of care (diagnostic testing, treatment [not including clinician time], and hospital stay) were derived on single-center data. Quality-adjusted life-year losses related to the sequelae of clinically important traumatic brain injuries and to radiation-induced cancers, number of CT scans, number of radiation-induced cancers, number of missed clinically important traumatic brain injury, and total costs were evaluated. Compared with the usual care strategy, the PECARN strategy was projected to miss slightly more children with clinically important traumatic brain injuries (0.26 versus 0.02 per 1,000 children) but used fewer cranial CT scans (274 versus 353), resulted in fewer radiation-induced cancers (0.34 versus 0.45), cost less ($904,940 versus $954,420), and had lower net quality-adjusted life-year loss (-4.64 versus -5.79). Because the PECARN strategy was more effective (less quality-adjusted life-year loss) and less costly, it dominated the usual care strategy. Results were robust under sensitivity analyses. Application of the PECARN traumatic brain injury prediction rules for children with minor head trauma would lead to beneficial outcomes and more cost-effective care. Copyright © 2014 American College of Emergency Physicians. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Hypothermia for Traumatic Brain Injury in Children-A Phase II Randomized Controlled Trial.

    PubMed

    Beca, John; McSharry, Brent; Erickson, Simon; Yung, Michael; Schibler, Andreas; Slater, Anthony; Wilkins, Barry; Singhal, Ash; Williams, Gary; Sherring, Claire; Butt, Warwick

    2015-07-01

    To perform a pilot study to assess the feasibility of performing a phase III trial of therapeutic hypothermia started early and continued for at least 72 hours in children with severe traumatic brain injury. Multicenter prospective randomized controlled phase II trial. All eight of the PICUs in Australia and New Zealand and one in Canada. Children 1-15 years old with severe traumatic brain injury and who could be randomized within 6 hours of injury. The control group had strict normothermia to a temperature of 36-37°C for 72 hours. The intervention group had therapeutic hypothermia to a temperature of 32-33°C for 72 hours followed by slow rewarming at a rate compatible with maintaining intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure. Of 764 children admitted to PICU with traumatic brain injury, 92 (12%) were eligible and 55 (7.2%) were recruited. There were five major protocol violations (9%): three related to recruitment and consent processes and two to incorrect temperature management. Rewarming took a median of 21.5 hours (16-35 hr) and was performed without compromise in the cerebral perfusion pressure. There was no increase in any complications, including infections, bleeding, and arrhythmias. There was no difference in outcomes 12 months after injury; in the therapeutic hypothermia group, four (17%) had a bad outcome (pediatric cerebral performance category, 4-6) and three (13%) died, whereas in the normothermia group, three (12%) had a bad outcome and one (4%) died. Early therapeutic hypothermia in children with severe traumatic brain injury does not improve outcome and should not be used outside a clinical trial. Recruitment rates were lower and outcomes were better than expected. Conventional randomized controlled trials in children with severe traumatic brain injury are unlikely to be feasible. A large international trials group and alternative approaches to trial design will be required to further inform practice.

  20. Ketamine Alters Hippocampal Cell Proliferation and Improves Learning in Mice after Traumatic Brain Injury.

    PubMed

    Peters, Austin J; Villasana, Laura E; Schnell, Eric

    2018-04-30

    Traumatic brain injury induces cellular proliferation in the hippocampus, which generates new neurons and glial cells during recovery. This process is regulated by N-methyl-D-aspartate-type glutamate receptors, which are inhibited by ketamine. The authors hypothesized that ketamine treatment after traumatic brain injury would reduce hippocampal cell proliferation, leading to worse behavioral outcomes in mice. Traumatic brain injury was induced in mice using a controlled cortical impact injury, after which mice (N = 118) received either ketamine or vehicle systemically for 1 week. The authors utilized immunohistochemical assays to evaluate neuronal, astroglial, and microglial cell proliferation and survival 3 days, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks postintervention. The Morris water maze reversal task was used to assess cognitive recovery. Ketamine dramatically increased microglial proliferation in the granule cell layer of the hippocampus 3 days after injury (injury + vehicle, 2,800 ± 2,700 cells/mm, n = 4; injury + ketamine, 11,200 ± 6,600 cells/mm, n = 6; P = 0.012). Ketamine treatment also prevented the production of astrocytes 2 weeks after injury (sham + vehicle, 2,400 ± 3,200 cells/mm, n = 13; injury + vehicle, 10,500 ± 11,300 cells/mm, n = 12; P = 0.013 vs. sham + vehicle; sham + ketamine, 3,500 ± 4,900 cells/mm, n = 14; injury + ketamine, 4,800 ± 3,000 cells/mm, n = 13; P = 0.955 vs. sham + ketamine). Independent of injury, ketamine temporarily reduced neurogenesis (vehicle-exposed, 105,100 ± 66,700, cells/mm, n = 25; ketamine-exposed, 74,300 ± 29,200 cells/mm, n = 27; P = 0.031). Ketamine administration improved performance in the Morris water maze reversal test after injury, but had no effect on performance in sham-treated mice. Ketamine alters hippocampal cell proliferation after traumatic brain injury. Surprisingly, these changes were associated with improvement in a neurogenesis-related behavioral recall task, suggesting a possible benefit from ketamine administration after traumatic brain injury in mice. Future studies are needed to determine generalizability and mechanism.

  1. Hospitalizations for critically ill children with traumatic brain injuries: a longitudinal analysis.

    PubMed

    Tilford, John M; Aitken, Mary E; Anand, K J S; Green, Jerril W; Goodman, Allen C; Parker, James G; Killingsworth, Jeffrey B; Fiser, Debra H; Adelson, P David

    2005-09-01

    This study examines the incidence, utilization of procedures, and outcomes for critically ill children hospitalized with traumatic brain injury over the period 1988-1999 to describe the benefits of improved treatment. Retrospective analysis of hospital discharges was conducted using data from the Health Care Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample that approximates a 20% sample of U.S. acute care hospitals. Hospital inpatient stays from all types of U.S. community hospitals. The study sample included all children aged 0-21 with a primary or secondary ICD-9-CM diagnosis code for traumatic brain injury and a procedure code for either endotracheal intubation or mechanical ventilation. None. Deaths occurring during hospitalization were used to calculate mortality rates. Use of intracranial pressure monitoring and surgical openings of the skull were investigated as markers for the aggressiveness of treatment. Patients were further classified by insurance status, household income, and hospital characteristics. Over the 12-yr study period, mortality rates decreased 8 percentage points whereas utilization of intracranial pressure monitoring increased by 11 percentage points. The trend toward more aggressive management of traumatic brain injury corresponded with improved hospital outcomes over time. Lack of insurance was associated with vastly worse outcomes. An estimated 6,437 children survived their traumatic brain injury hospitalization because of improved treatment, and 1,418 children died because of increased mortality risk associated with being uninsured. Improved treatment was valued at approximately dollar 17 billion, whereas acute care hospitalization costs increased by dollar 1.5 billion (in constant 2000 dollars). Increased mortality in uninsured children was associated with a dollar 3.76 billion loss in economic benefits. More aggressive management of pediatric traumatic brain injury appears to have contributed to reduced mortality rates over time and saved thousands of lives. Additional lives could be saved if mortality rates could be equalized between insured and uninsured children.

  2. Altered caudate connectivity is associated with executive dysfunction after traumatic brain injury

    PubMed Central

    De Simoni, Sara; Jenkins, Peter O; Bourke, Niall J; Fleminger, Jessica J; Jolly, Amy E; Patel, Maneesh C; Leech, Robert; Sharp, David J

    2018-01-01

    Abstract Traumatic brain injury often produces executive dysfunction. This characteristic cognitive impairment often causes long-term problems with behaviour and personality. Frontal lobe injuries are associated with executive dysfunction, but it is unclear how these injuries relate to corticostriatal interactions that are known to play an important role in behavioural control. We hypothesized that executive dysfunction after traumatic brain injury would be associated with abnormal corticostriatal interactions, a question that has not previously been investigated. We used structural and functional MRI measures of connectivity to investigate this. Corticostriatal functional connectivity in healthy individuals was initially defined using a data-driven approach. A constrained independent component analysis approach was applied in 100 healthy adult dataset from the Human Connectome Project. Diffusion tractography was also performed to generate white matter tracts. The output of this analysis was used to compare corticostriatal functional connectivity and structural integrity between groups of 42 patients with traumatic brain injury and 21 age-matched controls. Subdivisions of the caudate and putamen had distinct patterns of functional connectivity. Traumatic brain injury patients showed disruption to functional connectivity between the caudate and a distributed set of cortical regions, including the anterior cingulate cortex. Cognitive impairments in the patients were mainly seen in processing speed and executive function, as well as increased levels of apathy and fatigue. Abnormalities of caudate functional connectivity correlated with these cognitive impairments, with reductions in right caudate connectivity associated with increased executive dysfunction, information processing speed and memory impairment. Structural connectivity, measured using diffusion tensor imaging between the caudate and anterior cingulate cortex was impaired and this also correlated with measures of executive dysfunction. We show for the first time that altered subcortical connectivity is associated with large-scale network disruption in traumatic brain injury and that this disruption is related to the cognitive impairments seen in these patients. PMID:29186356

  3. Role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor during the regenerative response after traumatic brain injury in adult zebrafish.

    PubMed

    Cacialli, Pietro; Palladino, Antonio; Lucini, Carla

    2018-06-01

    Several mammalian animal models of traumatic brain injury have been used, mostly rodents. However, reparative mechanisms in mammalian brain are very limited, and newly formed neurons do not survive for long time. The brain of adult zebrafish, a teleost fish widely used as vertebrate model, possesses high regenerative properties after injury due to the presence of numerous stem cells niches. The ventricular lining of the zebrafish dorsal telencephalon is the most studied neuronal stem cell niche because its dorso-lateral zone is considered the equivalent to the hippocampus of mammals which contains one of the two constitutive neurogenic niches of mammals. To mimic TBI, stab wound in the dorso-lateral telencephalon of zebrafish was used in studies devoted to fish regenerative properties. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which is known to play key roles in the repair process after traumatic brain lesions, persists around the lesioned area of injured telencephalon of adult zebrafish. These results are extensively compared to reparative processes in rodent brain. Considering the complete repair of the damaged area in fish, it could be tempting to consider brain-derived neurotrophic factor as a factor contributing to create a permissive environment that enables the establishment of new neuronal population in damaged brain.

  4. Oxidative stress following traumatic brain injury: enhancement of endogenous antioxidant defense systems and the promise of improved outcome.

    PubMed

    Eghwrudjakpor, P O; Allison, A B

    2010-01-01

    Management of brain injury can pose enormous challenges to the health team. There are many studies aimed at discovering or developing pharmacotherapeutic agents targeted at improving outcome of head-injured patients. This paper reviews the role of oxidative stress in neuronal loss following traumatic brain injury and presents experimental and clinical evidence of the role of exogenous antioxidants as neuroprotectants. We reviewed published literature on reactive oxygen species and their role in experimental and clinical brain injuries in journals and the Internet using Yahoo and Google search engines. Traumatic brain injury causes massive production of reactive oxygen species with resultant oxidative stress. In experimental brain injury, exogenous antioxidants are useful in limiting oxidative damage. Results with clinical brain injury are however more varied. Oxidative stress due to excessive generation of reactive oxygen species with consequent impairment of endogenous antioxidant defence mechanisms plays a significant role in the secondary events leading to neuronal death. Enhancement of the defence mechanisms through the use of exogenous antioxidants may be neuroprotective, especially if the agents can penetrate cell membranes, are able to cross the blood-brain barrier and if they are administered within the neuroprotective time window.

  5. Parents' experiences of their child's admission to paediatric intensive care.

    PubMed

    Oxley, Ruth

    2015-05-01

    Admission of a child to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) may be one of the most stressful events for parents because the outcome is often uncertain. So how do parents cope, and how can we as nurses help them? To explore the lived experiences of parents whose children have been admitted to a PICU. Using Heidegger's school of interpretative phenomenology, six unstructured interviews were conducted. These were transcribed and analysed following interpretative phenomenological analysis. Participants were chosen through purposive sampling. Each participant had different emergent themes. Themes included trauma, responsibility, anxiety about where the child is, post-traumatic stress symptoms and transfer to the ward. The lived experience of a parent is fraught with varying different emotions, with the beginning of the journey and the ending of the PICU admission causing the most anxiety.

  6. Surgical intervention for paediatric liver injuries is almost history - a 12-year cohort from a major Scandinavian trauma centre.

    PubMed

    Koyama, Tomohide; Skattum, Jorunn; Engelsen, Peder; Eken, Torsten; Gaarder, Christine; Naess, Pål Aksel

    2016-11-29

    Although nonoperative management (NOM) has become standard care, optimal treatment of liver injuries in children is still challenging since many of these patients have multiple injuries. Moreover, the role of angiography remains poorly defined, and a high index of suspicion of complications is warranted. This study reviews treatment and outcomes in children with liver injuries at a major Scandinavian trauma centre over a 12-year period. Patients <17 years old with liver injury admitted to Oslo University Hospital Ullevaal during the period 2002-2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Data were compiled from the institutional trauma registry and medical records. A total of 66 children were included. The majority was severely injured as reflected by a median injury severity score of 20.5 (mean 22.2). NOM was attempted in 60 (90.9%) patients and was successful in 57, resulting in a NOM success rate of 95.0% [95% CI 89.3 to 100]. Only one of the three NOM failures was liver related, occurred in the early part of the study period, and consisted in operative placement of drains for bile leak. Two (3.0%) patients underwent angiographic embolization (AE). Complications occurred in 18 (27.3% [95 % CI 16.2 to 38.3]) patients. Only 2 (3.0%) patients had liver related complications, in both cases bile leak. Six (9.1%) patients underwent therapeutic laparotomy for non-liver related injuries. Two (3.0%) patients died secondary to traumatic brain injury. This single institution paediatric liver injury cohort confirms high attempted NOM and NOM success rates even in patients with high grade injuries and multiple accompanying injuries. AE can be a useful NOM adjunct in the treatment of paediatric liver injuries, but is seldom indicated. Moreover, bile leak is the most common liver-related complication and the need for liver-related surgery is very infrequent. NOM is the treatment of choice in almost all liver injuries in children, with operative management and interventional radiology very infrequently indicated.

  7. Development of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Biomarkers for Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-07-01

    collegiate football 7 players: the NCAA Concussion Study. JAMA, 2003. 290(19): p. 2556-2563. 8 50. Naunheim RS, Matero D, Fucetola R, Assessment of...traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or concussion . In the civilian sector, the prolonged neuro-cognitive and functional symptoms following mTBI affects over 1.2...University Brain Concussion Workshop, Oct. 2012. Grants, Honors and Awards A major award (Seed Grant Award) was received by Dr. Zhifeng Kou from the

  8. Combined Effects of Primary and Tertiary Blast on Rat Brain: Characterization of a Model of Blast-induced Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-03-01

    known as concussions ) affect ~1.3 million individuals in the US annually mostly during contact sports such as boxing, hockey, and football [1, 2]. In...disorder which has been observed in several athletes with a history of multiple concussions . In particular, phosphorylated Tau (pTau) protein...Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International. References [1] Laker SR. Epidemiology of concussion and mild traumatic brain injury. PM R

  9. Development of in vivo Biomarkers for Progressive Tau Pathology after Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-02-01

    release; distribution unlimited 13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 14. ABSTRACT Athletes in contact sports who have sustained multiple concussive traumatic...who have sustained multiple concussive traumatic brain injuries 15-17 may also be at risk for this condition. Currently, there are no methods to...11 Appendices……………………………………………………………………………... 12 4 INTRODUCTION: Athletes in contact sports who have sustained multiple concussive

  10. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Mild-Moderate Blast-Induced Traumatic Brain Injury Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-10-01

    Award Number: W81XWH-10-1-0962 TITLE: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Mild-Moderate Blast-Induced Traumatic Brain Injury...164. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER W81XWH-10-1-0962 Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Mild-Moderate Blast-Induced...month follow-up period post-hyperbaric oxygen treatment. 1 additional subject is scheduled to be screened in October 2016 and 3 are awaiting first

  11. Shear Shock Waves Observed in the Brain

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Espíndola, David; Lee, Stephen; Pinton, Gianmarco

    2017-10-01

    The internal deformation of the brain is far more complex than the rigid motion of the skull. An ultrasound imaging technique that we have developed has a combination of penetration, frame-rate, and motion-detection accuracy required to directly observe the formation and evolution of shear shock waves in the brain. Experiments at low impacts on the traumatic-brain-injury scale demonstrate that they are spontaneously generated and propagate within the porcine brain. Compared to the initially smooth impact, the acceleration at the shock front is amplified up to a factor of 8.5. This highly localized increase in acceleration suggests that shear shock waves are a previously unappreciated mechanism that could play a significant role in traumatic brain injury.

  12. Concussion, microvascular injury, and early tauopathy in young athletes after impact head injury and an impact concussion mouse model.

    PubMed

    Tagge, Chad A; Fisher, Andrew M; Minaeva, Olga V; Gaudreau-Balderrama, Amanda; Moncaster, Juliet A; Zhang, Xiao-Lei; Wojnarowicz, Mark W; Casey, Noel; Lu, Haiyan; Kokiko-Cochran, Olga N; Saman, Sudad; Ericsson, Maria; Onos, Kristen D; Veksler, Ronel; Senatorov, Vladimir V; Kondo, Asami; Zhou, Xiao Z; Miry, Omid; Vose, Linnea R; Gopaul, Katisha R; Upreti, Chirag; Nowinski, Christopher J; Cantu, Robert C; Alvarez, Victor E; Hildebrandt, Audrey M; Franz, Erich S; Konrad, Janusz; Hamilton, James A; Hua, Ning; Tripodis, Yorghos; Anderson, Andrew T; Howell, Gareth R; Kaufer, Daniela; Hall, Garth F; Lu, Kun P; Ransohoff, Richard M; Cleveland, Robin O; Kowall, Neil W; Stein, Thor D; Lamb, Bruce T; Huber, Bertrand R; Moss, William C; Friedman, Alon; Stanton, Patric K; McKee, Ann C; Goldstein, Lee E

    2018-02-01

    The mechanisms underpinning concussion, traumatic brain injury, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and the relationships between these disorders, are poorly understood. We examined post-mortem brains from teenage athletes in the acute-subacute period after mild closed-head impact injury and found astrocytosis, myelinated axonopathy, microvascular injury, perivascular neuroinflammation, and phosphorylated tau protein pathology. To investigate causal mechanisms, we developed a mouse model of lateral closed-head impact injury that uses momentum transfer to induce traumatic head acceleration. Unanaesthetized mice subjected to unilateral impact exhibited abrupt onset, transient course, and rapid resolution of a concussion-like syndrome characterized by altered arousal, contralateral hemiparesis, truncal ataxia, locomotor and balance impairments, and neurobehavioural deficits. Experimental impact injury was associated with axonopathy, blood-brain barrier disruption, astrocytosis, microgliosis (with activation of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells, TREM2), monocyte infiltration, and phosphorylated tauopathy in cerebral cortex ipsilateral and subjacent to impact. Phosphorylated tauopathy was detected in ipsilateral axons by 24 h, bilateral axons and soma by 2 weeks, and distant cortex bilaterally at 5.5 months post-injury. Impact pathologies co-localized with serum albumin extravasation in the brain that was diagnostically detectable in living mice by dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. These pathologies were also accompanied by early, persistent, and bilateral impairment in axonal conduction velocity in the hippocampus and defective long-term potentiation of synaptic neurotransmission in the medial prefrontal cortex, brain regions distant from acute brain injury. Surprisingly, acute neurobehavioural deficits at the time of injury did not correlate with blood-brain barrier disruption, microgliosis, neuroinflammation, phosphorylated tauopathy, or electrophysiological dysfunction. Furthermore, concussion-like deficits were observed after impact injury, but not after blast exposure under experimental conditions matched for head kinematics. Computational modelling showed that impact injury generated focal point loading on the head and seven-fold greater peak shear stress in the brain compared to blast exposure. Moreover, intracerebral shear stress peaked before onset of gross head motion. By comparison, blast induced distributed force loading on the head and diffuse, lower magnitude shear stress in the brain. We conclude that force loading mechanics at the time of injury shape acute neurobehavioural responses, structural brain damage, and neuropathological sequelae triggered by neurotrauma. These results indicate that closed-head impact injuries, independent of concussive signs, can induce traumatic brain injury as well as early pathologies and functional sequelae associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy. These results also shed light on the origins of concussion and relationship to traumatic brain injury and its aftermath.awx350media15713427811001. © The Author(s) (2018). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Guarantors of Brain.

  13. Trends in paediatric sport- and recreation-related injuries: An injury surveillance study at the British Columbia Children’s Hospital (Vancouver, British Columbia) from 1992 to 2005

    PubMed Central

    Pakzad-Vaezi, Kaivon; Singhal, Ash

    2011-01-01

    BACKGROUND: Sport- and recreation-related injuries are a major source of morbidity in the paediatric population. Long-term trends for these injuries are largely unknown. METHODS: A traumatic injury surveillance system (the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program) was used to examine the demographics and trends of paediatric sports injuries in children who presented to or were directly admitted to the British Columbia Children’s Hospital (Vancouver, British Columbia) emergency department or intensive care unit from 1992 to 2005. RESULTS: Over the 14-year study period, there was a significant increase in sport- and recreation-related injuries among patients who presented to the British Columbia Children’s Hospital. Of 104,414 injuries between 1992 and 2005, 27,466 were related to sports and recreational activities. The number of sport-related injuries increased by 28%, while all-cause injuries did not change significantly. Males comprised 68% of the sport-related injuries, and both sexes displayed an increasing trend over time. Cycling, basketball, soccer and ice hockey were the top four injury-causing activities. The main body parts injured were the face, head and digits. CONCLUSIONS: Paediatric sports injuries significantly increased at the British Columbia Children’s Hospital over the 14-year study period. This is likely due to increased sport participation, increased risk associated with certain sports, or both. Trends in paediatric sports injury may be predicted by changes in popular media, possibly allowing prevention programs to help to avoid these injuries before they occur. PMID:22468125

  14. Osthole Enhances the Therapeutic Efficiency of Stem Cell Transplantation in Neuroendoscopy Caused Traumatic Brain Injury.

    PubMed

    Tao, Zhen-Yu; Gao, Peng; Yan, Yu-Hui; Li, Hong-Yan; Song, Jie; Yang, Jing-Xian

    2017-01-01

    Neuroendoscopy processes can cause severe traumatic brain injury. Existing therapeutic methods, such as neural stem cell transplantation and osthole have not been proven effective. Therefore, there is an emerging need on the development of new techniques for the treatment of brain injuries. In this study we propose to combine the above stem cell based methods and then evaluate the efficiency and accuracy of the new method. Mice were randomly divided into four groups: group 1 (brain injury alone); group 2 (osthole); group 3 (stem cell transplantation); and group 4 (osthole combined with stem cell transplantation). We carried out water maze task to exam spatial memory. Immunocytochemistry was used to test the inflammatory condition of each group, and the differentiation of stem cells. To evaluate the condition of the damaged blood brain barrier restore, we detect the Evans blue (EB) extravasation across the blood brain barrier. The result shows that osthole and stem cell transplantation combined therapeutic method has a potent effect on improving the spatial memory. This combined method was more effective on inhibiting inflammation and preventing neuronal degeneration than the single treated ones. In addition, there was a distinct decline of EB extravasation in the combined treatment groups, which was not observed in single treatment groups. Most importantly, the combined usage of osthole and stem cell transplantation provide a better treatment for the traumatic brain injury caused by neuroendoscopy. The collective evidence indicates osthole combined with neural stem cell transplantation is superior than either method alone for the treatment of traumatic brain injury caused by neuroendoscopy.

  15. Pathophysiological links between traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic headaches

    PubMed Central

    Ruff, Robert L.; Blake, Kayla

    2016-01-01

    This article reviews possible ways that traumatic brain injury (TBI) can induce migraine-type post-traumatic headaches (PTHs) in children, adults, civilians, and military personnel. Several cerebral alterations resulting from TBI can foster the development of PTH, including neuroinflammation that can activate neural systems associated with migraine. TBI can also compromise the intrinsic pain modulation system and this would increase the level of perceived pain associated with PTH. Depression and anxiety disorders, especially post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are associated with TBI and these psychological conditions can directly intensify PTH. Additionally, depression and PTSD alter sleep and this will increase headache severity and foster the genesis of PTH. This article also reviews the anatomic loci of injury associated with TBI and notes the overlap between areas of injury associated with TBI and PTSD. PMID:27635228

  16. Prevalence of traumatic brain injury in juvenile offenders: a meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Farrer, Thomas J; Frost, R Brock; Hedges, Dawson W

    2013-01-01

    Studies of traumatic brain injury (TBI) among adult populations demonstrate that such injuries can lead to aggressive behaviors. Related findings suggest that incarcerated individuals have high rates of brain injuries. Such studies suggest that traumatic brain injury may be related to the etiology and recidivism of criminal behavior. Relatively few studies have examined the prevalence of TBI using a delinquent juvenile sample. In order to assess the relationship between TBI and juvenile offender status, the current study used meta-analytic techniques to examine the odds of having a TBI among juvenile offenders. Across 9 studies, we found that approximately 30% of juvenile offenders have sustained a previous brain injury. Across 5 studies that used a control group, a calculated summary odds ratio of 3.37 suggests that juvenile offenders are significantly more likely to have a TBI compared to controls. Results suggest that the rate of TBIs within the juvenile offender population is significant and that there may be a relationship between TBIs and juvenile criminal behavior.

  17. Seizures and the Role of Anticonvulsants After Traumatic Brain Injury.

    PubMed

    Zimmermann, Lara L; Diaz-Arrastia, Ramon; Vespa, Paul M

    2016-10-01

    Posttraumatic seizures are a common complication of traumatic brain injury. Posttraumatic epilepsy accounts for 20% of symptomatic epilepsy in the general population and 5% of all epilepsy. Early posttraumatic seizures occur in more than 20% of patients in the intensive care unit and are associated with secondary brain injury and worse patient outcomes. Most posttraumatic seizures are nonconvulsive and therefore continuous electroencephalography monitoring should be the standard of care for patients with moderate or severe brain injury. The literature shows that posttraumatic seizures result in secondary brain injury caused by increased intracranial pressure, cerebral edema and metabolic crisis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. The Young Brain and Concussion: Imaging as a Biomarker for Diagnosis and Prognosis

    PubMed Central

    Toledo, E.; Lebel, A.; Becerra, L.; Minster, A.; Linnman, C; Maleki, N; Dodick, D.W.; Borsook, D.

    2012-01-01

    Concussion (mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)) is a significant pediatric public health concern. Despite increased awareness, a comprehensive understanding of the acute and chronic effects of concussion on central nervous system structure and function remains incomplete. Here we review the definition, epidemiology, and sequelae of concussion within the developing brain, during childhood and adolescence, with current data derived from studies of pathophysiology and neuroimaging. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the neurological consequences of traumatic brain injuries, which in turn, may lead to the development of brain biomarkers to improve identification, management and prognosis of pediatric patients suffering from concussion. PMID:22476089

  19. Effect of Coenzyme Q10 on ischemia and neuronal damage in an experimental traumatic brain-injury model in rats

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Background Head trauma is one of the most important clinical issues that not only can be fatal and disabling, requiring long-term treatment and care, but also can cause heavy financial burden. Formation or distribution of free oxygen radicals should be decreased to enable fixing of poor neurological outcomes and to prevent neuronal damage secondary to ischemia after trauma. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, is a strong antioxidant that plays a role in membrane stabilization. In this study, the role of CoQ10 in the treatment of head trauma is researched by analyzing the histopathological and biochemical effects of CoQ10 administered after experimental traumatic brain injury in rats. A traumatic brain-injury model was created in all rats. Trauma was inflicted on rats by the free fall of an object of 450 g weight from a height of 70 cm on the frontoparietal midline onto a metal disc fixed between the coronal and the lambdoid sutures after a midline incision was carried out. Results In the biochemical tests, tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly higher in the traumatic brain-injury group compared to the sham group (p < 0.05). Administration of CoQ10 after trauma was shown to be protective because it significantly lowered the increased MDA levels (p < 0.05). Comparing the superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels of the four groups, trauma + CoQ10 group had SOD levels ranging between those of sham group and traumatic brain-injury group, and no statistically significant increase was detected. Histopathological results showed a statistically significant difference between the CoQ10 and the other trauma-subjected groups with reference to vascular congestion, neuronal loss, nuclear pyknosis, nuclear hyperchromasia, cytoplasmic eosinophilia, and axonal edema (p < 0.05). Conclusion Neuronal degenerative findings and the secondary brain damage and ischemia caused by oxidative stress are decreased by CoQ10 use in rats with traumatic brain injury. PMID:21801363

  20. Alcohol Abuse Disorders Among U.S. Service Members With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-02-01

    the wounded from Iraq and Afghanistan. New Engl J Med 2004; 351: 2471 - 5. 7. Okie S: Traumatic brain injury in the war zone. New Engl J Med 2005...Alcohol and drug dependence and psychiatric comorbidity. Br J Psychiat ry 2001; 179 : 432- 7. 21 . Tonneson H, Rosenberg J, Nielsen HJ, et al

  1. Mirror Asymmetry of Category and Letter Fluency in Traumatic Brain Injury and Alzheimer's Patients

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Capitani, Erminio; Rosci, Chiara; Saetti, Maria Cristina; Laiacona, Marcella

    2009-01-01

    In this study we contrasted the Category fluency and Letter fluency performance of 198 normal subjects, 57 Alzheimer's patients and 57 patients affected by traumatic brain injury (TBI). The aim was to check whether, besides the prevalence of Category fluency deficit often reported among Alzheimer's patients, the TBI group presented the opposite…

  2. Psychiatric disorders and traumatic brain injury

    PubMed Central

    Schwarzbold, Marcelo; Diaz, Alexandre; Martins, Evandro Tostes; Rufino, Armanda; Amante, Lúcia Nazareth; Thais, Maria Emília; Quevedo, João; Hohl, Alexandre; Linhares, Marcelo Neves; Walz, Roger

    2008-01-01

    Psychiatric disorders after traumatic brain injury (TBI) are frequent. Researches in this area are important for the patients’ care and they may provide hints for the comprehension of primary psychiatric disorders. Here we approach epidemiology, diagnosis, associated factors and treatment of the main psychiatric disorders after TBI. Finally, the present situation of the knowledge in this field is discussed. PMID:19043523

  3. Genetic Variation Underlying Traumatic Brain injury (TBI) and Late Onset Alzheimer’s Disease (LOAD)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2017-10-01

    Episodic memory trajectories (EMTs), longitudinal evaluations , Alzheimer’s Disease, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), dementia 3. ACCOMPLISHMENTS  What were... evaluate potential manuscripts/conference presentations etc SA3. To investigate whether rare coding variants in the loci...available WES datasets for replication Task 5. Report results and evaluate potential manuscripts/conference presentations

  4. Traumatic Brain Injury and Personality Change

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fowler, Marc; McCabe, Paul C.

    2011-01-01

    Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death and lifelong disability in the United States for individuals below the age of 45. Current estimates from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) indicate that at least 1.4 million Americans sustain a TBI annually. TBI affects 475,000 children under age 14 each year in the United States alone.…

  5. Child, Adolescent, and Young Adult Community Integration after a Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Barton, Barbara; Brouwers, Lynn; Ruoff, Janis; Trudel, Tina M.; Valnes, Betsy; Elias, Eileen; Pines, Hayley

    2010-01-01

    "Rehabilitation," as a term in and of itself, implies a goal of bringing something back to its original state of being. However, for many people living with traumatic brain injury (TBI), rehabilitation means learning to live all over again. Through means of education and employment, this article explores the quest for inclusive community…

  6. An Investigation of the Linguistic Construction of Identity in Individuals after Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Keegan, Louise C.

    2012-01-01

    Previous research has emphasized the importance of a positive identity in the rehabilitation of individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and although identity is constructed and negotiated socially, through the use of language, there is little research available on the linguistic tools used by this population in constructing their identities.…

  7. WAIS Digit Span-Based Indicators of Malingered Neurocognitive Dysfunction: Classification Accuracy in Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Heinly, Matthew T.; Greve, Kevin W.; Bianchini, Kevin J.; Love, Jeffrey M.; Brennan, Adrianne

    2005-01-01

    The present study determined specificity and sensitivity to malingered neurocognitive dysfunction (MND) in traumatic brain injury (TBI) for several Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) Digit Span scores. TBI patients (n = 344) were categorized into one of five groups: no incentive, incentive only, suspect, probable MND, and definite MND.…

  8. Memory Strategies to Use With Students Following Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pershelli, Andi

    2007-01-01

    Following a traumatic brain injury, including a mild concussion, most students will have some degree of memory impairment. It can take 1-3 years for a child's memory to improve to its maximum capability following injury. Children cannot wait that long before returning to school. Teachers need to know how to diversify their instruction in order to…

  9. Emotion Recognition following Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury: Longitudinal Analysis of Emotional Prosody and Facial Emotion Recognition

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Schmidt, Adam T.; Hanten, Gerri R.; Li, Xiaoqi; Orsten, Kimberley D.; Levin, Harvey S.

    2010-01-01

    Children with closed head injuries often experience significant and persistent disruptions in their social and behavioral functioning. Studies with adults sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI) indicate deficits in emotion recognition and suggest that these difficulties may underlie some of the social deficits. The goal of the current study was…

  10. Hospital-School Collaboration to Serve the Needs of Children with Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chesire, David J.; Canto, Angela I.; Buckley, Valerie A.

    2011-01-01

    Traumatic brain injuries are the leading cause of death and disability for children and adolescents each year in the United States. Children who survive these injuries often suffer from a range of impairments including intellectual, academic, behavioral, affective, and social problems, but they often become mired in a slow-moving process while…

  11. Trends in Traumatic Brain Injury Research in School Psychology Journals 1985-2014

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Smith, Shannon M.; Canto, Angela I.

    2015-01-01

    Every year, approximately 2.4 million people experience a traumatic brain injury (TBI), and nearly half a million children receive emergency medical attention from hospital personnel due to a TBI in the United States (Centers for Disease Control, 2010; Coronado et al., 2014). It is imperative for key stakeholders, including school psychologists,…

  12. Traumatic Brain Injury in Children and Adolescents: A Sourcebook for Teachers and Other School Personnel. Second Edition.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tyler, Janet Siantz; Mira, Mary P.

    This book is designed to provide educators with the requisite information to successfully meet the needs of students with traumatic brain injury (TBI). It focuses particularly on students (preschoolers through adolescents) whose injuries are moderate to severe and who are expected to suffer educationally significant residual impairments. It…

  13. Alternating Motion Rate as an Index of Speech Motor Disorder in Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wang, Yu-Tsai; Kent, Ray D.; Duffy, Joseph R.; Thomas, Jack E.; Weismer, Gary

    2004-01-01

    The task of syllable alternating motion rate (AMR) (also called diadochokinesis) is suitable for examining speech disorders of varying degrees of severity and in individuals with varying levels of linguistic and cognitive ability. However, very limited information on this task has been published for subjects with traumatic brain injury (TBI). This…

  14. Invisible Injuries: The Experiences of College Students with Histories of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Childers, Carrie; Hux, Karen

    2016-01-01

    This qualitative study explored the college life phenomenon as experienced by students with mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). Previous research about such students has focused on topics including study strategy use, access of support services, and insights from caregivers or instructors. However, little attention has been paid to the perceptions…

  15. Observed Parent Behaviors as Time-Varying Moderators of Problem Behaviors Following Traumatic Brain Injury in Young Children

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Treble-Barna, Amery; Zang, Huaiyu; Zhang, Nanhua; Taylor, H. Gerry; Stancin, Terry; Yeates, Keith Owen; Wade, Shari L.

    2016-01-01

    Parent behaviors moderate the adverse consequences of pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI); however, it is unknown how these moderating effects change over time. This study examined the moderating effect of observed parent behaviors over time since injury on the relation between TBI and behavioral outcomes. Participants included children, ages…

  16. TBI-ROC Part Seven: Traumatic Brain Injury--Technologies to Support Memory and Cognition

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Scherer, Marcia; Elias, Eileen; Weider, Katie

    2010-01-01

    This article is the seventh of a multi-part series on traumatic brain injury (TBI). The six earlier articles in this series have discussed the individualized nature of TBI and its consequences, the rehabilitation continuum, and interventions at various points along the continuum. As noted throughout the articles, many individuals with TBI…

  17. Traumatic Brain Injury: Persistent Misconceptions and Knowledge Gaps among Educators

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ettel, Deborah; Glang, Ann E.; Todis, Bonnie; Davies, Susan C.

    2016-01-01

    Each year approximately 700,000 U.S. children aged 0-19 years sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) placing them at risk for academic, cognitive, and behavioural challenges. Although TBI has been a special education disability category for 25 years, prevalence studies show that of the 145,000 students each year who sustain long-term injury from…

  18. The Effectiveness of Academic Accommodations for School-Age Students with Traumatic Brain Injury. EBP Briefs. Volume 10, Issue 4

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bush, Erin J.; Burge, Emily A.

    2016-01-01

    Clinical Question: What are the evidence-based classroom accommodations for school-age students with traumatic brain injury who are struggling academically, and do they improve academic performance as compared to no classroom accommodations? Method: Literature Review. Study Sources: Google Scholar, ASHA, PubMed, Academic Search Premier. Search…

  19. The Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury during Adolescence on Career Plans and Outcomes

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Balaban, Tammy; Hyde, Nellemarie; Colantonio, Angela

    2009-01-01

    Traumatic brain injury (TBI) often occurs during the years when individuals are aiming for vocational goals and acquiring skills needed to achieve vocational success. This exploratory study aimed to describe the perceived long-term impact on career outcomes for individuals who were hospitalized with a TBI during adolescence. This study used a…

  20. Using linked data to evaluate traumatic brain injuries in New Mexico : Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System (CODES) linked data demonstration project

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1998-10-01

    The 1995 crude mortality rate of physician diagnosed traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the New Mexico is estimated to be 21 deaths per 100,000 population and the crude incidence of both hospitalized and fatal TBI is 110 cases per 100,000 population (1,...

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