Journal of neurotrauma
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Journal of neurotrauma · Apr 2017
Galantamine and environmental enrichment enhance cognitive recovery after experimental traumatic brain injury, but do not confer additional benefits when combined.
Environmental enrichment (EE) enhances cognition after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Galantamine (GAL) is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that also may promote benefits. Hence, the aims of this study were to assess the efficacy of GAL alone (standard [STD] housing) and in combination with EE in adult male rats after TBI. ⋯ No additional benefits were observed with the combination paradigm, which does not support the hypothesis. Overall, the data demonstrate that EE and once daily GAL (2 mg/kg) promote cognitive recovery after TBI. Importantly, the combined therapies did not negatively affect outcome and thus this therapeutic protocol may have clinical utility.
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Journal of neurotrauma · Apr 2017
Longitudinal Study of Postconcussion Syndrome: Not Everyone Recovers.
We examined recovery from postconcussion syndrome (PCS) in a series of 285 patients diagnosed with concussion based on international sport concussion criteria who received a questionnaire regarding recovery. Of 141 respondents, those with postconcussion symptoms lasting less than 3 months, a positive computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), litigants, and known Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM)-positive cases were excluded, leaving 110 eligible respondents. We found that only 27% of our population eventually recovered and 67% of those who recovered did so within the first year. ⋯ PCS may be permanent if recovery has not occurred by 3 years. Symptoms appear in a predictable order, and each additional PCS symptom reduces recovery rate by 20%. More long-term follow-up studies are needed to examine recovery from PCS.
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Journal of neurotrauma · Apr 2017
ReviewNatural compounds as a therapeutic intervention following traumatic brain injury: the role of phytochemicals.
There has been a tremendous focus on the discovery and development of neuroprotective agents that might have clinical relevance following traumatic brain injury (TBI). This type of brain injury is very complex and is divided into two major components. The first component, a primary injury, occurs at the time of impact and is the result of the mechanical insult itself. ⋯ Here, we review 33 different plant-derived natural compounds, phytochemicals, which have been investigated in experimental animal models of TBI. Some of these phytochemicals appear to have potential as possible therapeutic interventions to offset key components of the secondary injury cascade. However, not all studies have used the same scientific rigor, and one should be cautious in the interpretation of studies using naturally occurring phytochemical in TBI research.
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Journal of neurotrauma · Apr 2017
Natural History of Headache Five Years after Traumatic Brain Injury.
Headache is one of the most frequently reported symptoms following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Little is known about how these headaches change over time. We describe the natural history of headache in individuals with moderate to severe TBI over 5 years after injury. ⋯ More than half of classifiable headaches matched the profile of migraine or probable migraine. Headache is a substantial problem after TBI. Results suggest that ongoing assessment and treatment of headache after TBI is needed, as this symptom may be a problem up to 5 years post-injury.