Journal of neurotrauma
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Journal of neurotrauma · Nov 2008
Multifocal white matter ultrastructural abnormalities in mild traumatic brain injury with cognitive disability: a voxel-wise analysis of diffusion tensor imaging.
The purpose of the present study is to identify otherwise occult white matter abnormalities in patients suffering persistent cognitive impairment due to mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study had Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, included informed consent and complied with the U. S. ⋯ Similar, though less extensive, findings were demonstrated in each individual patient. Multiple foci of low white matter FA and high MD are present in cognitively impaired mild TBI patients, with a distribution that conforms to that of diffuse axonal injury. Evaluation of single subjects also reveals foci of low FA, suggesting that DTI may ultimately be useful for clinical evaluation of individual patients.
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Journal of neurotrauma · Nov 2008
Capsular ligament involvement in the development of mechanical hyperalgesia after facet joint loading: behavioral and inflammatory outcomes in a rodent model of pain.
Whiplash injury can produce pain in the neck, arm, and hand, and has been associated with inflammation. However, the relationship between inflammatory responses and pain symptoms remains unknown, hindering the development of appropriate therapeutics for whiplash symptoms. Two joint loading paradigms were used separately in an established rat model of painful cervical facet joint distraction to apply: (1) gross failure, and (2) subfailure distraction of the facet capsular ligament. ⋯ Cytokine mRNA levels in the spinal cord and DRG were also significantly elevated after facet ligament failure, but not after painful subfailure loading. Findings suggest that different joint loading scenarios produced varied inflammatory responses in the CNS. These data support existing clinical reports suggesting that therapeutic interventions directed at the facet capsule may be effective in treating this painful injury.
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Journal of neurotrauma · Nov 2008
Characteristics of mid- to long-latency spinal somatosensory evoked potentials following spinal trauma in the rat.
The purpose of this study was to develop and implement a new technique for repeated monitoring of spinal mid- to long-latency somatosensory evoked potentials (SpSEPs) during sciatic nerve stimulation following recovery from spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. Results of this study showed significant reproducibility of SpSEP components between specimens (analysis of variance [ANOVA], p > 0.05) and recording days (ANOVA, p > 0.700) using this technique. ⋯ Characteristics of the mid- to long-latency SpSEPs suggest these components may reflect the integrity of the lateral pain pathway within the spinothalamic tract (STT). The technique and data presented in this study may be useful in future studies aimed at quantifying spinal cord integrity following injury and treatment using the rat model of SCI.
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Journal of neurotrauma · Oct 2008
Spinal cord contusion based on precise vertebral stabilization and tissue displacement measured by combined assessment to discriminate small functional differences.
Contusive spinal cord injury (SCI) is the most common type of spinal injury seen clinically. Several rat contusion SCI models have been described, and all have strengths and weaknesses with respect to sensitivity, reproducibility, and clinical relevance. We developed the Louisville Injury System Apparatus (LISA), which contains a novel spine-stabilizing device that enables precise and stable spine fixation, and is based on tissue displacement to determine the severity of injury. ⋯ Present data document that the LISA produces reliable and reproducible SCI whose parameters of injury can be adjusted to more accurately reflect clinical SCI. Moreover, multiple outcome measures are necessary to accurately detect small differences in functional deficits and/or recovery. This is of crucial importance when trying to detect functional improvement after therapeutic intervention to treat SCI.
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Journal of neurotrauma · Oct 2008
Traumatic brain injury research priorities: the Conemaugh International Brain Injury Symposium.
In 2005, an international symposium was convened with over 100 neuroscientists from 13 countries and major research centers to review current research in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and develop a consensus document on research issues and priorities. Four levels of TBI research were the focus of the discussion: basic science, acute care, post-acute neurorehabilitation, and improving quality of life (QOL). Each working group or committee was charged with reviewing current research, discussion and prioritizing future research directions, identifying critical issues that impede research in brain injury, and establishing a research agenda that will drive research over the next five years, leading to significantly improved outcomes and QOL for individuals suffering brain injuries. ⋯ The major purpose of the symposium was to provide recommendations to the U. S. Congress on a priority basis for research, treatment, and training in TBI over the next five years.