Articles: traumatic-brain-injuries.
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Journal of neurotrauma · Mar 2016
Insight into Preclinical Models of Traumatic Brain Injury Using Circulating Brain Damage Biomarkers: Operation Brain Trauma Therapy.
Operation Brain Trauma Therapy (OBTT) is a multicenter pre-clinical drug screening consortium testing promising therapies for traumatic brain injury (TBI) in three well-established models of TBI in rats--namely, parasagittal fluid percussion injury (FPI), controlled cortical impact (CCI), and penetrating ballistic-like brain injury (PBBI). This article presents unique characterization of these models using histological and behavioral outcomes and novel candidate biomarkers from the first three treatment trials of OBTT. Adult rats underwent CCI, FPI, or PBBI and were treated with vehicle (VEH). ⋯ Significant differences were also found comparing shams across the models. Our findings (1) demonstrate that TBI models display specific biomarker profiles, functional deficits, and pathological consequence; (2) support the concept that there are different cellular, molecular, and pathophysiological responses to TBI in each model; and (3) advance our understanding of TBI, providing opportunities for a successful translation and holding promise for theranostic applications. Based on our findings, additional studies in pre-clinical models should pursue assessment of GFAP as a surrogate histological and/or theranostic end-point.
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Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive technique to modulate the neural membrane potential. Its effects in the early stage of traumatic brain injury (TBI) have rarely been investigated. This study assessed the effects of anodal tDCS on behavioral and spatial memory in a rat model of traumatic brain injury. ⋯ In conclusions, anodal tDCS ameliorated behavioral and spatial memory function in the early phase after TBI when it is delivered two weeks post-injury. Earlier stimulation (one week post-injury) improves spatial memory only. However, the beneficial effects did not persist after cessation of the anodal stimulation.
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Abnormal movements are frequently encountered in patients with brain injury hospitalized in intensive care units (ICUs), yet characterization of these movements and their underlying pathophysiology is difficult due to the comatose or uncooperative state of the patient. In addition, the available diagnostic approaches are largely derived from outpatients with neurodegenerative or developmental disorders frequently encountered in the outpatient setting, thereby limiting the applicability to inpatients with acute brain injuries. Thus, we reviewed the available literature regarding abnormal movements encountered in acutely ill patients with brain injuries. ⋯ This model seeks to classify observed abnormal movements in light of various patient-specific factors. It begins with classifying the patient's level of consciousness. Then, it integrates the frequency and type of each movement with the availability of ancillary diagnostic tests and the specific etiology of brain injury.
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Pediatr Crit Care Me · Mar 2016
Observational StudyEffectiveness of Pharmacological Therapies for Intracranial Hypertension in Children With Severe Traumatic Brain Injury-Results From an Automated Data Collection System Time-Synched to Drug Administration.
To describe acute cerebral hemodynamic effects of medications commonly used to treat intracranial hypertension in children with traumatic brain injury. Currently, data supporting the efficacy of these medications are insufficient. ⋯ Intracranial pressure decreased after multiple drug administrations, but hypertonic saline may warrant consideration as the first-line drug for treating intracranial hypertension, as it was associated with the most favorable cerebral hemodynamics and fastest resolution of intracranial hypertension.