Treatment for traumatic brain injury depends on the extent of the injuries sustained. In most minor cases, doctors instruct patients to rest and let the injury heal on its own. For patients with serious injuries, the treatment is more intensive and may require ongoing care. Regardless of the situation, a victim who has sustained a traumatic brain injury should seek immediate medical attention to treat the injury and prevent complications. The first step in treating an open head injury or closed head injury is to perform emergency care to prevent any further damage. Doctors and support staff begin by evaluating the patient's injury and treating any open wounds to prevent infection and blood loss. Next, doctors work diligently to ensure the patient is receiving adequate air supply and blood flow. This may include placing the patient on a respirator and carefully monitoring the pulse. If necessary, doctors perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and/or defibrillation. To prevent further complications, doctors monitor blood pressure and may place patients on a ventilator to increase blood flow to injured brain tissues. Once a patient has stable vital signs, the doctors create a more detailed treatment plan. Closed head injuries and open head injuries are treated … Continue reading →

Research could lead to new drugs to halt or prevent secondary TBI With the ever-more-frequent news reports of athletes' careers and even their lives ending following a seemingly minor head injury, and tens of thousands of military personnel returning from combat with severe brain injuries, public awareness of the problem has increased dramatically. When you add the occurrences of post-traumatic stress disorders that so frequently manifest after these brain injuries, the severity of the problem becomes even more apparent. It's a terrible problem that calls for a more comprehensive approach than is currently available. So says Dr. Adrian Harel, a renowned neurobiologist with many years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry. Dr. Harel and his research team at Mediocortex USA Ltd. are working to develop a more comprehensive approach to treating traumatic brain injury, or TBI. Says Dr. Harel, "Acute neurodegenerative conditions, and especially traumatic brain injury, are widely recognized as the leading cause of CNS (central nervous system) impairment. In the US alone, this 'silent epidemic' affects more than 1.7 million individuals annually." Dr. Harel explains that the greatest incidence of TBI occurs among 1-5 year old children, 15-24 year old males, and people over 75 years … Continue reading →

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Facing a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be an extreme hardship for accident victims and their families just in terms of focusing solely on the physical aspect of healing. When other needs are factored in, such as the need for financial support, lifestyle accommodations and more, fears about how one will manage their future can become overwhelming. The Life Care Solutions Group says the development of a life care plan for those who have sustained a traumatic brain injury from a car accident or other serious accident can be their saving grace under these circumstances. What is a traumatic brain injury? A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can range from a mild concussion to a severe head injury. It is caused by a blow to the head or body, a fall, or another injury that jars or shakes the brain. This can cause bruising, swelling, or tearing of brain tissue. For more information about traumatic brain injury, please visit http://www.webmd.com/brain/tc/traumatic-brain-injury-topic-overview Traumatic Brain Injury Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious public health problem in the United States. Each year, traumatic brain injuries contribute to a substantial number of deaths and cases of permanent disability. … Continue reading →

SAN ANTONIO A local cellular and structural biology professor has patented a new way to treat traumatic brain injury, the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio announced Wednesday. Professor James Lechleiter received a U.S. patent last week for his discovery that two compounds called 2-methylthio-ADP and MRS2365 stimulate the brain's caretaker cells to reduce swelling inside the skull, according to a news release. The caretaker cells are called astrocytes. Lechleiter and associate neurosurgery professor Dr. Murat Digicaylioglu have published research that showed treating astrocytes with the two compounds in a brain-injured mouse significantly reduced swelling, according to the release. Yet-to-be-published research found similar results in human brain tissue. With this treatment, astrocytes themselves, as well as neurons, live longer, Lechleiter said in a prepared statement. It is hoped these preliminary studies will soon lead to a new class of safe and effective drugs that can be administered if a traumatic brain injury, even a mild one, is suspected to have occurred. jlloyd@express-news.net Twitter: @jlloydster Here is the original post: S.A. prof patents discovery that combats brain injury … Continue reading →