In a groundbreaking study, researchers from Stanford Medicine and several collaborating institutions have discovered a potential treatment for cognitive impairments caused by moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The clinical trial involved the implantation of a deep-brain-stimulation device in five participants who had experienced lasting cognitive impairments for over two years after their injuries.
The device was strategically placed in a specific area of the brain called the central lateral nucleus, which is responsible for regulating consciousness and cognitive functions. Over a 90-day treatment period, the device was turned on for 12 hours a day, resulting in significant improvements in mental processing speed, concentration, and planning abilities among the participants.
Remarkably, participants improved their speeds on a standard test by an average of 32%, surpassing researchers’ expectations of a 10% improvement. These gains were not only measurable through tests but also noticeable in the participants’ day-to-day lives. Many were able to resume activities that were once impossible for them, demonstrating the efficacy of this therapy.
The success of the treatment was so profound that two out of the three participants declined to participate in the blinded withdrawal phase of the study, further affirming the positive impact of the therapy. This trial marks a pivotal moment in brain injury research, as it is the first to specifically target the central lateral nucleus for the treatment of moderate to severe TBIs.
The researchers involved in the study are now focused on taking the necessary steps to continue developing this therapy and make it a viable treatment option for individuals struggling with cognitive impairments from traumatic brain injuries. Their findings have been published in the prestigious journal Nature Medicine, further solidifying the significance of this breakthrough.
Collaborating institutions in this study include Weill Cornell Medicine, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, the University of Utah, the University of Florida, Vanderbilt University, the University of Washington, the University of Bordeaux, and the Cleveland Clinic. The collective efforts of these esteemed institutions have led to a groundbreaking discovery that offers hope to individuals who have reached a plateau in their recovery from traumatic brain injuries.
As the research continues to progress, there is renewed optimism for those struggling with cognitive impairments. It is anticipated that further development and refinement of this therapy will provide a transformative treatment option for individuals affected by traumatic brain injuries.
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