Active clinical trials for "Brain Injuries"

The aim of this study is to compare the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation and functional upper extremity task training to functional upper extremity task training alone. The functional upper extremity task training uses the Armeo Spring robotic arm to support the limb while playing functional task games on a computer. Specific Aims: To demonstrate that tDCS combined with upper extremity functional task training in a virtual environment is more effective than functional task training in a virtual environment with sham tDCS. To compare cortico-excitatory changes following training with tDCS vs. sham stimulation, using paired- and single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation as a tool to measure cortical excitability.

We will explore the use of Huperzine A in patients who have sustained a moderate to severe Traumatic Brain Injury. We aim to determine whether Huperzine A, as compared with placebo, would have an effect on memory function after TBI. Additionally, we aim to determine whether use of Huperzine A in these patients can change brain activity (as indexed by EEG and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation - TMS), and reduce prevalence/frequency of post-traumatic seizures. We also aim to evaluate the safety of Huperzine A in this population as compared with placebo.

The primary objective of this study is to determine in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) the safe dosing of propranolol. Safety will be measured by episodes of bradycardia (heart rate < 60 beats per minute), hypotension (defined as systolic blood pressure < 90) or decreased cerebral perfusion pressure (defined as CPP less than 60mmHg) that are refractive to Brain Trauma Foundation guidelines for treatment. A no-treatment arm will establish the number of episodes of bradycardia, hypotension and reduced cerebral pressure refractory to treatment that occur without propranolol.

The purpose of this trial is to investigate safety and efficacy of Cerebrolysin as add-on therapy to standard care in patients with acute traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study duration for each patient is 180 days.

Background: - Research has shown that one exercise session may improve a person s ability to recall information they learned before the exercise. Knowing how exercise changes brain activity to improve memory can help researchers understand how memory works and how to improve it in people with memory problems. This study compares two kinds of exercise on a stationary bike for their ability to temporarily improve memory on certain tests. Researchers will look at the effect of exercise on body chemistry by drawing blood and collecting saliva. Objectives: - To understand how a single session of exercise affects memory testing in healthy people and people who have had traumatic brain injury (TBI). Eligibility: Adults ages 18 through 45 with TBI. Healthy adult volunteers, ages 18 through 45. Design: Participants will be screened with medical history and physical exam. This will take about 1 hour. Participants with TBI will also be screened with a test of their memory. This will take another hour. Visit 1 will take about 3 hours. Participants will: <TAB>- Have a tube inserted in their arm for drawing blood during the tests. <TAB>- Take memory tests. They will look at pictures, symbols, and words, then answer questions. <TAB>- Give a saliva sample by chewing on a small sponge for 2 minutes. <TAB>- Exercise on a stationary bike. <TAB>- Take the memory tests again. - Visit 2 will take place 1 week later. Participants will take the memory tests only.

The purpose of this study is to compare the effect of bolus of either sodium-lactate or mannitol on the evolution of intracranial pressure (ICP) during intracranial hypertensive episodes (IHE)

The purpose of this study is to determine if hypertonic saline with and without dextran can improve neurologic outcomes in victims of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Injury and lost blood from trauma can cause your body to go into shock (low blood pressure related to blood loss). This decreased blood flow can lead to organ damage. In order to restore the blood pressure and blood flow, the medics give fluids into the patients' veins as soon as possible. This is called "resuscitation". The fluid most commonly used is "isotonic" or one that is the same salt concentration as the blood. The investigators are trying to determine if infusing a "hypertonic" fluid or one more concentrated than the blood can increase the blood pressure and restore blood flow more efficiently. The hypertonic fluids they are using are called hypertonic saline with dextran (HSD) and hypertonic saline (no dextran). Hypertonic saline is a salt solution that is slightly more concentrated than blood. Dextran is a sugar solution.

The ProTECT study will determine if intravenous (IV) progesterone (started within 4 hours of injury and given for a total of 96 hours), is more effective than placebo for treating victims of moderate to severe acute traumatic brain injury.

Following brain injury, complex interactions between the nervous system and other organs are frequently encountered. Systemic effects may be induced by dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the autonomic nervous system. This observational study will investigate the link between clinical, physiological and biochemical expressions of dysautonomic reactions and physiological stress, and their relations to sympathetic activation in traumatic brain injury patients treated in the neurointensive care unit.

St. Michael's Hospital (SMH) provides service to individuals with some of the most severe brain injuries and intensive care needs in Canada. These patients often require prolonged intensive care admissions, lengthy hospital stays, involvement of many health professionals, and long-term support for ongoing care requirements. Many hospitals face resource limitations, specifically involving the health disciplines and their ability to provide frequent intervention. It has been proposed that multisensory stimulation (i.e. exposing the patient to various sights, sounds, smells, etc.) in the early stages of brain injury recovery may result in improved responsiveness/cognitive function. Previous research has indicated a potential benefit for early multisensory stimulation intervention for patients with severe brain injury. However there is still not enough conclusive evidence to confirm whether the intervention is truly effective. The investigators are proposing a pilot randomized controlled study (placebo-controlled, double-blinded) to determine the feasibility and examine the effectiveness of early multisensory stimulation with patients following severe brain injury who remain in a coma, vegetative state, or minimally conscious state. Eligible patients will be randomized to a control group (standard care + family/caregiver education) or an intervention group (standard care + family/caregiver education + early sensory intervention). Data regarding number of patients enrolled, amount of intervention completed, percentage of outcome data collected, patient's level of responsiveness and cognitive function will be collected before and after the intervention period, using several outcome measures. The investigators hope to determine the feasibility of conducting this type of study within this clinical setting and the effectiveness of multisensory stimulation with this patient population.