Active clinical trials for "Brain Injuries"

The aim of this study is to determine whether passive gait training increases arousal, demonstrated as changes in EEG (electroencephalogram) activity. Hypotheses: 1) Passive gait training increases EEG-frequency in patients with impaired consciousness due to severe traumatic brain injury. 2) Passive gait training increases conductivity speed of the cognitive P300-component of ERP in patients with impaired consciousness due to severe traumatic brain injury.

Each year in the United States alone, a third of a million persons are hospitalized for traumatic brain injury (TBI), of whom approximately 1/4 die. Most are less than 30 years of age. Not only are the health care costs staggering for both initial care and rehabilitation, but the societal loss in terms of economic impact reaches into the billions of dollars annually in the U.S. alone. Despite advances in neurosurgical interventions and intensive care management, many survivors do not fully recover. A significant cause of this mortality and morbidity is thought due to potentially preventable secondary injury, namely oxidant injury, inflammation, and apoptosis in the penumbra (the area of brain surrounding the primary lesion, which is at-risk, but potentially salvageable), beginning in the first few hours after the severe traumatic event. Despite the current bleak outlook for many of these patients, a series of animal investigations have uncovered a promising solution to the problem of the secondary injury seen in severe TBI and other similar processes, namely the early administration of estrogen, a strong anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic compound. Based on these encouraging results from animal studies, the investigators hypothesize that early administration of IV Premarin® in patients with severe TBI will safely reduce secondary brain injury, improve neurological outcomes, and improve survival.

Context: Neurocognitive dysfunction complicates coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Neurocognitive dysfunction is a measurable problem with thinking. Erythropoietin may be a neuroprotectant. Objective: To investigate the feasibility and safety of three doses of human recombinant erythropoietin to reduce neurocognitive dysfunction in coronary artery bypass graft patients.

The purpose of this study is: To determine the safety and feasibility of performing an international multi-centre randomized control trial of early and prolonged hypothermia to improve outcome in children with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). To determine whether in children with severe traumatic brain injury, prolonged initial hypothermia (minimum 72 hours at 32-33 degrees) improves the proportion of good outcomes 12 months after injury when compared to initial normothermia (36-37 degrees).

This is a randomized clinical trial which compares a standard day treatment program for individuals with TBI with the "Executive Plus" program; the latter emphasizes training of attention, emotional self-regulation and problem solving. The goal of the Executive Plus program is to maximize executive functioning, as well as the long-term outcomes of community participation and satisfaction with daily life.

Randomized clinical trial that compares the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and supportive psychotherapy for depression. Short- and long-term outcomes will be evaluated in terms of changes in mood (primarily depression and anxiety), participation in activities and life satisfaction.

The purpose of this study is to determine if bone marrow progenitor cell (BMPC) autologous transplantation in children after isolated traumatic brain injury is safe and will improve functional outcome.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is benefit from providing cognitive rehabilitation in the group setting. Several standardized tools will be used to measure progress when a participant enters the group, leaves the group and at a one year follow-up.

Each year a large number of patients are hospitalized at Shock Trauma Centers with severe head injuries. Bleeding into and swelling of these patients' brains may cause compression of vital structures, disability and death. Sometimes surgery is needed. Unfortunately, the investigators have no medication to treat the bad effects of head trauma. Part of the brain damage is due to toxic chemicals (including one called glutamate) that are released by the damaged nerves. Dexanabinol may prevent some of the bad effects of glutamate on the brain and may protect the brain against uncontrollable swelling and death.

Children and young people with movement difficulties such as Cerebral Palsy (CP) and Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) report that traditional therapies are highly repetitive and labourious. This influences enjoyment and participation in regular therapy programmes and may result in reduced adherence to therapy or exercise regimes, limiting effectiveness. This study will build on the team's previous work to explore the potential use of Virtual-Reality (VR) technologies in rehabilitation; particularly systems that can be used at home to increase accessibility and reduce need to attend clinics for therapy. During the co-production events of the VR4REHAB Inter Regional North West Europe (NWE) funded programme in 2018, young people desired the use of commercial games for therapeutic purposes. This work has enabled connections between affordable computer technologies: the Raspberry Pi, VR headsets and freely available commercial games. This 2-Phased project is therefore exploring the potential of commercially available virtual reality (VR) systems consoles and games for use in rehabilitation programmes. The Investigators hope to gain information on: Whether commercially produced VR games can provide a motivating environment to support adherence to therapy Whether it is possible to improve reaching and grasp-release hand movements through this method Gain an understanding of the ages of children and young people most likely to benefit from home-based VR therapy User evaluation and performance data and therapist evaluations will be collected and compared to baseline data to provide information on usability, accessibility, acceptability and adaptability.