Active clinical trials for "Brain Injuries, Traumatic"

This investigation addresses emotional health in community dwelling persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI). It is designed to test the efficacy of a novel behavioral treatment for depression and anxiety symptoms. This treatment incorporates principles of Behavioral Activation (BA), a promising treatment model for depression and anxiety after TBI, and implementation intentions, a theoretically motivated method to enhance enactment of goal-relevant behaviors via action planning. To maximize the impact of this intervention over time, we use the low-cost, widely available technology of SMS, or text messaging, to promote positive behavior change in accordance with planned values and intentions. Participants are randomized 1:2:2 to one of three conditions. Condition 1: a control condition in which participants receive SMS messages with self-selected motivational statements. Condition 2: a condition using BA-based implementation intentions. Condition 3: a condition using BA-based activity monitoring and scheduling based on personal values.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most common cause of death and disability in young adults. Patients can experience significant problems with concentration, attention, and memory (so called 'cognitive impairments') following TBI. These cognitive impairments can drastically impact on a patient's well-being, and can lead to significant economic and social consequences. Roughly a quarter of TBI patients improve but an equal number deteriorate over time. The investigators know little about why patients vary so much in how they recover. Crucially, the investigators have no treatments to improve brain functioning or recovery after TBI. Trials investigating ways of protecting the brain just after injury have been disappointing. An alternative strategy, however, is to improve the function of brain regions that remain intact, but that function inefficiently after TBI. The investigators know that dopamine (a chemical in the brain) is known to influence many brain functions and the investigators know that pathways in the brain that use dopamine are affected by TBI. In humans, drugs that increase dopamine in the brain, such as methylphenidate, are sometimes used to enhance cognitive function after TBI, but the response to treatment can be highly variable between patients. Therefore, what is needed in the clinic is a way to target the use of these drugs to patients who are likely to respond. In a single centre study, the investigators will use SPECT (Single Photon Emission Tomography) imaging to measure dopamine levels in the brain. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans will assess brain structure and function. The investigators will test whether treatment with methylphenidate improves cognitive functions in TBI patients who have ongoing cognitive problems, whether the mechanism involves a normalisation of brain functioning and whether brain dopamine levels can predict the magnitude of any improvement in symptoms.

In this study researchers will apply transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for 5 consecutive days in chronic patients in minimally conscious state (MCS). 2 sessions of 5 days of stimulation will be realized, one anodal and one sham. After each stimulation, behavioral improvement will be assessed with the Coma Recovery Scale Revised (CRS-R). A final assessment will be done one week after the end of the sessions to assess the long term effect of the tDCS.

If a child with cerebral palsy does not develop independent sitting balance by 4 years of age, their prognosis for walking is very poor. Surprisingly little is known about how to facilitate head control or upright sitting balance and functional mobility in the child who is not developing these skills. This is one of the first studies that will examine intermediate stages in the development of the postural control system in children with neurologic deficits. Clinical researchers at The Movement Centre in Oswestry, England have developed a method called Targeted Training in which trunk control is trained in children segment by segment using a specific training device. This study aims to examine kinematic and electromyographic changes in a case series of children who undergo a 6-month Targeted Training intervention.

Peripheral nerve stimulation for the treatment of sequelae due to traumatic brain injury. This study will specifically examine patients with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) who have persistent cognitive impairments lasting one year or longer. Neuropsychological testing will occur to confirm the diagnosis.

The TOPHR HIT trial is a clinical trial of patients experiencing blunt trauma who present with an injury to their head which makes them unconscios. The study compares two different fluids given to the patient in the out of hospital setting by a paramedic. The two fluids are salt water (standard treatment) versus a higher concentration of salt water mixed with a sugar (study fluid). The patients have an equal chance of receiving either fluid and the paramedic and the patient and the treating trauma surgeon do not know which fluid was provided in the out of hospital setting.

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the preliminary effectiveness and acceptability of an innovative in-home nonpharmacological intervention, the Veterans' In-home Program (VIP), for Veterans with mild to moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) and their families. VIP is designed to promote community reintegration, improve quality of life, and support functioning by realigning environmental demands to match the Veteran's abilities.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a prevalent disorder developed by military personnel. While some individuals recover function within months after injury, others continue to suffer from cognitive problems months to years later and may not become evident immediately, particularly for the recently transitioned veteran. Chronic TBI cases may include persistent difficulties in cognition that negatively impact employment and personal relationships. The investigators will test and evaluate software-based interventions aimed at improving cognition in veterans experiencing everyday life cognitive deficits due to TBI. The interventions will be administered on a computer using a tele-health approach. Two conditions will be compared, an active condition challenging memory, inhibitory control and planning, and a context-matched control condition that is lower on these challenge levels.

This long-term goal of this project was to advance best practices in occupational therapy in conjunction with yoga. To address the long-term goal, this research team developed a pilot yoga intervention. The intervention was designed to focus on balance, balance confidence, body responsiveness, pain, physical ability and quality of life. Assessments were then chosen to address these areas pre and post yoga intervention. A manual and protocol were developed for the intervention and then the intervention was implemented with a group of individuals with chronic traumatic brain injury.

At least 1 in 5 people who sustain a concussion will have persistent symptoms and difficulties with daily activities. The researchers have identified two unhelpful coping styles following a concussion - avoidance and endurance. Individuals who engage in avoidance behavior may benefit from a different type of treatment than those who engage in endurance behavior. The researchers will evaluate whether assigning individuals to a specific psychologically-informed treatment tailored to their coping style is practical, acceptable, and beneficial for their recovery.