New Strategies to Define Nervous System Trauma

Project Description Narrative:

Wisconsin has a higher rate of per-capita brain injuries than the national average. Concussions are a significant source of nervous system trauma. While much continues to be learned about concussions, results to-date indicate that patients lacking appropriate care may develop post-concussion syndrome and potentially suffer long-lasting effects on functionality, learning and behavior. Even minor brain injuries, if repeated, may lead to the accumulation of nervous system trauma and cause permanent brain damage.

Recent research has demonstrated that mild traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, alter the metabolism of blood flowing in the brain. While this metabolism problem normalizes relatively quickly in most patients, abnormalities after one month are associated with more severe post-concussion symptoms. By better understanding this phenomenon, investigators aim to develop methods for using blood samples to diagnose the presence and severity of injury in order to improve the diagnosis and treatment of brain injuries, including concussions, as well as other forms of nervous system trauma.