Tag : Neuroinflammation

Massachusetts: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a prominent cause of long-term disability and premature death, particularly among military personnel and those who participate in contact sports. Significant study has been conducted on the acute and chronic neurological repercussions of TBI; however, non-neurological diseases connected with TBI have received less attention. Researchers from Mass General Brigham present key findings on long-term associations between TBI and cardiovascular disease in a new review paper, highlighting that nervous system dysfunction, neuroinflammation, changes in the brain-gut connection, and post-injury comorbidities may increase the risk of both cardiovascular and cognitive dysfunction in TBI survivors compared to the general population. The Lancet Neurology study emphasises the importance of future cardiovascular research, surveillance, and intervention in TBI survivors. “Despite decades of extensive traumatic brain injury focused research, surprisingly, there has been minimal progress in mitigating long-term outcomes and mortality following injuries. The cardiovascular effects of TBI may be a missing link in advancing our efforts to improve long-term quality of life and reducing mortality rates in TBI patients,” said first author Saef Izzy, MD, MBChB, of the Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center of Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system. “We have the opportunity to identify and improve targeted screening for high-risk popualtions, build preventative care strategies and improve outcomes for survivors of TBI.” Existing research has identified a strong link between TBI and neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. However, the mechan ...