New Recovery Hope For Traumatic Brain Injury Victims

A new finding using microscopic particles that increase oxygen flow to the brain following a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) means that victims’ recovery could be greatly improved.

TBIs have remained a conundrum for scientists for many years and this latest breakthrough is much-welcomed news as it potentially means more successful recovery rates for a large number of victims.

New research could help soldiers, sports professionals and drivers

Victims of TBIs are far-reaching and include sportsmen and women, car accident victims and even soldiers who are more at risk of receiving a severe blow to the head. Injuries can be mild and include symptoms of concussion, they may also be more severe and leave patients unable to look after themselves and requiring 24-hour care. In each case, there has been a lack of oxygen getting to the brain.

The science behind the breakthrough

When someone receives a heavy knock to the head they can get an injury called a TBI. Oxygen is carried to the brain via blood but when a TBI occurs, this blood supply is restricted and brain cells can be killed.

The new tests involve tiny particles called nanoparticles which are so small it is possible to spread up to a thousand across the breadth of a strand of human hair. When these particles were tested on rodents, they begin to reinstate the movement of blood supply to the brain.

Disclaimer

The research behind this article is contained within the journal, ACS Nano 2012. For more information on Traumatic Brain Injuries please consult additional sources. Jefferies accepts no responsibility for the validity of the content of this article.

Published 11th February 2015.