Brain "tsunamis" after head injury and how they affect memory centers
Defining the remote effects of cortical spreading depolarizations on hippocampus after traumatic brain injury
Researchers will find out if sudden waves of electrical activity after traumatic brain injury damage the hippocampus, the memory area, using lab models relevant to adults with head injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261637 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
After a serious head injury, many patients experience cortical spreading depolarizations (CSDs), sometimes called "brain tsunamis." In the lab, scientists at the University of Cincinnati will recreate TBI and CSDs in experimental models to record electrical signals, examine tissue damage, and measure new neuron growth in the hippocampus. They will test whether harmful effects reach the hippocampus by spreading across connected brain cells (a trans-synaptic mechanism). The team will combine electrical recordings, tissue studies, and cell-growth measures to link CSDs with changes in this memory-related brain region.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) who have experienced moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury and are monitored for cortical spreading depolarizations would be most directly relevant.
Not a fit: People with only mild concussions, children, or those without evidence of CSDs are less likely to see direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If confirmed, this could point to ways to protect memory centers after TBI and improve long-term recovery.
How similar studies have performed: Clinical studies have shown CSDs occur in many TBI patients and link to worse outcomes, but proving remote hippocampal harm and the trans-synaptic pathway is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- University of Cincinnati — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ngwenya, Laura Benjamin — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Ngwenya, Laura Benjamin
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.