Brain waves that spread damage after stroke or head injury
Spreading Depolarizations and Neuronal Vulnerability
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR · NIH-11345739
This project looks for ways to protect brain tissue after stroke or head injury by studying electrical waves called spreading depolarizations.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ALBUQUERQUE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11345739 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
After a stroke or head injury, waves of electrical disturbance called spreading depolarizations can travel through the brain and make damage worse. Researchers at the University of New Mexico study these waves using brain tissue slices and animal models to learn how they harm or sometimes help brain cells. The team is testing strategies to support weakened brain tissue so it can recover from repeated waves without requiring heavy sedation. Their goal is to develop treatments that could be given later in recovery to reduce secondary damage and improve outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future clinical testing would be people recovering from acute brain injuries such as ischemic stroke or traumatic brain injury, especially in the days after the initial event.
Not a fit: People without acute brain injury or whose condition is unrelated to spreading depolarizations (for example, stable chronic neurological disorders) are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that reduce delayed brain damage after stroke or trauma and improve survival and recovery.
How similar studies have performed: Early clinical work has tested drugs to block spreading depolarizations but has been limited by the need for heavy sedation, so this approach builds on initial findings while seeking safer, more practical options.
Where this research is happening
ALBUQUERQUE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR — ALBUQUERQUE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SHUTTLEWORTH, CLAUDE W — UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR
- Study coordinator: SHUTTLEWORTH, CLAUDE W
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.
Conditions: Acquired brain injury, Brain Diseases, Brain Disorders