Detecting brain changes in veterans with mild traumatic brain injury
Official title: Use of Novel Neuroimaging, Neuropsychological Methods, and Retrograde Memory Test to Detect Cognitive and Cerebral Disruption in Veterans with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Funded at VA San Diego Healthcare System · NIH-10842273 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new ways to spot brain changes in veterans who have had mild traumatic brain injuries, using advanced imaging techniques to help doctors better understand their condition and improve their treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA San Diego Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002626-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10842273 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who have a history of mild traumatic brain injury and are experiencing cognitive disruptions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced mild traumatic brain injury or those with severe brain injuries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on identifying new neuroimaging and neuropsychological markers that can detect cognitive and brain disruptions in veterans who have experienced mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The study employs advanced diffusion imaging techniques to overcome limitations of traditional imaging methods, aiming to provide a clearer understanding of brain changes associated with mTBI. By integrating neuroimaging data with cognitive assessments, the research seeks to improve clinical decision-making and treatment strategies for affected veterans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatments for veterans suffering from the effects of mild traumatic brain injury.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced neuroimaging techniques to detect brain changes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
VA San Diego Healthcare System
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Christine Nicole — VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Smith, Christine Nicole
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A High-Tech Look Inside the Brain with Diffusion MRI
Researchers are using advanced brain imaging to find biological clues in people who have mild traumatic brain injuries.
-
How neuromodulation may help headaches after a mild brain injury
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A research team is studying why some people develop long-lasting pain after a mild head injury and how brain inflammation contributes to it.
-
Retraining brain pathways to boost thinking after a mild head injury
A clinical trial tests a brain-training program to improve thinking and memory in people who have had a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).
-
Neurobehavioral effects of childhood brain injuries and addiction risk in twins
This grant studies how mild traumatic brain injury in childhood might influence behavior and the chance of developing addictive behaviors later in life, using twins to understand what’s due to injury versus other factors.
-
Understanding and improving reactive balance after mild traumatic brain injury
This grant tests how people recover their balance after a mild brain injury and how targeted training could help prevent falls.
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.