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-11286777 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new ways to see how mild brain injuries affect thinking and brain health in veterans, using advanced imaging techniques and tests to help improve their treatment and care.
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 | 5I01CX002626-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11286777 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 difficulties.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of mild traumatic brain injury or who are not veterans 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). By utilizing advanced diffusion imaging techniques, the study aims to overcome limitations of traditional imaging methods that may not accurately reflect the brain's condition. The goal is to improve understanding of how mTBI affects cognitive function and to enhance clinical decision-making for treatment. Veterans participating in this research will undergo assessments that combine imaging and cognitive testing to provide a comprehensive evaluation of their brain health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatment strategies 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, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
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
A small study tests whether stimulating the brain with a noninvasive technique can lessen persistent headaches in people who recently had a concussion.
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New ways to treat chronic pain after mild brain injuries
A research team is studying why some people develop long-lasting pain after a mild head injury and how brain inflammation contributes to it.
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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.
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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.