Effects of oral contraceptives and smoking on women's recovery after brain injuries
Official title: Impact of oral contraceptives and smoking on females after traumatic brain injury
Funded at Miami VA Health Care System · NIH-11073031 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how taking birth control pills and smoking might impact recovery for women in the military who have had a mild brain injury, with the goal of finding better ways to help them heal.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Miami VA Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Miami, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX006223-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11073031 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adult women of childbearing age who have experienced mild traumatic brain injuries and are either smokers or using oral contraceptives.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not women, or those who have not experienced a traumatic brain injury, are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the use of oral contraceptives and smoking affects recovery in women who have experienced mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), particularly among military servicemembers. The study will explore the biological mechanisms behind these effects, focusing on how these factors may worsen cognitive decline and brain health after injury. By examining the interplay between smoking, oral contraceptive use, and brain metabolism, the research aims to provide insights that could lead to improved care strategies for affected women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatment and recovery strategies for women with traumatic brain injuries, particularly those in military service.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that the combination of smoking and hormonal factors can negatively impact brain health, suggesting that this study's approach is grounded in established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Miami VA Health Care System
Miami, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Raval, Ami P — Miami VA Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Raval, Ami P
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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.