How frontal brain injuries change mood, attention, and reward circuits
Molecular and neural mechanisms associated with injury and recovery from traumatic brain injury
This project looks at how frontal traumatic brain injuries disrupt brain circuits that control reward, mood, attention, and impulse control, with the goal of guiding new brain-based treatments for people with TBI.
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 ID | NIH-11131008 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The researchers use translational animal models that mimic mild and severe frontal TBI to track how connections between the prefrontal cortex and striatum break down and alter reward-guided behavior. They will measure neural communication and rhythmic brain patterns to find a neurophysiology signature linked to lasting behavioral problems. The team will test neuromodulation approaches aimed at restoring rhythmic activity and structural connections after injury. Findings are intended to point toward brain-based interventions that could later be adapted for people with frontal TBI.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a history of frontal-lobe traumatic brain injury who experience ongoing mood changes, attention deficits, or reward-processing problems would be the most relevant candidates for related future trials.
Not a fit: People without frontal-lobe injury or whose symptoms stem from other non-TBI neurological conditions are less likely to benefit from findings focused on frontal TBI reward-circuit disruptions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to neuromodulation or other brain-targeted treatments to relieve depression, anxiety, attention problems, and impulse-control issues after frontal TBI.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and human neuromodulation research has shown promise for mood and cognitive symptoms, but applying rhythmic-targeted neuromodulation specifically for frontal TBI-related reward deficits is relatively new and early-stage.
Where this research is happening
San Diego, United States
- VA San Diego Healthcare System — San Diego, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koloski, Miranda Francoeur — VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Koloski, Miranda Francoeur
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.