NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

How mild traumatic brain injuries affect brain function and seizures in veterans with epilepsy

Official title: Interactions of traumatic brain injury with pre-existing mild epilepsy on thalamocortical dysfunction, sensory processing, and seizures

Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-10948906 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how mild traumatic brain injuries can affect brain function and lead to epilepsy in veterans, and it aims to find new ways to help improve their symptoms and overall quality of life.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVeterans Health Administration
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, United States)
Project startOctober 1, 2021
Project endSeptember 30, 2025
Funding year2025
NIH project number5I01BX005316-04
Project IDNIH-10948906 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who have experienced mild traumatic brain injuries and have a history of epilepsy or sensory processing disorders.

Less likely to help

Patients who have not experienced mild traumatic brain injuries or do not have epilepsy may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) on brain function and the development of epilepsy in veterans. It focuses on understanding how these injuries disrupt large-scale brain networks, which may lead to sensory processing issues and seizures. The study aims to explore new therapeutic approaches, such as brain stimulation, to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for affected individuals. By examining the interactions between mTBI and pre-existing epilepsy, the research seeks to provide insights into effective treatments.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly reduce seizures and improve sensory processing in veterans with mTBI and epilepsy.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success in understanding brain network dysfunction in non-traumatic patients, suggesting potential for similar breakthroughs in this novel area of research.

Where this research is happening

  • Veterans Health Administration
    Nashville, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Gallagher, Martin J — Veterans Health Administration
  • Study coordinator: Gallagher, Martin J

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.