Improving Memory After Traumatic Brain Injury with Brain Stimulation

Sharp wave ripple stimulation as a potential strategy to enhance memory after TBI

['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON · NIH-11110481

This project explores whether gentle brain stimulation can help restore memory function in people who have experienced a traumatic brain injury.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON (nih funded)
Locations1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11110481 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Many people who have a traumatic brain injury (TBI) struggle with lasting memory problems, which can make daily life difficult. While some treatments focus on preventing brain cell loss right after an injury, this project looks at ways to improve the function of the brain cells that survive. Researchers are focusing on a brain area called the hippocampus, which is crucial for learning and memory. They believe that specific brain activity patterns, called sharp wave-ripples, are important for reinforcing memories, and that TBI might disrupt these patterns. This work aims to understand if increasing these brain ripples can help bring back lost memory function.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational work is for individuals interested in the future development of treatments for memory problems following a traumatic brain injury.

Not a fit: Patients without memory dysfunction related to traumatic brain injury would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to improve memory and quality of life for individuals living with the long-term effects of traumatic brain injury.

How similar studies have performed: While the role of sharp wave-ripples in memory is known, directly augmenting them to restore memory after TBI is a novel approach.

Where this research is happening

HOUSTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Acquired brain injury

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.