Investigating brain stiffness to predict outcomes in chronic subdural hematoma treatment
Official title: Brain Stiffness as a Predictor of Chronic Subdural Hematoma Characteristics and Tissue Reexpansion
Funded at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-11168998 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the stiffness of the brain can help doctors understand and treat chronic subdural hematoma (a type of brain bleeding) in older adults, using special imaging to see how the brain responds after treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Champaign, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $222,916 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG083585-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11168998 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those aged 65 and above, who have been diagnosed with chronic subdural hematoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 years or those without a diagnosis of chronic subdural hematoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH), a common type of brain bleeding, particularly in older adults. It aims to understand how the stiffness of the brain can predict the characteristics of the hematoma and the brain's ability to recover after treatment. Using advanced imaging techniques called magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), the study will non-invasively measure brain stiffness and correlate these measurements with hematoma size and the brain's reexpansion after drainage. By analyzing data from 40 patients diagnosed with CSDH, the research seeks to identify key indicators that could help tailor treatment strategies for better outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with chronic subdural hematoma, potentially reducing recurrence rates and enhancing recovery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using brain mechanical properties to predict outcomes in similar conditions, but this specific approach using MRE is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
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University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sutton, Bradley P — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Sutton, Bradley P
Related research
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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.