The effects of traumatic brain injury during pregnancy on the brain development of children
Official title: Gravida traumatic brain injury (TBI) impacts neurodevelopment of the offspring
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11096072 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain injuries from domestic violence during pregnancy might affect the development of babies, helping us understand how stress and inflammation can impact their future behavior and brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $409,845 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD110860-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11096072 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women who have experienced intimate partner violence and may have sustained a traumatic brain injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced intimate partner violence or traumatic brain injury during pregnancy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how traumatic brain injuries (TBI) experienced by pregnant women due to intimate partner violence can affect the neurodevelopment of their children. The study aims to understand the biological mechanisms behind these effects by conducting laboratory studies, as direct human studies are not feasible. Researchers will analyze the impact of TBI on fetal development, focusing on stress, inflammation, and neuropsychiatric outcomes in offspring. Preliminary findings suggest that TBI during pregnancy may lead to significant changes in brain circuitry and behavior in children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for developmental disorders in children born to mothers who have experienced TBI during pregnancy.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on gravida TBI is novel, related research has shown that maternal health impacts child neurodevelopment, indicating potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lifshitz, Jonathan — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Lifshitz, Jonathan
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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.