Trigeminal nerve stimulation to reduce brain swelling after traumatic brain injury
Mechanistic underpinnings of trigeminal nerve stimulation as a therapeutic approach to TBI
This project tests whether gentle stimulation of a facial nerve can help clear fluid and reduce dangerous brain swelling in people after a traumatic brain injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11117581 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are exploring how tiny electrical pulses to the trigeminal nerve (a major facial nerve) might speed the brain's natural fluid clearance and reduce swelling after a head injury. They will use mouse experiments with advanced imaging to watch fluid movement and the effects of different stimulation settings. The team will also run realistic computer simulations to predict how stimulation changes fluid flow and to help pick the best stimulation patterns. The goal is to use these results to guide safer, faster human testing down the line.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future human testing would be people who recently experienced a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury and are at risk for cerebral edema.
Not a fit: Patients with very mild head injuries without swelling, or those whose swelling already requires emergency surgery, are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to a low-risk, noninvasive therapy that reduces brain swelling and improves recovery after traumatic brain injury.
How similar studies have performed: Early animal studies have shown reduced edema and improved function with trigeminal nerve stimulation, but clinical evidence in humans is still limited.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tithof, Jeffrey — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Tithof, Jeffrey
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.