NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding Autonomic System Changes After Severe Brain Injury

Official title: Impact of Autonomic Dysfunction on Multi-Organ Dysfunction following Severe TBI: The AUTO-BOOST Study

Funded at Duke University · NIH-11123126 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This research looks at how the body's automatic functions change after a severe brain injury and how these changes affect other organs.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project startJune 1, 2023
Project endMay 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$599,123
NIH project number5R01NS130832-03
Project IDNIH-11123126 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

This research focuses on understanding data from adults aged 21 and older who have experienced severe traumatic brain injury.

Less likely to help

Patients with mild or moderate brain injuries, or those without autonomic dysfunction, may not directly benefit from this specific research.

What this research studies

Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to problems in many organs beyond the brain, which can make recovery harder. We know that the autonomic nervous system, which controls automatic body functions like heart rate and breathing, often doesn't work right after a severe TBI. This project uses detailed information from a large clinical trial to understand exactly how these autonomic changes happen and how they might lead to other organ problems. By understanding this better, doctors hope to find new ways to help patients recover more fully.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that improve recovery and reduce complications for patients after severe traumatic brain injury.

How similar studies have gone: Prior research has shown a link between early autonomic nervous system dysfunction and complications after severe TBI, suggesting this approach builds on existing knowledge.

Where this research is happening

  • Duke University
    Durham, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Krishnamoorthy, Vijay — Duke University
  • Study coordinator: Krishnamoorthy, Vijay

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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    NIH research Duke University · Durham, United States · NIH-11439870

  • How brainstem nerves affect breathing and heart struggle in a heart condition

    This grant studies how specific brainstem nerve cells influence breathing and heart function in people with a type of heart failure, with the goal of improving symptoms and outcomes.

    NIH research University of Kansas Medical Center · Kansas City, United States · NIH-11398198

  • Autonomic dysfunction and multisystem TMD in adults

    A short, friendly study will look at how autonomic nervous system problems relate to multisystem temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in adults and aims to create a quick chairside screening tool to identify those at higher risk.

    NIH research Ohio State University · Columbus, UNITED STATES · NIH-11374506

  • Impact of Autonomic Dysfunction on Multi-Organ Problems after Severe TBI

    A big study at Duke looks at how early problems with the automatic nervous system after a severe brain injury relate to organ issues and brain energy problems, aiming to guide new therapies for better recovery.

    NIH research Duke University · Durham, United States · NIH-11365847

  • Block a nerve to help with opioid use disorder when on buprenorphine

    A new study will test whether injecting a local anesthetic near a facial nerve (SPG block) as an add-on to buprenorphine treatment can reduce withdrawal symptoms and improve treatment acceptance for people with opioid use disorder who use fentanyl.

    NIH research New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC · New York, United States · NIH-11353623

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.