Understanding Autonomic System Changes After Severe Brain Injury

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

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-11123126

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 IDNIH-11123126 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

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

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

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 performed: 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

Durham, 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.
Conditions Acquired brain injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.