Understanding Brain Changes After Childhood Head Injury and Addiction Risk
Neurobehavioral consequences of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and addiction risk: a cotwin-control study
This project looks at how mild head injuries in childhood might affect brain development and increase the chance of addiction later on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11141893 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We want to learn more about the long-term effects of mild head injuries that happen during childhood or adolescence. These injuries can occur when the brain is still developing, and we suspect they might lead to changes in behavior and a higher risk for addiction. Our approach uses a special design comparing twins, where one twin had a mild head injury and the other did not, to better understand these connections. We will follow participants over time and use advanced brain imaging and behavioral tests to see how the brain changes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adolescents aged 12-20 who have experienced a mild traumatic brain injury in childhood or adolescence, especially those with a twin.
Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced a mild traumatic brain injury or are outside the specified age range may not directly benefit from this particular research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could help us better understand and prevent addiction in young people who have experienced mild head injuries.
How similar studies have performed: While previous studies have explored this area, this project uses a unique and rigorous twin-control design to overcome significant methodological challenges.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Anokhin, Andrey P. — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Anokhin, Andrey P.
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.