Understanding cognitive and emotional challenges after brain injuries using advanced neural probes
Official title: Investigation of Cognitive and Affective Deficits Post TBI Using Multimodal Flexible Neural Probes
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11077761 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a medication called methylphenidate (MPH) might help improve thinking and emotional challenges that people often face after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), using a rat model to understand how it works in the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | April 23, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $489,403 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS136622-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077761 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a traumatic brain injury and are struggling with cognitive or emotional challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a traumatic brain injury or those with pre-existing cognitive or emotional disorders unrelated to TBI may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the cognitive and emotional difficulties that often persist after traumatic brain injury (TBI). It focuses on how a medication called methylphenidate (MPH) can help improve these symptoms by examining brain activity and chemical levels in the striatum, a key brain region affected by TBI. The study will utilize innovative microelectrode arrays to monitor brain activity over three weeks in a rat model, aiming to uncover the mechanisms behind TBI-related deficits and the effects of MPH treatment. By correlating brain activity with behavioral assessments, the research seeks to provide insights that could lead to more personalized treatments for TBI patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for cognitive and emotional symptoms in TBI survivors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using similar approaches to investigate brain function and treatment responses in TBI, indicating potential for success in this study.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cui, Xinyan Tracy — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Cui, Xinyan Tracy
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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.