Understanding heart and brain health after traumatic brain injury in veterans
Official title: Cardiovascular dysfunction following Traumatic Brain Injury
Funded at Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center · NIH-11109493 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how traumatic brain injuries affect the heart and brain in veterans, especially how these injuries might relate to feelings of fear and anxiety, to help us understand their long-term health effects and improve treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2BX005600-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11109493 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans and service members who have experienced traumatic brain injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not suffered a traumatic brain injury or those without a military background may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects heart and brain function in veterans, focusing on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and its role in conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By studying the amygdala, a brain region linked to fear and anxiety, the research aims to identify how TBI-induced changes in this area can lead to health issues. The approach includes using a novel animal model that simulates human TBI to observe the resulting behavioral and physiological changes. The findings could help in understanding the long-term health impacts of TBI and guide future treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of health issues faced by veterans after traumatic brain injuries.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, there have been other studies exploring the relationship between TBI and autonomic dysfunction, indicating a growing interest in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roberts, Christopher Jon — Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Roberts, Christopher Jon
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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.