Understanding how brain injuries affect neuron function and swelling
Official title: Neuronal Ion and Volume Shifts After Acute Brain Injury
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11082220 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how sudden brain injuries affect the balance of important minerals in brain cells and how this can lead to swelling, especially in babies and young children, with the goal of finding better ways to treat these injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,226,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R35NS116852-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11082220 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced acute brain injuries, particularly premature infants and those with neonatal seizures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic brain conditions or those who have not experienced acute brain injuries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of acute brain injuries on neuronal ion balance and volume regulation. It focuses on how changes in ion homeostasis and membrane permeability can lead to brain swelling and cytotoxic edema, particularly in both mature and immature brains. The study aims to identify the mechanisms behind these changes and their implications for treatment, especially in vulnerable populations like premature infants. By exploring these processes, the research seeks to develop better therapeutic strategies for managing brain injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for brain injuries, particularly in neonates and infants who currently have limited options.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding neuronal ion homeostasis and its implications for brain injury, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Staley, Kevin J. — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Staley, Kevin J.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Sleep patterns predicting recovery after acute brain injury
Researchers will look at brain sleep signals to see if certain sleep patterns can forecast when patients who are unconscious after a brain injury may start to wake up and recover.
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Brain cell ion balance and swelling after sudden brain injury
They are looking at how changes in ion levels and cell size after a sudden brain injury cause swelling or shrinkage for people with acquired brain injuries, including newborns.
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EEG tools to predict recovery after sudden brain injury
This project will use computer-based EEG tools to help doctors predict recovery and seizure risk for people hospitalized with sudden (acute) brain injuries.
-
Using EEG to guide seizure medicines after stroke or head injury
This project looks at whether using bedside EEG brain monitoring to guide anti-seizure medicines for people with recent stroke or traumatic brain injury can prevent harmful brain activity while cutting down medicine side effects.
-
Understanding Brain Injury During ECMO Treatment
This research looks at why some people develop brain injury when they receive life-saving ECMO support for severe heart and lung failure.
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Helping patients with acute brain injuries and their caregivers build resilience together
This study is for patients who have had a brain injury, like a stroke, and their caregivers, and it offers a friendly program called 'Recovering Together' to help them cope with stress and support each other while they heal in the hospital.
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.