Understanding how sex differences affect outcomes in traumatic brain injury.
Official title: Sex differences in traumatic brain injury: Neural circuit mediators of overlapping stress and physical effects
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10892078 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at why women tend to have more severe symptoms and longer recovery times after a traumatic brain injury compared to men, exploring factors like hormones and brain differences, to help improve understanding and treatment for women who experience TBIs from various causes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | July 14, 2023 |
| Project end | July 13, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $81,784 |
| NIH project number | 5F32MH134528-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892078 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include women who have experienced a traumatic brain injury from various causes such as accidents or assaults.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a traumatic brain injury or those who are male may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates why women often experience worse symptoms and outcomes after traumatic brain injuries (TBI) compared to men. It explores various factors, including hormonal fluctuations and neurobiological vulnerabilities, that may contribute to this disparity. The study will analyze existing data to assess differences in brain connectivity and the impact of hormone levels on recovery from TBI. By focusing on a wide range of traumatic events beyond just sports-related injuries, it aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of TBI in women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies and outcomes for women suffering from traumatic brain injuries.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been research on sex differences in TBI, this study aims to address gaps in understanding specific to hormonal influences and broader traumatic events, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huibregtse, Megan E — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Huibregtse, Megan E
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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.