Understanding Recovery After Surgery: Pain, Confusion, and Brain Inflammation
Mechanisms involved in postoperative recovery: a focus on pain, delirium, and neuroinflammation
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS DALLAS · NIH-11141800
This project aims to understand why people recover differently after surgery, especially focusing on how pain and confusion happen.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS DALLAS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (RICHARDSON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11141800 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
After surgery, some people experience more pain or confusion than others, and we don't fully understand why. This project explores how certain immune cells in the body and brain, called monocytes and microglia, become active and contribute to these differences in recovery. We are looking at how these cells' activity might lead to issues like pain and confusion after an operation. Our work also considers how factors like age and sex play a role in these brain inflammation processes. We use advanced tools and models to uncover these important connections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant to anyone undergoing surgery, particularly those who might experience significant pain or confusion during their recovery.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct participation in a clinical trial may not find direct benefit from this foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to predict, prevent, or treat postoperative pain and confusion, improving recovery for many patients.
How similar studies have performed: While previous work has shown that immune system changes can affect pain and thinking abilities with age, the exact mechanisms behind varying postoperative recovery are still largely unknown.
Where this research is happening
RICHARDSON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS DALLAS — RICHARDSON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BURTON, MICHAEL D — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS DALLAS
- Study coordinator: BURTON, MICHAEL D
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.