Using advanced MRI techniques to study sodium levels in mild brain injuries
Official title: Optimized Sodium MR Imaging at Clinical Field Strength to Study in vivo Sodium Signal in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11058399 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how new MRI techniques can help us understand brain changes in people with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI) by measuring sodium levels, which could lead to better treatments for this common condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | April 25, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $620,173 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS131458-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058399 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severe traumatic brain injuries or other neurological conditions unrelated to MTBI may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on utilizing advanced sodium MRI (NaMRI) and proton diffusion MRI to identify imaging biomarkers in patients with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI). By measuring sodium levels in the brain, the study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of MTBI, which has been a significant public health issue. The research leverages recent technological advancements to improve the signal quality of NaMRI, making it feasible to study clinical populations. The findings could lead to new treatment pathways for MTBI, addressing the current gaps in understanding and managing this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide critical insights into the mechanisms of mild traumatic brain injury and pave the way for new treatment options.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in using sodium channel blockade in animal models of MTBI, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lui, Yvonne W — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Lui, Yvonne W
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A High-Tech Look Inside the Brain with Diffusion MRI
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Neurobehavioral effects of childhood brain injuries and addiction risk in twins
This grant studies how mild traumatic brain injury in childhood might influence behavior and the chance of developing addictive behaviors later in life, using twins to understand what’s due to injury versus other factors.
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This grant tests how people recover their balance after a mild brain injury and how targeted training could help prevent falls.
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.