Using nerve stimulation and a specific drug to reduce inflammation after brain injuries
Official title: Harnessing the Cholinergic Inflammatory Reflex to Alter Neuroinflammation and Neuropsychiatric Consequences Following Traumatic Brain Injury
Funded at White River Junction VA Medical Center · NIH-11012353 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special treatment might help reduce inflammation in the brain and improve mental health after a traumatic brain injury, especially for those who have experienced blast injuries, using a rodent model to find new ways to help people recover better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | White River Junction VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (White River Junction, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | October 1, 2022 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2RX003551-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012353 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced traumatic brain injuries, particularly military personnel affected by blast injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-traumatic brain injuries or those who do not have neuropsychiatric symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how activating the cholinergic inflammatory reflex can help reduce neuroinflammation and improve neuropsychiatric outcomes following traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study will utilize a rodent model to explore the effects of vagus nerve stimulation and anatabine, a cholinergic agonist, on inflammation and related impairments. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to identify effective treatments for individuals suffering from the consequences of TBI, particularly those affected by blast injuries. The findings could lead to new therapeutic strategies that enhance recovery and quality of life for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new treatment options that significantly improve recovery and quality of life for individuals with traumatic brain injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using neuromodulation techniques for treating neuroinflammation, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
White River Junction VA Medical Center
White River Junction, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Noller, Crystal M — White River Junction VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Noller, Crystal M
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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.