New study suggests deep brain stimulation may help TBI patients
A new study published recently in the journal Neurosurgery suggests a new technique that sends targeted electrical impulses deep into the brain, stimulating it, may help people who have suffered traumatic brain injury to gain some independence.
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“ Traumatic brain injury is a common condition with over 80,000 new cases of disability each year,” Dr. Ali Rezai, director of the Neurological Institute at Ohio State University in Columbus said in an article published by Health Day. “There are few treatment options to help these individuals. The outcomes of this study demonstrate, however, improvements in disability, functional outcomes, independence, behavioral and emotional regulation, and self-control after two years with DBS
Traumatic brain injury can be classified as mild if loss of consciousness and/or confusion and disorientation is shorter than 30 minutes. While MRI and CAT scans are often normal, the individual has cognitive problems such as headache, difficulty thinking, memory problems, attention deficits, mood swings and frustration. These injuries are commonly overlooked.
Severe brain injury is associated with loss of consciousness for more than 30 minutes and memory loss after the injury or penetrating skull injury longer than 24 hours. The deficits range from impairment of higher level cognitive functions to comatose states. Survivors may have limited function of arms or legs, abnormal speech or language, loss of thinking ability or emotional problems. The range of injuries and degree of recovery is very variable and varies on an individual basis.
“The DBS system is made up of three parts: the lead (or electrode); the extension; and the pulse generator (essentially the batteries), according to the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS),” the article reads. “The lead is surgically placed in the area of the brain to be stimulated. The extension is a wire that’s implanted from the head, under the skin, through the neck and shoulders to connect the pulse generator to the lead. The pulse generator is implanted under the skin in the collarbone area, NINDS explained.”
The effects of deep brain stimulation were investigated in four patients by Rezai and his team. All had suffered severe brain damage in automobile crashes six to 21 years earlier.
“The patients didn’t have problems with being awake or alert, but they were significantly impaired when it came to performing daily life functions. All required daily supervision and couldn’t be alone overnight. Three needed assistance with dressing, grooming and using the toilet,” the article reads. “When doctors implanted the DBS system in the patients, the lead was connected to stimulate the damaged areas of the brain with electrical impulses. After two years of treatment, the researchers reported that three of the four participants demonstrated behavioral and emotional improvements, and substantial gains in functional independence.”
The investigators saw improvements in alertness and engagement among all four participants.
