For individuals with traumatic brain injuries, cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and mood regulation can become extremely challenging. However, Nicholas Schiff, a neurologist at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City, points out that there is currently no therapy available for this widespread problem.
The findings indicate that direct stimulation of the thalamus could be a potential treatment for cognitive impairment caused by traumatic brain injuries. In the United States alone, over 5 million people live with the effects of moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries, often resulting from common incidents like falls and car accidents.
In deep brain stimulation, electrodes are surgically implanted into the brain and powered by a pacemaker to electrically stimulate specific brain regions. This technique has been successfully used to treat other conditions, such as reducing tremors in Parkinson’s disease or controlling seizures in epilepsy. More recently, researchers have been investigating its potential to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and severe depression (SN: 9/21/23).
To determine if the same approach could restore cognitive function in individuals with traumatic brain injuries, Schiff and his colleagues recruited six patients to undergo surgery and have the electrical devices implanted. The time since the patients’ injuries ranged from three to 18 years ago.
2023-12-04 11:48:30
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