Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major problem in the United States. Some 1.7 million people sustain TBIs each year, with many of these injuries leading to brain damage or death. Fortunately, researchers and the medical community are working together to create awareness and come up with solutions to acquired brain injury and other forms of this epidemic.
Though currently there are no drugs to treat TBI, there may be reason for hope, as scientists are now looking at combination therapies for TBI treatment. A recent study conducted by researchers at SUNY Downstate Medical Center showed that the drug combination of minocycline and N-acetylcysteine may hold promise for the treatment of TBI. According to Peter J. Bergold, PhD, associate professor of physiology and pharmacology at SUNY Downstate, results of the study suggest that the drug combination may lead to a significant improvement in cognition and memory in TBI patients. The researchers hope to continue the study in a clinical trial.
In other TBI news, the world renowned Mayo Clinic has announced that it will host a summit devoted to traumatic brain injury. “Ice Hockey Summit: Action on Concussion” will address the issue of concussions in hockey and other sports. Experts from a variety of fields will gather to discuss issues linked to concussions, including the science of concussions, how they affect children and the way the sports world has responded to issues involving TBI. The purpose of the event will be to develop a strategy and action plan to share with the hockey community and sports world at large.
The summit will be held at the Leighton Auditorium at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Oct. 19-20, 2010.