Treating Traumatic Brain Injuries

SLU ID 19-029| Method for improving cognitive function after traumatic brain injury

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is very common in the United States with the majority of cases caused from sports injuries. There are currently no pharmacological methods for treating the adverse outcomes following TBI and concussion. Rehabilitating patients with moderate TBI involves physiotherapy to improve motor functions and training to assist with cognitive functions (e.g., planning and organization).

Overview

Researchers at Saint Louis University have developed methods to improve spatial learning as well as short-term and long-term memory in patients suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI). When applied in the days following injury, the methods reduce the severity of cognitive deficits. Improvements in spatial learning and memory produced by the methods could also complement currently used treatments for TBI (e.g., physiotherapy and psychiatric care to restore normal behavioral patterns).

Benefits

The potential benefits of this technology include:

• Increasing spatial learning following a TBI

• Increasing short-term memory following a TBI

• Increasing long term memory following a TBI

• Increasing overall quality of life of those suffering from TBI

Applications

Potential applications of this technology includes treating patients who have mild to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Opportunity

Saint Louis University is seeking partners to further develop and commercialize this technology.