Neuromodulation and Neurorehabilitation for Treatment of Functional Deficits after mTBI plus PTSD
Abstract
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can cause lasting damage to a person s functioning in everyday activities and quality of life. Although their behaviors may appear relatively normal from a head injury, they may be suffering from persistent fatigue, headache, attention deficits, difficulty thinking, and other long-lasting cognitive (i.e., thinking and memory) problems. Recent research has made us aware of the full extent of the deficits these people endure. Moreover, many Veterans who return from combat not only have mTBI symptoms, but also must cope with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There are few proven treatments to hasten recovery when mTBI and PTSD occur together. Our research will investigate the use of a standard cognitive training protocol in combination with theta burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (TBS) to improve cognitive outcomes in military personnel, Veterans, and civilians who have mTBI and PTSD. TBS uses magnetic pulses applied through the scalp to alter brain activity in specific areas of the brain. TBS has been shown to cause lasting changes in brain activity that may enhance a person s response to cognitive therapy. This study will randomly assign participants to one of four groups -- active or placebo (fake) cognitive therapy along with active or placebo TBS. Participants will undergo treatments sessions three times per week for 10 weeks. We expect to demonstrate that individuals receiving cognitive therapy and TBS recover faster than those who receive placebo versions of either therapy. Recovery will be measured by tests that assess several aspects of attention as well as tasks involved with everyday functioning. We will also use advanced brain imaging techniques to visualize the changes in functioning of brain areas in response to the treatments. Understanding how brain areas are functioning before and after these treatments will give us insights into the brain mechanisms driving behavioral impairments and subsequent recovery of functional skills. There is a tremendous need to develop non-invasive therapies for individuals experiencing ongoing neurologic difficulties following mTBI, and TBS has significant potential for improving the everyday functioning and quality of life of these individuals.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 04, 2016
- Source ID
- W81XWH1510516
Entities
People
- Theresa Pape
Organizations
- United States Army