Hope for TBI patients

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I wish we did not have to do these kinds of studies.  But, this one will help our troops, our athletes, car crash victims, and a whole bunch more.  The US Department of Defense commissioned  the Institute of Medicine (IOM, associated the the National Academies, where our best and our brightest serve voluntarily)  to study traumatic brain injury(TBI).  One of the problems is that we have not yet characterized the biomechanics of TBI, so this study was devoted to the treatment (nutritional aspect) of patients who suffer TBI.

The report is going to change how we treat TBI.  It turns out that if we provide TBI patients with a much higher caloric intake than we have been heretofore delivering, they recover much more effectively from their injuries.  Immediately -within 24 h of onset-receiving 50+% of the normal calories (with protein levels of 1-1.5 g/kg of body weight) reduces inflammation and swelling of the brain- plus, it delivers sufficient energy for brain repair to be effected.  The presence of fatty acids (as well as proteins) also plays an important role in the recovery.  This regime needs to be continued for an additional two weeks, perhaps more.   It is also probable that a ketogenic diet (this diet was previously discussed on 25 May 2011 https://www.adjuvancy.com/wordpress/?p=3277) may prove even more beneficial.

Yes, this is big news.  The wars in the Middle East has delivered some 30,000 TBI to soldiers last year.  Add that to the 1.5 million folks who visit the emergency room annually with head inuries (and 52000 deaths).  Double that number (3.8 million) get injured playing sports.

The IOM study determined that this feeding process can reduce mortality and morbidity (severity of effects) by 25 to 50%.  The problem will be how one delivers this regime to soldiers on the battlefield, especially if there are multiple injuries- and to insure that too much nutrition is not delivered (there is a narrow range of brain blood sugar that is tolerable, 80-110 mg/dL in the body).

But, for all TBI injured patients, this is a major change that should change the prognosis of recovery dramatically.

Roy A. Ackerman, Ph.D., E.A.

After I prepared this post (it has been in queue for some time now), and as I was provided last minute proof-reading, I was also listening to the New York Times being read to me (thank you, text to talk).  Two articles jump out:  The first involved the NFL and TBI, where 75 former athletes are suing over the condition.  The other involves our children– the Ivy League schools will now restrict full-contact practice to attenuate the chances of TBI.

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4 thoughts on “Hope for TBI patients”

  1. Wow, isn’t that something? Once again it shows what an amazing thing the body is when it comes to the potential for healing. Let’s pray this truly helps TBI injured patients.

    Thanks for sharing this, Roy.

  2. Fascinating study, Roy. As you know, I worry about sports injuries for my soccer-playing son and I fear concussions the most. I’m glad that they are putting some real effort into learning how to treat these and more severe TBI’s. Great post – thank you!

    1. I understand completely, SueRae.
      I’ve had my own personal share (been hit by a car- thrice- twice with an adorning helmet).
      I’ve been interested in this area since the late 70’s when I worked on a intercranial pressure monitor. Way back in the neanderthal days of brain injury and surgery…
      Thanks for dropping in and commenting. Come on back- the tuition is free!
      Roy

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