Brain injuries can pose significant challenges both for patients and their families and clinicians. This is due to their complexities and potential long-term repercussions. Patients who suffer from brain injuries caused by negligence may be entitled to compensation to support their suffering. Be sure to consult an expert firm of brain injury solicitors for advice and help. 

With the advancements in technology and science, recent years have seen progress in the development of treatments and symptom management for brain injuries. Stem cell therapy, neurostimulation techniques and pharmacological interventions are all emerging therapies that aim to bring hope to thousands of brain injury patients. 

Stem cell therapy

Stem cells are cells which can develop into lots of different types of cells. This could be muscle cells, brain cells or even blood cells. When it comes to treating brain injuries, these cells can be used to repair damaged tissue and promote neuroplasticity. 

Recent trials have had some encouraging results by trialling different types of stem cells. Both mesenchymal stem cells and neural stem cells have been shown to aid functional recovery following a brain injury. It is thought that stem cells work through different mechanisms such as anti-inflammatory, tissue repair promotion, immune response modulation and neurotropic effects. 

These trials are still ongoing as there is a need to test the safety and efficacy of this treatment with different brain injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, strokes and neurodegenerative diseases. 

Neurostimulation techniques

Neurostimulation techniques are non-invasive or minimally invasive, making them a helpful treatment tool for fragile patients. 

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) involves applying magnetic pulses to specific areas of the brain. This has shown promise in helping to enhance cognitive function as well as motor recovery in patients with brain injuries. 

Similarly, deep brain stimulation (DBS) has shown efficacy in improved motor function. DBS involves the implantation of electrodes into brain nuclei. Electric impulses are then gently run across the electrodes, stimulating those brain areas. 

This is still a fairly new treatment so more examination is needed to find the optimal parameters and perfect stimulation sites within the brain. 

Pharmacological interventions

Pharmacological interventions are common in most types of illness or injury. But, until recently, there hasn’t been much it could do for brain injuries. 

New research has been looking into whether certain drugs can have a positive impact on recovery. One of these is memantine which is an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist. Memantine has shown neuroprotective effects by preventing excitotoxicity-mediated neuronal damage in traumatic brain injuries and strokes. 

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and melatonin have also been helpful in their ability to mitigate oxidative stress. This can help to prevent secondary brain injury following a trauma.

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Mia's passion for travel extends beyond the pages of their writing. They are also an advocate for responsible and sustainable travel, believing that exploring the world should leave a positive impact on both the environment and the communities visited.