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Researchers isolate cell involved in brain injury inflammation

On Behalf of | Nov 16, 2018 | Brain Injury |

Residents of West Virginia may be interested in a recent medical discovery that could help people with brain injuries. In the study, a drug was given to mice to see if it could prevent inflammation that occurs after a brain injury. The inflammation is a natural response, but it can cause more harm to the brain. Researchers say that the test on mice was a first step toward solving that problem.

The lead researcher in the Ohio State University study says that the drug was aimed at cells called microglia. By wiping out those cells, the inflammation that is the normal response to brain injury disappeared. But because the microglia are important for brain function, using the drug on humans is not planned.

The researchers say that discovering that microglia triggers inflammation after a brain injury is an important finding. Treating such injuries with anti-inflammatory drugs has not been successful so far, but understanding the role microglia plays in the inflammatory response could help scientists. Other facts about microglia were also discovered, such as a change in the shape of the cells after brain injury. The researchers say that the study has prompted new questions as well as new ideas about where their research could go in the future.

A person who suffers a brain injury after an accident may not notice symptoms immediately. In fact, symptoms of brain injury might not show up for days or weeks after the injury occurs. That’s why it’s important to understand the statute of limitations when pursuing a personal injury claim that involves a head injury. An attorney can help a victim with the filing process.