$2.17 million grant for brain injury treatment research

Researchers at Virginia Tech and the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine have received a $2.17 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). They will study cranial osteopathic manual manipulation as a potential treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI). Cranial osteopathic manipulation is a gentle, non-invasive technique. It aims to help patients with TBI, who often suffer from headaches and other neurological symptoms. The researchers believe that this method could help clear inflammatory molecules from the injured brain and improve the balance of the autonomic nervous system. The team includes experts in brain imaging and fluid flow, led by Pamela VandeVord and Gunnar Brolinson. They hope to create a framework for clinicians to use this technique effectively in treating neurological symptoms following a brain injury. Brolinson emphasized the global impact of TBI, noting there are few effective treatments currently available. He believes that this innovative approach could be a significant breakthrough in care for those suffering from these injuries. The grant, part of a five-year project, will enable further collaboration between engineers and osteopathic clinicians. Both VandeVord and Brolinson have backgrounds in researching brain trauma and treatments. Their previous work helped them secure this prestigious funding to explore new ways to support TBI recovery.