Use of a Removable Mandibular Neuroprosthesis for the Reduction of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury/PTSD-Associated Nightmares, Headaches, and Sleep Disturbances

Post-traumatic headache can occur after any traumatic brain injury, regardless of severity. Headache is consistently the most common symptom following concussion and occurs in over 90% of athletes with sports-related concussion. Despite this prevalence, the complaint of headache after a possible concussive injury is often dismissed. Even when sports-related concussion is accurately diagnosed, many athletes fall victim to mismanagement of this associated symptom by clinicians who are not well-versed in headache treatment. Furthermore, benign headaches may also occur incidentally in the context of head trauma. This complex, and often non-specific, nature of headaches provides a significant challenge in return to play decision-making. Post-traumatic headaches are generally categorized according to primary headache disorders in an attempt to guide treatment; however, there is minimal medical literature on headache management in the concussed athlete. There is clearly a continued need for prospective studies of existing treatments and new approaches.

show abstract

Brain injury results in lower levels of melatonin receptors subtypes MT1 and MT2

Osier

Pham

Pugh

et al. 2017

Neuroscience Letters

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a devastating and costly acquired condition that affects individuals of all ages, races, and geographies via a number of mechanisms. The effects of TBI on melatonin receptors remains unknown. Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore whether endogenous changes in two melatonin receptor subtypes (MT1 and MT2) occur after experimental TBI. Sample A total of 25 adult male Sprague Dawley rats were used with 6 or 7 rats per group. Methods Rats were randomly assigned to receive either TBI modeled using controlled cortical impact or sham surgery and to be sacrificed at either 6- or 24- hours post-operatively. Brains were harvested, dissected, and flash frozen until whole cell lysates were prepared, and the supernatant fluid aliquoted and used for western blotting. Primary antibodies were used to probe for melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2), and beta actin for a loading control. ImageJ and Image Lab software were used to quantify the data which was analyzed using t-tests to compare means. Results Melatonin receptors levels were reduced in a brain region- and time point-dependent manner. Both MT1 and MT2 were reduced in the frontal cortex at 24 hours and in the hippocampus at both 6 hours and 24 hours. Discussion MT1 and MT2 are less abundant after injury, which may alter response to MEL therapy. Studies characterizing MT1 and MT2 after TBI are needed, including exploration of the time course and regional patterns, replication in diverse samples, and use of additional variables, especially sleep-related outcomes. Conclusion TBI in rats resulted in lower levels of MT1 and MT2; replication of these findings is necessary as is evaluation of the consequences of lower receptor levels.

show abstract

Use of a Removable Mandibular Neuroprosthesis for the Reduction of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury/PTSD-Associated Nightmares, Headaches, and Sleep Disturbances

Cited by 5 publications

References 0 publications

Use of a Modified Mandibular Splint to Reduce Nocturnal Symptoms in Persons With Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Use of a Modified Mandibular Splint to Reduce Nocturnal Symptoms in Persons With Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-Traumatic Headache Therapy in the Athlete

Brain injury results in lower levels of melatonin receptors subtypes MT1 and MT2

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About