Utilizing Vital Signs to Predict Efficacy of Vagal Nerve Stimulation in Treating Behavioral and Autonomic Nervous System Changes Following Blast Traumatic Brain Injuries
Post-concussive sensorimotor symptoms (PCS; e.g., headaches, dizziness, fatigue, etc.) and behavioral dysfunction (e.g., anxiety, depression, impulsivity, etc.) that follow mTBI are thought to result, in part, from autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction and inflammatory responses. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a promising treatment for ANS dysfunction following blast TBI as the vagus nerve serves as a key regulator between the autonomic and central nervous system and has anti-inflammatory properties. VNS is currently approved for therapeutic use for migraines and depression and can improve ANS-related symptoms. This project seeks to give a holistic view of VNS as an option to treat blast injuries shortly after exposures by tracking biological markers of ANS dysfunction and inflammation, along with PCS and PTSD related behaviors at both acute and chronic timepoints.
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