Research, Articles & Case Studies
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July 20th, 2016
Amazing new brain imaging technique shows synaptic density
KEVIN LORIACurriculums:
This breakthrough could help scientists see exactly how depression, Alzheimer's, and autism transform our brains
July 20th, 2016
Researchers just doubled what we know about the map of the human brain
Amy Ellis NuttCurriculums:
In a study online in Nature, a team of researchers more than doubled the number of distinct areas known in the human cortex, from 83 to 180. This new map of the brain combines data from four different imaging technologies to essentially bring high-definition to brain scanning for the first time. The immediate implications, say those familiar with the results, include the possibility of identifying biological markers for a host of neurological diseases and mental illnesses, and the new knowledge may aid neurosurgeons who need to know exactly what sort of tissue they are operating on.
July 18th, 2016
Scoliosis Traced to Problems in Spinal Fluid Flow
Dr. Francis CollinsCurriculums:
This article talks about experiments show, for the first time, that mutation of a gene associated with spinal curvature in both zebrafish and humans has its effect by altering the function of the tiny hair-like projections, known as cilia, that line the spinal cord. Without the cilia’s normal, beating movements, the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord doesn’t flow properly, and zebrafish develop abnormal spinal curves that look much like those seen in kids with scoliosis. However, when the researchers used genetic engineering to correct such mutations and thereby restore normal cilia function and flow of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), the zebrafish did not develop spinal curvature.
July 6th, 2016
Vagus Nerve Stimulation Dramatically Reduces Inflammation
Christopher BerglandCurriculums:
Inflammatory responses play a central role in the development and persistence of many diseases and can lead to debilitating chronic pain. This article talks about Vagus Nerve Stimulation gives healthcare providers a potentially more effective way to improve the lives of people suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases.
June 30th, 2016
Resiliency Building Skills to Practice for Trauma Recovery
Heidi HansonCurriculums:
Much of trauma healing is helping the nervous system become more “resilient.” Rather than spend a few hours or even days drowning in a state of terror, tension and nervousness after getting triggered, doing one or more of these exercises can help the nervous system shift into a different state sooner. This article has activities and exercises that will help the nervous system to be more flexible and rebound from activation sooner.
June 24th, 2016
A Comprehensive Physical Therapy Approach Including Visceral Manipulation After Failed Biofeedback Therapy for Constipation
L.Archambault-Azenwa, J.Brewer, A.MarkowskiCurriculums:
Introduction:
Pelvic floor rehabilitation encompasses the application of specific therapeutic treatments aimed to improve muscle strength, relaxation, and coordination, promotes circulation, and restores the mobility of the fascial, ligamentous, nervous, vascular, and visceral systems, to foster pelvic health and biomechanics. The following case study will illustrate the importance of this approach to pelvic floor rehabilitation.
June 13th, 2016
Manual Therapies Promote Continence and Mobility in a Patient with Cerebellar Agenesis
Susan Vaughan Kratz, OTR, CSTCurriculums:
Objective: Present single case study of a 26 year old female with congenital agenesis of cerebellum and other congenital malformations who achieved fecal continence and measurable mobility improvements following a prolonged series of craniosacral therapy. Design: Retrospective review of data based on several interviews with the patient’s mother, her primary caregiver and review of the medical record. Results: Craniosacral Therapy over the course of 4 years contributed to unexpected attainment of fecal continence as well as other areas of functional improvements. The patient was 22 years of age at the time this therapy series began and had life-long neurogenic bowel and bladder dysfunction. Gains were indirectly achieved. Treatment had been initiated to address chronic pain from an older spinal surgery and sessions continued long term for health and wellness. Mobility improvements beyond pre-surgery status and fecal continence were a surprise to all parties involved. Conclusion: Clinical significance of these outcomes stimulates curiosity as to the actual type of stimulation CST actually provides to the central nervous system and its effect upon neuroplasticity.
June 10th, 2016
What if PTSD Is More Physical Than Psychological?
ROBERT F. WORTHCurriculums:
A new study supports what a small group of military researchers has suspected for decades: that modern warfare destroys the brain. The scarring from a blast is different from concussion
June 9th, 2016
Characterisation of interface astroglial scarring in the human brain after blast exposure: a post-mortem case series
Sharon Baughman Shively, MD, Robert V Jones, MD James P Kelly, MD Regina C Armstrong, PhD Daniel P Perl, MDCurriculums:
In this post-mortem case series, we investigated several features of traumatic brain injuries, using clinical histopathology techniques and markers, in brain specimens from male military service members with chronic blast exposures and from those who had died shortly after severe blast exposures. We then compared these results with those from brain specimens from male civilian (ie, non-military) cases with no history of blast exposure, including cases with and without chronic impact traumatic brain injuries and cases with chronic exposure to opiates, and analysed the limited associated clinical histories of all cases. Brain specimens had been archived in tissue banks in the USA.
June 7th, 2016
Swapping sick for healthy brain cells slows Huntington's disease
University of Rochester Medical CenterCurriculums:
Researchers have successfully reduced the symptoms and slowed the progression of Huntington's disease in mice using healthy human brain cells. The findings could ultimately point to a new method to treat the disease