2009

Traumatic Brain Injury Awards

Prevention Of Post-Traumatic Epilepsy (PTE) By Pharmacological Neurostimulation – A Preclinical Proof-Of-Principle Study In A Rat Model Of PTE

Asla Pitkänen, PhD
University of Kuopio, Finland
 

The signature wound of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan is traumatic brain injury. Epilepsy will be a long-term, serious consequence for many of these wounded warriors, resulting in difficult-to-control seizures, along with potential motor disability and cognitive decline. Traumatic brain injury also affects about 1.5 million American civilians annually. Dr. Pitkänen will investigate two pharmacological compounds that increase neuronal excitability as a way to assess if they can modify the neurobiological processes that lead to post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE). The ultimate goal is to develop treatments that could potentially prevent the development of PTE, as well as enhance motor and cognitive recovery, in an animal model of epilepsy.

    STAY UP TO DATE

    Join our email list for the
    latest epilepsy research news,
    discoveries, and more.