Category Archives: Government/Research

Creatine’s Brain Benefits for Wellness & Recovery

Creatine is experiencing unprecedented attention in 2025, with sales surging 120% year-over-year according to recent industry reports. This supplement, traditionally associated with muscle building, is now gaining recognition for brain health benefits backed by current research published in NIH databases, military sites, and public universities.

For everyone, creatine enhances brain energy metabolism. A 2024 NIH meta-analysis of 16 studies found supplementation improves memory, attention, and information processing speed in adults. (Dosage depends on patient’s weight and other personal aspects, so it should be calculated with the aid of a medical professional.) The brain consumes 20% of the body’s energy, and creatine helps maintain ATP levels during demanding cognitive tasks, as reported to such sources as NCBI, which is part of the NIH, and in a May 25, 2025 article in Men’s Health.

For brain-injured individuals, benefits are more pronounced. Military research from July 2025 shows creatine may improve mild TBI outcomes, According to a TIME article, published on September 2, 2025, Matthew Taylor from University of Kansas Medical Center notes the supplement shows brain-boosting potential. Even NIH-published studies from almost 20 years ago, 2006-2008, demonstrate significant improvements in pediatric traumatic brain injury recovery from creatine, including reduction of ICU stays and enhanced cognitive function.

“We’re seeing a lot of other applications for creatine now in terms of its role with certain neurodegenerative diseases, its role in brain health, and potentially both a prophylactic and treatment role for [traumatic brain injury] and concussion,” says Shawn Arent, PhD, chair of the department of exercise science at the University of South Carolina.

INFORMATION PAPER ON CREATINE AND TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY, Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, July 2025 – https://health.mil/Reference-Center/Publications/2025/09/25/TBICoE-Information-Paper-on-Creatine-and-TBI

New Safety Measures Take Effect for Stunt Performers

Box office success proves that people relish characters’ overcoming unbelievably intimidating or frightening physical odds in film. However, for the stunt performers who perform these acts, the imbedded danger can be very real. An Ohio University study published in 2023 by the NIH reveals stunt risk: 80% of film and television stunt performers have experienced head impacts. Of that high percentage, 86% showed concussion-like symptoms. (This percentage is likely much higher than industry professionals would think, as there is also a 2024 NIH-published report Stunt performers’ reluctance to self-report head trauma.)

Based on statistics and the increased public concern about production safety, California signed into law SB 132 in July 2023. While this bill was not effective until this past July, the Income taxes: tax credits: motion pictures: occupational safety: California Film Commission mandates safety advisors and risk assessments for tax-credit productions, specifically stating, “[it] would require the safety advisor to prepare a final safety evaluation report based on the actual risk and compliance experience.” Georgia now requires, “major studio filming… [to] assign a safety officer to a feature length production as part of a pilot program.” New York has also developed a similar pilot safety officer program in 2025.

The film industry, at large, has also taken action, as SAG-AFTRA now requires 500 days’ experience for stunt coordinators. Beyond performer safety concern, this enhanced attention to the issue of stunt trauma is based on simple financial calculations, as lawsuits underscore the stakes. HBO settled with stuntman Casey Michaels for $9.4 million in 2023. Fast & Furious 9 producers also faced $1 million in fines after stuntman Joe Watts suffered traumatic brain injury.

While new laws and highlighted attention are a positive sign, stunt safety remains difficult to assess. An exploratory study found in the NIH database, Head Trauma and Concussions in Film and Television Stunt Performers, alarmingly found that fear of job loss meant that 65% continued working while symptomatic.) “Concussion seems to be a serious occupational health issue in stunt performers,” stated Dr. Jeffrey Russell, researcher at Ohio University. This somewhat dismissive statement shows that action is needed to protect both the stunt performers and the studios’ bottom line.

Eating Disorders & Brain Injury Feed Each Other

The relationship between brain injury and eating disorders works like a dangerous spiral that spins both ways. Medical professionals have been aware of this connection for quite some time, even before the NIH report of a 2017 study determined, “Eating disorders have been reported after TBI…. underscor[ing the] major role of frontal-subcortical circuits in regulation of eating habits.” Traumatic brain injury to the frontal lobe disrupts decision-making and impulse control, which can potentially lead to anorexia or body dysmorphic disorder.

More extensively studied is the converse effect: when someone develops anorexia nervosa, and starvation actually shrinks the brain. A 2022 study from the University of Southern California analyzed nearly 2,000 brain scans and discovered that brain damage from anorexia causes the brain’s outer layer to thin dramatically. In essence, the study determined that eating disorders result in the brain literally wasting away from lack of nutrition.

A study published in Frontiers in Neurology on September, 5, 2025, and currently found in the NIH database, revealed why brain damage, related to an eating disorder, is particularly insidious. Researchers state that anorexia causes anosognosia—the inability to recognize illness severity—through disrupted brain circuits in the insula, striatum, and prefrontal cortex. These same regions process body signals and update beliefs about oneself, creating a tragic irony: the very brain areas needed to recognize the problem are being damaged by starvation itself.

The promising news from 2024 Mount Sinai research, though, is that when patients regain weight, and the majority of those with eating disorders do regain weight and recover, their brains can recover too.

Actor’s Head Injury Highlights Complex Link Between ALS & Brain Trauma

Grey’s Anatomy star Eric Dane was set to present an award at the Emmy Awards on September 14, 2025.  Instead, the actor missed this year’s awards entirely. After a fall in his kitchen caused a head injury that required stitches, he spent a much less glamorous evening in the hospital.

Earlier this year, Dane revealed that he suffered from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Reports say that Dane has largely lost control over the right side of his body due to the progressive neurodegenerative disease, illustrating how ALS-related motor control loss can lead to falls and subsequent head trauma.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke acknowledges head injury as a potential risk factor ALS, though researchers emphasize more investigation is needed to understand the intricate connection. An October 2025 study report found on the NLM database, and initially published on JAMA Network, states, “TBI might represent an early complication of… preclinical ALS at risk of falls or other events culminating in TBI.”

Various studies have shown that there is a complex relationship between the two conditions. Data from the National ALS Registry, published by the NIH in January 2025, found that over half of ALS patients had experienced head injuries, with multiple injuries and those occurring before age 30 showing stronger associations. The aforementioned JAMA Network study, examining the connection between TBI and ALS in over 342,000 adults, found that individuals with a history of traumatic brain injury had more than double the risk of developing ALS. (The elevated risk, though, was confined to the two years immediately following brain injury, with researchers suggesting this may indicate reverse causality—that the head injury could again be an early consequence of subclinical [undiagnosed] ALS rather than its cause.)

UAB Study Finds 30-Year Diagnostic Tool for Brain Injuries Unreliable

A landmark University of Alabama at Birmingham study, published in the American Journal of Roentgenology [radiology] in May 2025, and noted by UAB News on September 17, 2025, shows that “White matter hyperintensities [are] no longer a reliable way to diagnose mild traumatic brain injury”. Challenging a diagnostic method used for over three decades, the study found that white matter hyperintensities (WMH)—bright spots visible on brain MRI scans—appear equally in patients with mild traumatic brain injury and healthy individuals, undermining their diagnostic value.

Since the 1990s, WMH have been used to detect subtle brain damage invisible in standard imaging. The 1993 study A semiquantative rating scale for the assessment of signal hyperintensities on magnetic resonance imaging found on the NIH database, established the credibility of WMH by correlating these MRI findings with actual brain tissue damage, including demyelination and axonal degeneration. This finding has been largely accepted in the medical field, as shown by various studies since, many of which reported by the NIH, and made WMH attractive for diagnosing concussions when conventional scans appear normal.

However, medical professionals increasingly questioned the approach. New clinical reports show that WMH lack specificity—appearing not only from trauma, but also from normal aging, silent strokes, multiple sclerosis, and vascular disease. The UAB study confirmed these concerns: 34% of brain injury patients showed WMH compared to 35% of controls, with no correlation between WMH presence and symptom severity or recovery outcomes. Lead researcher Dr. Manoj Tanwar concludes that WMH alone is not enough for a diagnosis and comprehensive clinical assessment remains essential beyond imaging.

A Broader View of Diet’s Role in TBI Recovery

I tend to post about particular foods and diets that aid in brain injury recovery and overall brain health. This week, I take a broader view and examinine the benefits that one’s general choices of sustenance have in recovery and wellbeing:

In a holistic sense, research reveals that what survivors eat may dramatically influence their recovery. A groundbreaking 2023 NIH report published in Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports found that specific dietary patterns can significantly improve long-term outcomes for brain injury patients. The study concluded that, “a diet rich in fiber and nutrients, but limited in added sugars, saturated fats, and excess calories would likely have the greatest cardiovascular and related neurologic protection.”

This finding was confirmed last year, with the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs officially acknowledging in 2024 that, “nutrition may be a modifier of mild traumatic brain injury sequelae.” The research examined Mediterranean, DASH, and MIND diets, all emphasizing fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and omega-3 fatty acids. These dietary interventions offer hope for reducing cardiovascular complications and improving neurological outcomes without pharmaceutical interventions.

Recently, in July 2025, the Journal of Neurotrauma published the findings of a study conducted by UNC School of Medicine, the Uniformed Services University, and the NIH that singled out a debilitating side effect of brain injury. They confirmed the importance of diet in preventing headaches, as trials demonstrated, “dietary changes significantly reduce persistent post-traumatic headaches…”

As can be seen, a comprehensive diet overhaul, with the possible assistance of a medical professional, can be a great benefit to both brain injury survivors and the general population.

The Connection Between TBI & Brain Cancer

On September 23, 2025, the University of Missouri School of Medicine reported groundbreaking findings that adults with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury face a 50% increased risk of developing brain cancer. The cancer is defined by malignant tumors that grow rapidly and invade surrounding brain tissue. Brain cancer affects approximately 24,820 Americans annually, according to the American Cancer Society, with a 33% five-year survival rate. Importantly, brain cancer itself is classified as an acquired brain injury—a form of non-traumatic brain damage that disrupts brain function.

The relationship between brain injury and brain cancer involves a fascinating interplay. While brain cancer causes acquired brain injury through tumor growth, research now suggests moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injuries may trigger brain cancer development through inflammation synergizing with existing genetic mutations. Not all brain tumors are cancerous, though. Approximately 72% are benign, even if they are still potentially serious depending on location.

Dr. Nimish Mohile of the University of Rochester notes that, “we’re starting to see progress with targeted therapies in the field of neuro-oncology,” offering hope for improved outcomes. Current NIH Director, Dr. Monica Bertagnolli, highlights that, “an AI-based diagnostic system can determine in just 10 seconds if part of a cancerous brain tumor that could be removed still remains,” demonstrating technological advances in treatment.

Prevention strategies include wearing helmets, preventing falls, and maintaining workplace safety—the same measures that protect against head injuries may reduce brain cancer risk. For those diagnosed with brain cancer, treatment often mirrors brain injury rehabilitation, as well—physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation. These comprehensive approaches help patients regain function and improve quality of life, with research showing brain tumor patients recover at rates comparable to stroke and traumatic brain injury patients.

The encouraging news is that while moderate-to-severe TBI increases risk, the absolute probability remains low, and advances in early detection and treatment continue to improve outcomes. Still, patients with TBI history may benefit from monitoring for early tumor detection.

Brain Food in Peak Season

While beetroot peak harvest season is from late summer through October, research demonstrates that its vibrant juice offers remarkable benefits to the brain year round, specifically for brain injury and trauma recovery.

Studies published on the NIH databases and other reputable medical sources, such as that conducted by the University of Exeter and published by Free Radical Biology and Medicine journal in 2025, demonstrate how beetroot juice enhances cerebral blood flow and neuroprotection. “Our findings suggest that adding… beetroot juice – for just ten days can substantially alter the oral microbiome for the better, maintaining healthy brain function and slowing negative vascular changes,” explains Professor Anni Vanhatalo from the University of Exeter.

The scientific benefits of beetroot center on its high nitrate content—up to 11.4 grams per liter—which dramatically improves blood flow to injured brain tissue. Wake Forest University’s 2010 research first proved that beetroot juice increases blood flow to vulnerable brain regions, with researchers documenting enhanced oxygen delivery crucial for neural recovery.

Research at the University at Buffalo from 2023 also showed that beetroot juice can improve cerebrovascular function during stress, noting improved “cerebral autoregulation” mechanisms that protect against brain damage. Stroke recovery research shows 18 stroke survivors experienced increased nitrate levels supporting neural healing after 30 days of supplementation.

Digital Double-Edged Sword for the Brain

With over 4.9 billion active users globally spending an average of 2.5 hours daily on social media platforms, concerns about users’ neurological impact are mounting.

Parental and professional concern is warranted, it seems.  Social media platforms continue promoting risky challenges that can cause brain injuries. For example, the recent “Run It Straight” challenge on TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook involves participants sprinting toward each other and colliding at full force, creating what experts call “engineered systems for brain injury” with impacts similar to that of unbelted car crashes.

The worry, though, goes beyond risky behavior. The landmark July 8, 2025 NIH study “Modern Day High: The Neurocognitive Impact of Social Media Usage” found that social media use causes marked alterations in brainwave activity, with Beta and Gamma waves heightened during engagement and continuing after use, which potentially interferes with emotional regulation and attention.

Statistically, 74% of people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) use the internet. While this may be a lesser amount, compared to 84% of the general population, social media can be of greater risk for the brain injured population. Specifically, those with brain injuries face unique challenges navigating digital spaces due to cognitive impairments affecting memory, attention, and decision-making.

The growing concern has been felt in the government, too. Former Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy recently warned, “Congress has not stepped up to its responsibility to protect our kids. They need to act now” regarding social media’s impact on developing brains. In the past few years, there has been an increase in funding for research into digital wellness and brain health initiatives targeting vulnerable populations. However, if, and to what level, the government should be involved in an individual’s social media activity is very much up for debate.

Yet social media isn’t entirely harmful. Rehabilitation professionals report that it can reduce social isolation for brain injury patients and support community reintegration. Still, “ongoing robust research is urgently required to give rehabilitation professionals an evidence-based framework” for safe implementation.

Your Brain and Lungs Talk to Each Other—And That Could Save Lives

Groundbreaking research published in September 2025 by the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine reveals that brain injuries send deadly molecular messengers throughout the body that directly attack lung tissue. The team discovered the “neural-respiratory inflammasome axis,” where injured brains release tiny particles called extracellular vesicles that travel through blood and trigger lung cell death.

Up to 30% of brain injury patients develop acute lung injury, significantly increasing mortality risk. For decades, doctors assumed this lung damage was just a ventilator side effect, but Miami researchers proved the brain actively sends inflammatory signals that kill lung cells.

The federal government recognizes this critical brain-lung connection. NIH Director Dr. Monica Bertagnolli recently explained to Congress: “We’re finding that this barrier prevents drugs from getting into the brain where they need to work, and we’re finding certain techniques are able to open that barrier,” calling it “an incredible active area of research to bring more effective therapies to those affected by neurologic diseases.”

The research offers unexpected hope. Dr. Kristine O’Phelan, a Miami specialist, discovered that enoxaparin—a blood thinner—provides dual protection. “It is exciting to consider that using enoxaparin for routine prophylaxis of thromboembolic complications may also help our patients by preventing pulmonary complications as well,” she explained.

This discovery demonstrates how research can translate into life-saving applications for brain injury patients.