Tag Archives: mental-health

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.

Put Rosemary on the Menu

While rosemary has graced Mediterranean kitchens for centuries, modern science is uncovering this fragrant herb’s remarkable potential as a brain protector and healer. Recent research conducted by the NIH and other entities reveals that rosemary may offer significant therapeutic benefits for those recovering from brain trauma, while also providing cognitive enhancement for healthy individuals.

Studies on animal models with repetitive mild traumatic brain injury have shown that rosemary extract dramatically improves cognitive deficits that typically follow such trauma. The herb’s active compounds, particularly carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, demonstrate powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that protect brain cells from the harmful free radicals and inflammation that flood the brain after injury. Research published in NIH databases shows rosemary treatment prevents neuronal degeneration and reduces harmful brain cell activation in the hippocampus, a region crucial for memory formation.

In experimental models of stroke and brain injury, rosemary extract significantly reduced brain tissue damage, improved neurological function scores, and decreased dangerous brain swelling. Animals treated with rosemary showed better performance on memory tasks and improved spatial learning abilities. The herb enhances blood flow to the brain, delivering vital oxygen and nutrients needed for healing while supporting natural repair mechanisms.

Beyond trauma recovery, rosemary offers impressive benefits for everyone’s brain health. The herb contains 1,8-cineole, which prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, a key brain chemical essential for learning and memory. Studies with healthy individuals show that simply inhaling rosemary’s scent can improve memory performance and concentration. University students taking rosemary supplements for one month demonstrated significantly enhanced memory abilities compared to those taking placebos.

Rosemary also helps reduce stress and anxiety by lowering cortisol levels, while its antioxidant properties protect against age-related cognitive decline. Ancient Greek students wore rosemary garlands during exams to boost focus, and Shakespeare called it “the herb of remembrance” – wisdom that modern research now validates.

Whether recovering from brain injury or simply seeking to optimize cognitive function, rosemary represents a natural, accessible option for brain health. However, those with medical conditions should consult healthcare providers before using rosemary therapeutically.