Previous Research

The Vagus Nerve - Sepsis Project

The original research project is back! The vagus nerve plays a surprisingly involved role in severe infections such as sepsis. Original research supported by the Woodruff Fellowship of Emery University now looks toward modulating vagus nerve function as a means of improving survival from sepsis.

Published Results

The Haptoglobin - Vasospasm Project

Cerebral artery vasospasm is a constriction of brain arteries developing several days after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Vasospasm is the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients who survive the initial hemorrhage. Supported by an American Heart Association grant, NeuroSpring's research found a protein in the blood - haptoglobin - to be the strongest risk factor for predicting the development of vasospasm in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients.

Published Results Unpublished Results

The Ouabain - Pseudotumor Project

Pseudotumor cerebri (also known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension) is a headache condition that often damages vision. Caused by an increase in pressure inside the skull, pseudotumor was previously not known to have a cause. With support from the National Headache Foundation, NeuroSpring was the first to discover a link between levels of the steroid, ouabain, and pseudotumor cerebri.

Published Results Unpublished Results

The Glucocorticoid - Traumatic Brain Injury Project

A family of steroids known as glucocorticoids has often been studied as a possible therapy for traumatic brain injury patients, but with conflicting and confusing results. NeuroSpring evaluated the literature, and its findings suggest that glucocorticoids may be effective but only in certain types of traumatic brain injury patients.

Published Results

The Insula Stroke Project

Previous research has suggested that stroke in a certain part of the brain called the 'insula cortex' is particularly dangerous because it affects cardiac function. NeuroSpring's research indicates that the association between stroke in the insula and poor outcomes is not as straightforward as previously believed.

Published Results