Brain injury news
29/09/2008

Microglia respond to treatment, say researchers

A group of American scientists has issued a press release regarding a potential treatment for sufferers of brain injury. Their recently published study looked at the potential for microglia, immune cells in the brain, to cause damage when their attempts to cure one aspect of personal injury worsen another.

The lead researcher said, "They [microglia] overdo it, perhaps because they don't have very good stop signals. They secrete a number of toxic chemicals designed to clear up infections and damaged tissue - but in the process they can kill sensitive brain cells."

Their research has identified a chemical that can turn off microglia, which would theoretically prevent the cells' ability to kill brain cells through inflammation. However, as the scientists warn, it would need skill and care to use such a chemical, as the cells also provide good effects, such as the regrowth of nerve cells.

Unpublished research in animals, said the team, has been very encouraging, suggesting that this treatment has the potential to become a valuable medical process. However, the warning regarding appropriate usage would mean that this treatment could also become a source of medical negligence claims - either against doctors who failed to use it where a brain injury sufferer could have benefited, or those who over-used it where it was unnecessary.