Clinical Research Directory

Brain Injury and Cognitive Function

The objective of this exploratory study is to elucidate the underlying cerebral mechanisms of cognitive deficits. To achieve this, the investigator will apply functional brain imaging techniques to patients suffering from cognitive deficits due to cerebral lesions. The investigator will employ a "single-case" approach, suitable for studying rare behavioral profiles such as acquired reading disorders (alexia) or visual perception impairments (agnosia). If necessary, the investigator will use multiple non-invasive imaging methods in the same patients, including: 1. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (structural and functional), renowned for its spatial resolution and the diverse information it provides, and 2. Electrophysiological methods (MEG and EEG), notable for their temporal resolution. The employed stimuli will consist of visual or auditory presentations of verbal material (words, sentences, numbers, etc.), potentially combined with the collection of simple vocal or motor responses (button presses). The results will be interpreted by integrating the neuropsychological analysis of the deficit and the lesion topography. Importantly, following the methodology of single-case neuropsychology, the stimulation protocols will be modulated and adapted to each individual case. Consequently, parallel data should be collected from healthy control subjects whenever necessary. For protocol development, the investigator will also collect purely behavioral data, without brain imaging, from groups of control subjects.

Cognitive Functions in Severe Acquired Brain Injury After Cranioplasty

Cranioplasty is the main reconstructive neurosurgical procedure, performed in approximately 80% of patients who have previously undergone demolitive surgeries in an emergency setting, particularly in the case of decompressive craniectomy . It mainly aims to ensure the protection of brain tissue and improve the aesthetic appearance. Statistical correlation analyses between timing of cranioplasty and neurological recovery are probably in favor of early cranioplasty. Cranioplasty improves motor and cognitive rehabilitation outcomes. However, it carries an increased risk of postoperative complications, such as seizures and infections. Other studies show that cranioplasty performed 3 to 6 months after craniectomy can significantly improve motor and cognitive recovery. The timing of the intervention plays a fundamental role in enucleating cognitive improvement. In fact, greater cognitive changes have been observed in patients who underwent cranioplasty within 6 months of the injury. Therefore, cranioplasty must be considered a key factor for neuropsychological recovery and should be performed early in order to make the most of the rehabilitation window. In the literature, there are studies that have evaluated how cranioplasty can facilitate cognitive recovery, regardless of timing. In particular, a significant cognitive recovery was observed in the period immediately following cranioplasty, while the improvement stabilizes after a certain period of time and recovery begins to slow down. In patients with severe acquired brain injury (GCA), cranioplasty seems to significantly improve neuropsychological and motor function, even after a long time from the procedure. The aim of the study is therefore to evaluate whether in patients with severe acquired brain injury who underwent cranioplasty in the neurorehabilitation setting there is an improvement in cognitive, motor functions and psychological aspects.