Neuromodulation therapies and potential treatments for traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability throughout the world. Its primary and secondary damage can lead to impaired neurological function and serious complications such as post-traumatic stress disorder, cognitive or behavioural impairment, epilepsy and neurodegenerative diseases. This article outlines the main mechanisms of secondary brain injury and provides an updated direction for potential neuroprotective treatments. Among other things, current clinical studies suggest that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) may reduce brain injury after TBI by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis, promote recovery of consciousness and cognitive function after experimental TBI, enhance motor and cognitive recovery, reduce brain oedema and inflammation, reduce blood-brain barrier disruption, and confer neuroprotection. In addition, the literature describes deep brain stimulation, gene therapy targeting the combined regeneration of stem cells and biomaterials for TB repair, novel neuroprotective drugs and nanomaterials enabling electrophysiological recording tests and biochemical modulation. Although the data suggest that these potential therapeutic approaches are beneficial for the eventual outcome of TBI, their availability for good use in clinical trials needs to be further explored.