Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital (SRH) is committed to improving the care of persons with neurological disorders through research. The research team at SRH, led by David B. Arciniegas, MD and Kimberly L. Frey, MS, CCC-SLP, conducts research in traumatic brain injury, stroke, West Nile virus infections, and other conditions, and is particularly focused on the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral consequences of these illnesses.
Current Studies
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Cognitive and behavioral impairments major sources of disability among persons with TBI, particularly during the immediate post-injury period. Posttraumatic encephalopathy is a term used to denote the broad range of such impairments, from coma to mild neurocognitive disorder. The research team at SRH is investigating methods by which to more accurately assess these problems and their treatments. Findings from this study will be used to develop new methods by which to improve cognitive functioning and reduce long-term disability after TBI.
Neuroinvasive West Nile Virus (WNV) Infections West Nile virus infection of the central nervous system (WNV-CNS) is a potentially life-threatening and/or debilitating illness. The neurobehavioral and functional consequences of WNV-CNS are incompletely understood. With support from a grant by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the SRH research team is engaged in a multi-year study that will provide much needed information about the long-term effects of WNV-CNS on the physical, cognitive, emotional, behavioral health, as well as the functional independence and quality of life, of persons with this condition. Findings from this study will be used to develop treatment strategies to improve long-term outcomes among persons with WNV-CNS.
Stroke and Dysphagia Difficulty with swallowing (dysphagia) following neurological injuries, and particularly stroke, is common and potentially life-threatening. The current standard of care for persons with dysphagia usually involves restriction of thin liquids, such as water, in an effort to avoid aspiration-related pneumonias. The effectiveness of this intervention is questionable, and is generally disliked by patients. There is evidence suggesting that the administration of water is safe and improves patient satisfaction during rehabilitation. This retrospective study is investigating this hypothesis, and findings from it will be used to improve the rehabilitation of persons with post-stroke dysphagia.
Links to selected publications by the SRH Research Team
Traumatic Brain Injury
Comparison of the O-Log and GOAT as Measures of Posttraumatic Amnesia click here
Attention and memory dysfunction after traumatic brain injury: cholinergic mechanisms, sensory gating, and a hypothesis for further investigation click here
Impaired auditory gating and P50 nonsuppression following traumatic brain injury click here
Reduced hippocampal volume in association with P50 nonsuppression following traumatic brain injury click here
Applications of the P50 evoked response to the evaluation of cognitive impairments after traumatic brain injury click here
The cholinergic hypothesis of cognitive impairment caused by traumatic brain injury click here
Cognitive impairment following traumatic brain injury click here
Pharmacotherapy of posttraumatic cognitive impairments click here
Neuropsychiatric aspects of traumatic brain injury click here
Depression following traumatic brain injury click here
Psychosis following traumatic brain injury click here
Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital (SRH) is committed to improving the care of persons with neurological disorders through research. The research team at SRH, led by David B. Arciniegas, MD and Kimberly L. Frey, MS, CCC-SLP, conducts research in traumatic brain injury, stroke, West Nile virus infections, and other conditions, and is particularly focused on the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral consequences of these illnesses. 
Neuroinvasive West Nile Virus (WNV) Infections
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