Henry Ford HospitalScientists are coming up with new ways to treat traumatic brain injury. One of the methods is allegedly the use of progesterone to treat TBA. YesHenry Ford Hospital is all set to asses the efficiency of utilizing the hormone progesterone to treat traumatic brain injuries without first acquiring patients’ informed permission as part of a national study.

During such emergency situations, federal regulations enable a study to be conducted without the informed approval of patients who are unconscious at that time. The moment the family members are available or the patients wake up then their assent is required to carry on their contribution in the study.

Known as ProTECT, the study wants to find out if progesterone may reduce the disability and death linked to TBI. It is apparently the primary reason for death and disability in children and adults under age 44. This information was provided by the Brain Trauma Foundation. Numerous animal studies appear to have illustrated that progesterone may reduce brain damage due to traumatic brain injury.

Progesterone is claimed to be a naturally occurring hormone that seems to adjust ovulation and menstruation in females. Also, it may be found in minute quantities in the brain and could aid in controlling standard brain function in both men and women.

A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is believed to be a blow or jolt to the head that may disturb brain function. An anticipated 1.4 million individuals experience a traumatic brain injury each year, and around 50,000 expire due to the injury. Majority of these injuries appear to be caused by motor vehicle accidents, physical attacks and falls. TBI is apparently believed to be the signature wound of soldiers injured during the Iraq war.

The double-blind study may assess patients who undergo moderate to acute traumatic brain injuries and are taken to Henry Ford, DMC Detroit Receiving, DMC Sinai Grace and Beaumont, Royal Oak hospitals in four hours of the injury. These patients could be recommended for the study. Enlisted patients may indiscriminately receive progesterone intravenously or a placebo, a false version of the study drug.