Bladder infection after brain injury worsens cognitive problems, finds study
A urinary tract infection that follows a moderate brain injury can worsen cognitive problems caused by the injury, new research in mice shows.
A bladder infection following a brain injury can exacerbate cognitive issues, according to new research involving mice. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are relatively common among patients recovering from traumatic brain injuries (TBI), affecting up to 15% within a year. This study, led by researchers from The Ohio State University, aimed to investigate the impact of a UTI on cognitive function in mice with moderate TBI.
After the infection, the mice displayed more severe memory impairments compared to those without the infection. The findings suggest that UTIs may play a significant role in delaying cognitive recovery after TBI, warranting further investigation into potential infection prevention strategies to improve long-term TBI outcomes.
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