The Gut-Brain Axis During Neurorehabilitation; Prebiotic Treatment to Alter the Gut Microbiome and Neurologic Symptoms
The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
Summary
The aim of this study is to characterize the microbiome of patients undergoing post-acute residential neurorehabilitation compared to community controls and to determine if a dietary fiber, Inulin, can create a shift in the microbiome leading to changes in fatigue and cognition.
Description
The investigative research team previously described Brain Injury Associated Fatigue and Altered Cognition (BIAFAC) as a treatable syndrome that occurs in a subset of patients following traumatic brain injury (TBI). In addition to fatigue and brain fog, BIAFAC patients have altered growth hormone (GH) secretion, reduced serum amino acid levels, and an altered (dysbiotic) gut microbiome. GH treatment dramatically improves patient symptoms but is not curative; symptoms return when GH treatment ends and the associated gut dysbiosis is not corrected. In preliminary work with mouse models created u…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Brain Injury Patients Inclusion * Ages 18 and above * Admitted to Moody Neurorehabilitation Institute for care * Less than 6 months post-injury * English speaking * Must be able to eat and drink by mouth * Willing and able to comply with study procedures * Willing and able to provide consent (with LAR if needed) Exclusion * Significant heart, liver, kidney, blood or respiratory disease * HIV, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C * Pregnancy or becoming pregnant during the study * History of inflammatory bowel disease * History of celiac disease * Active diverticular disease * Known allergy to study…
Interventions
- Dietary SupplementInulin
Inulin, 4g twice daily for 42 days
Location
- University of Texas Medical BranchGalveston, Texas