Source: Daily Mail
A major new trial has begun in the UK using the sex hormone progesterone to treat brain injuries.
Doctors believe the chemical — usually thought of as a female hormone — may have a protective effect on the brain, reducing swelling and improving mental recovery.
Five hospitals are now testing the new approach on patients with traumatic brain injuries caused by road accidents, sports injuries, falls and assaults.
More than 1,200 patients aged 17 to 70 will be enrolled worldwide on the trial known as SyNAPSe, and each will be randomly given either a five-day intravenous infusion of progesterone or a placebo, also an infusion, but with no medical effects, so the treatments look identical.
Read More: Can female sex hormones beat brain damage? Doctors believe progesterone may have protective effect
Cartoon by Bob Moran
