Omega-3 fatty acids and traumatic neurological injury: from neuroprotection to neuroplasticity?
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026

Modified Mouse Model of Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Incorporating Thinned-Skull Window and Fluid Percussion
Published on: April 19, 2024
Adina T Michael-Titus1, John V Priestley1
1Centre for Neuroscience and Trauma, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK.
Abstract:
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are compounds that have a structural role in the nervous system and are essential for neurodevelopment. Results obtained with docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid show therapeutic potential in neurotrauma. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to major disability and have a significant socioeconomic cost. Thus, there is an unmet need for acute neuroprotection and for treatments that promote neuroregeneration. Acute administration of omega-3 PUFAs after injury and dietary exposure before or after injury improve neurological outcomes in experimental SCI and TBI. The mechanisms involved include decreased neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, neurotrophic support, and activation of cell survival pathways. This review raises questions that must be addressed before successful clinical translation.
Related Concept Videos
Neuroplasticity
Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue
Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction
Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology
Gut-Brain Axis

