Foundation-Backed Research to Be Published by Leading Medical Journal

Falls on slippery sidewalks are a major cause of TBIs

Research substantially funded by the Threestones Foundation into the management of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in older adults has been accepted for publication in a prestigious international medical journal*, marking a significant step from local implementation to global recognition.

“This recognition highlights the importance of focusing on gaps that are widespread but often overlooked,” says Foundation Chairman, Francesco Sparaco.

“Our aim is to support work that improves how patients are identified, treated and followed up in a practical way and to ultimately improve their experience. This project shows how that can be done.”

The research centres on mild and moderate TBIs—cases that make up the majority of brain injuries but are frequently missed or inconsistently managed. In the Geneva region, many of these injuries stem from falls on slippery surfaces, such as icy sidewalks and wet fallen leaves.

A key challenge lies in detection. Symptoms—ranging from fatigue and confusion to headaches and sensory sensitivity—are often non-specific and easily dismissed. This ambiguity contributes to underdiagnosis and fragmented follow-up, increasing the risk of prolonged or incomplete recovery.

The accepted research paper addresses this gap by designing a more structured pathway between emergency care and outpatient monitoring. The objective is operational: identify cases earlier and ensure continuity in patient management.

Developed in collaboration with HUG NeuroCentre and supported through partnerships including the EANS Foundation, the initiative integrates clinical practice with data-driven planning. Analysis conducted with EPFL and the University of Geneva has drawn on more than a decade of regional data to identify where risks are most concentrated—enabling more targeted prevention strategies.

The work has already been recognised with the BCV Sustainability Award for its applied impact. Its acceptance for publication now signals broader relevance: a locally developed model addressing a common but under-managed condition, with clear potential for replication in other healthcare systems.

At its core, the message is direct—earlier identification and consistent monitoring can materially improve outcomes. The forthcoming publication suggests that this approach is now gaining traction well beyond its point of origin.

*Due to publication embargo restrictions, we are not yet able to disclose the journal name. We will publish a link to the full article on our website as soon as it is officially released.