Biography
Dr. Braley is an Associate Professor of Neurology and clinical neuroimmunologist who specializes in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and related disorders. She received her M.D. from Wayne State University in 2004 and Master’s degree in Clinical Research Design and Statistical Analysis from the University of Michigan School of Public Health in 2011. Dr. Braley’s research focuses on crucial connections between sleep disorders, the immune system, and neurological disorders (especially as they relate to patients with MS), and the treatment of chronic MS symptoms including fatigue. She also conducts clinical trials of MS therapeutics.
Dr. Braley prioritizes interdisciplinary patient-centered care, integrating this approach into the clinical, scholarly, and training missions of the U-M MS Center. Since joining the U-M Neurology faculty in 2011, Dr. Braley has worked to develop a productive, multidisciplinary clinical research program between the University of Michigan Neurology Neuroimmunology (MS) and Sleep Divisions, and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department. To date, these partnerships have led to several important findings that have increased our understanding of sleep disorders, including their effects on persons with MS, and predictors of MS-related fatigue. Dr. Braley has also established a new first of its kind Multidisciplinary MS Fatigue and Sleep Clinic. This clinic offers a unique service to patients with multiple sclerosis and related inflammatory disorders of the central nervous system. Dr. Braley also directs the MS and Clinical Neuroimmunology Fellowship program.
Dr. Braley's Active and Recent Studies:
Comparing Treatments for Fatigue in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (COMBO-MS)
The purpose of this multicenter trial is to compare the effectiveness of telephone-based cognitive behavioral therapy, modafinil, or both for multiple sclerosis fatigue. Read more here.
Mechanisms of cannabidiol in persons with MS: the role of sleep and pain phenotype
The purpose of this mechanistic clinical trial is to evaluate the effects of CBD on sleep in persons with MS and chronic pain, and explore changes in sleep as a mediator of the analgesic effects of CBD. Read more here.
Pathways between OSA and cognitive decline in older women and men: a longitudinal population-based study
This study will use data from a nationally representative, multi-ethnic longitudinal cohort study of older adults, linked with Medicare claims datasets, to examine pathways between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), OSA treatment, and cognitive decline among women and men. Read more here.
A randomized trial of positive airway pressure therapy to treat cognitive dysfunction in MS patients with obstructive sleep apnea
The purpose of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effects of continuous positive airway pressure therapy on cognitive function in people with MS who have obstructive sleep apnea. Read more here.
Collaborations and Affiliations
- Sleep Disorders Centers
- MS Fatigue and Sleep Clinic
- Kratz Lab
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- The Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center
- U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation
- Michigan Humane
- Humane Society of Huron Valley
- Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in MS
- National MS Society
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine Foundation
- Sleep Research Society
Areas of Interest
Research Interests:
- Treatment of multiple sclerosis and other neuroimmunological conditions
- Novel methods to detect and treat sleep disorders in people with MS and other neurological conditions
- Innovative treatments for fatigue, pain, and cognitive impairment in people with chronic neurological conditions.
- The human-animal bond and its impact on neurological health outcomes
Featured News
What Petting A Dog Can Do For Your Brain
On one side of the room sits the cutest life-size stuffed animal you’ve ever seen. On the other side rests a real dog — same size, shape and even the same name as the stuffed version.
Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis Requires a Multimodal Approach and More Research
This common symptom is among the most debilitating, according to patients.
In MS, Can Better Sleep Improve Cognition?
People with multiple sclerosis often have trouble with memory, attention and mental processing. New research shows some of these issues could stem from sleep disorders.
Surgery Not a Relapse Risk for MS Patients
Surgery is safe for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), a new study finds.
More People with MS Turning to Cannabis for Help with Pain, Sleep
A new survey shows high usage rates of cannabinoids like CBD for multiple sclerosis, but most patients are figuring out these new products on their own.
Credentials
Medical School or Training
- M.D., Wayne State University School of Medicine, 2004
- M.S., University of Michigan School of Public Health, 2011
Residency
- University of Michigan Health System, Neurology, MI, 2008
Fellowship
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Multiple Sclerosis, MI, 2011
Board Certification
- Neurology
Published Articles or Reviews
Please see PubMed for a complete list of Dr. Braley's publications.
Braley TJ, Segal BM, and Chervin RD: Sleep-disordered breathing in multiple sclerosis. Neurology 79(9): 929-36, 2012. PM22895593/PMC3425840
Braley TJ, Segal BM, and Chervin RD: Obstructive sleep apnea and fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis. J Clin Sleep Med 10(2): 155-62, 2014. PM24532998/PMC3899317
Braley TJ and Chervin RD: A practical approach to the diagnosis and management of sleep disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 8(6): 294-310, 2015. PM26600873/PMC4643869
Braley TJ, Kratz AL, Kaplish N, and Chervin RD: Sleep and cognitive function in multiple sclerosis. Sleep 39(8): 1525-33, 2016. PM27166237/PMC4945311
Kratz AL, Murphy SL, and Braley TJ: Pain, Fatigue, and Cognitive Symptoms Are Temporally Associated Within but Not Across Days in Multiple Sclerosis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 98(11): 2151-9, 2017. PM28729169/PMC5660935
Kratz AL, Murphy SL, and Braley TJ: Ecological Momentary Assessment of Pain, Fatigue, Depressive, and Cognitive Symptoms Reveals Significant Daily Variability in Multiple Sclerosis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 98(11): 2142-50, 2017. PM28729168/PMC5660933
DeLott LB, Zerafa S, Shedden K, Dunietz GL, Earley M, Segal BM, and Braley TJ: Multiple sclerosis relapse risk in the postoperative period: Effects of invasive surgery and anesthesia. Mult Scler J 26(11):1437-40, 2019. PMC6930348
Braley TJ, Whibley D, Alschuler K, Ehde D, Chervin RD, Clauw D, Williams A, and Kratz AL: Cannabinoid use among Americans with MS: Current trends and gaps in knowledge. Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin 6(3): 2055217320959816, 2020. PMC7518014
Kratz AL, Whibley D, Alschuler K, Ehde D, Williams D, Clauw DJ, and Braley TJ: Characterizing chronic pain phenotypes in multiple sclerosis: A nationwide survey study. Pain. 2021 May 1;162(5):1426-1433. doi: 10.1097 PM33196577
Dunietz GL, Chervin RD, MD, Burke JF, Conceicao AS, and Braley TJ: Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment and Dementia Risk in Older Adults. Sleep. 2021 Sep 13;44(9):zsab076. doi: 10.1093. PM33769542
Singh M, Gavidia R, Dunietz GL, Washnock-Schmid E, Romeo AR, Hershner S, Chervin RD, and Braley TJ: Validation of an obstructive sleep apnea symptom inventory in persons with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler J. 2022 Feb;28(2):280-288. doi: 10.1177 PM34048308
Whibley D, Goldstein C, Kratz AL, and Braley TJ: A multidimensional approach to sleep health in multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders. 2021 Nov;56:103271. doi: 10.1016
Braley TJ: Waking up to sleep problems and their consequences in multiple sclerosis. Practical Neurology 2021 https://practicalneurology.com/articles/2021-may/multiple-sclerosis-minute-sleep-and-multiple-sclerosis
Brunn J, Galit GL, Romeo AR, and Braley TJ: SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination outcomes in multiple sclerosis. Neurology Clinical Practice (epub ahead of print).