Researchers at 17 US medical centers revealed plans to initiate using a hormone to treat serious brain injuries on a trial basis through a presentation at an annual US gathering of scientists.

Research has suggested that progesterone, a steroid used to fool a woman's body into thinking it is pregnant, could also be used to treat damaged brain tissue.

An earlier trial involving 100 patients posted a 50-per cent slip in death in patients treated with progesterone. In addition, it is claimed that the hormone also decreased long-term disability, and disability in patients with milder brain injuries.

The last phase of the clinical trials, funded by the National Institutes of Health through Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia is revealed to begin in March, was announced at the annual gathering of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in San Diego.

"With such promising success in laboratory testing and in our previous clinical trial, we hope to conclude in this national trial that progesterone - along with standard medical trauma care - works better than standard medical care alone in reducing brain damage caused from a TBI", quoted trial leader Dr David Wright.

The figures issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, estimated 2 million adults and children suffer traumatic brain injuries every year in the US, leading to 50,000 deaths and 80,000 cases of long-term disability.