Mathematical Modelling of Brain Haemodynamics and Pressure-Volume Compensation

Summary

Dynamical properties of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebrospinal fluid circulation (CSF) can be modelled by a structure of nonlinear differential equations (1). Models describe such phenomena as autoregulation of blood flow, brain venous blood outflow, compensatory role of CSF circulation, etc (2).

They are relevant to understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms after traumatic brain injury, subarachnoid haemorrhage, stroke, in hydrocephalus and in idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Database of recorded clinical signals is available for verification or identification of successful modelling structures.

Project aims

Project will be focused on further refinement of the existing models, including their application for non-invasive assessment of intracranial pressure (3), asymmetry of CBF and phenomenon related to collapse of cerebral venous sinuses.

References

1. Czosnyka et al. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1997 Dec;63(6):721-31.

2. Piechnik et al. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 2001 Feb;21(2):182-92.

3. Kashif FM et al. Sci Transl Med. 2012;4(129):129ra44.

Contact details

Dr Peter Smielewski - ps10011@cam.ac.uk

Opportunities

This project is open to applicants who want to do a:

• PhD
• MPhil

Project suits neuroscientists with strong computer skills (including writing own codes, advanced Matlab, etc).