Mechanisms Controlling Cerebrospinal Fluid Dynamics

Summary

In various pathologies, reasons for intracranial hypertension may be different. In hydrocephalus: disturbed outflow of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF); in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH): obstruction of venous blood outflow; in head injury and stroke: brain edema, increased vasogenic component of ICP, failing regulation of cerebral blood volume or all three factors together, etc. (1)

Project aims

This is an interdisciplinary project requiring good background in clinical neurosciences, brain physics and computational methods (time series analysis, dynamic modelling).

Clinical applications are envisaged (but not limited to) mainly in area of hydrocephalus (2) and IIH . Vast database of recorded signals and clinical material (over 5000 cases) can be used for mastering new methodologies of processing and modelling (3). Strong knowledge of brain imaging techniques will be essential.

References

1. Czosnyka M, Pickard JD. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2004;75(6):813-21.

2. Weerakkody RA et al. Acta Neurol Scand. 2011;124(2):85-98.

3. Varsos GV et al.

Contact details

Dr Peter Smielewski - ps10011@cam.ac.uk

Opportunities

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

• PhD
• MPhil

Project is ideal for a person having medical or biological background with strong practical computer skills.