Multi-scale computational modelling of neurovascular injury after traumatic brain injury
Year of award: 2018
Grantholders
Dr Mazdak Ghajari
Imperial College London, United Kingdom
Project summary
Brain exposure to large forces, such as in road traffic accidents or sporting, can damage its blood vessels leading to bleeding. My aim is to understand how the forces damage vessels by taking a computational approach. I will develop a computational biomechanics model of vascular injury, which incorporates detailed anatomy of vessels. To validate the model predictions, I will simulate a well controlled brain injury experiment in rodents and compare the location of maximal forces with the location of vascular injury. I will explore whether the anatomy of vessels and force direction influence the injury pattern. I will also explore whether those vessels that are aligned with the maximal forces sustain damage. These studies will elucidate the role of mechanical forces in producing vascular injury, which is a key to the novel design of prevention systems, such as helmets, and management of the early effects of brain injuries.