Using unbiased whole brain methods to understand how impact direction affects the neuropathology of traumatic brain injury in mice

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide and often caused by falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports, and violence. Most TBIs are mild (concussion-like) and involve head motion in one or more planes. Although many clinical studies show that complex rotational head motion is associated with worse outcomes, the underlying reasons are unknown. My project aims to fill this gap by determining how head motion during impact relates to changes in levels of injury blood biomarkers and brain pathology in mice. Using our established non-surgical TBI model called CHIMERA (to imitate human TBI), I will deliver impact to the back or side of the head, and measure how the head moves during these impacts using high-speed cameras. I will use cutting edge tissue clearing method to examine brain in 3D and map changes in neuronal activity, axonal and vascular integrity. I will test how these impacts lead to changes in blood biomarkers using clinically relevant tests. Overall, this study will help us understand how impact biomechanics relates to TBI outcomes, which is tremendously important for the future design of helmets and other safety equipment, sport coaching, and concussion rehabilitation.