New therapy strategies after stroke and traumatic brain injury by analysis of cortical spreading depolarizations

Coordinator: Prof. Dr. H. Dickhaus

Partner: PD. Dr. O. Sakowitz (Neurosurgery Clinic of the University Hospital Heidelberg)

Cooperations: Prof. Dr. R. Graf (Max-Planck-Institute for brain research, Cologne, participant of the international COSBID-study)

Funding: Land Baden-Württemberg

Abstract:
The project targets an exact description of the spacial and temporal spread of the so called cortical spreading depolarizations (SDs) and their patient specific modelling. This should allow prognostic conclusions about further development of the patients' brain damage. So far hardly any specific treatments for an effective neuroprotection are known.
During the project a software will be developed which provides important vital signs and visualizes the spacial and temporal spread of SDs in a bedside monitoring. Furthermore it should be evaluated how SDs could be influenced by different treatments. For this the inhibition of SDs by transcranial magnetic stimulation will be investigated in an animmal model. The objective is to also transfer this method to the human situation to develop an effective new concept fort therapy.

Duration: 2009-2011

Staff: M. Schöll, R. Metzner, H. Dickhaus

Large picture: Set-up of a study to validate a computational model by eliciting SDs in an animal model. Small image: Still frame of a computer simulation showing a spreading depolarization propagating through the cortex.

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