The management of traumatic brain injury and other intracranial disorders is frequently complicated by the onset of life-threatening intracranial hypertension. Our long-term clinical objective is to predict the development of intracranial hypertension to allow for institution of preventive measures in advance of neurologic deterioration.
The specific aim of this project is to develop a set of mathematical relationships describing pressure and volume interactions in the intracranial compartment, and to test and refine these formulations with an animal model. Methodology will consist of refinement of the non-linear lumped- parameter compartmental model which we have described, using mathematical techniques not previously applied to this situation. These refinements of the current model will include respiratory system input, and compliance between the brain and venous system. The model will be validated and calibrated by extensive measurement of physiological data in the rabbit. The longer-term research objectives include extension of the model to pathological states, and the development of a greater understanding of many disorders affecting intracranial pressure and volume. Further, this approach has the potential to obviate the need for extensive animal experimentation in this field.
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