Neurotrauma research within Neurosurgery and Anaesthesia aim to improve the understanding of the mechanisms of brain injury to develop novel treatment strategies that improve the clinical outcome. 

To do this we have developed many novel methodologies for multimodal brain monitoring, brain oxygen and microdialysis, all underpinned by ICM+ software now licensed to more than 150 centres worldwide.  We have also developed PET/MRI imaging paradigms for critically ill patients; and computerised cerebrospinal fluid infusion tests for hydrocephalus and shunt malfunction linked to a national shunt registry we lead, refining the indications for shunt use and avoiding unnecessary surgery. 

We have also developed novel treatments through randomised controlled trials in several indications, including cerebral venous stenting, decompressive craniectomy (RESCUE studies), chronic subdural drains and dexamethasone; and silver external ventricular drains. 

Building on our successes, our future strategy involves networked brain monitoring, state of the art brain imaging and strategic clinical trials.  Our work will deliver personalized targeted therapies for neurotrauma in real-time by modulating brain metabolism and neuroinflammation, and both surgical and technological innovations improving patient outcomes.  We are strongly committed to improve outcomes in low and middle income countries embedded within the NIHR Global Health Research Group for Acquired Brain and Spine Injury hosted within the Department.

The department also hosts the NIHR Healthtech Research Centre for Brain Injury.  

Principle Investigators 

Prof Manohar Bance

Dr Keri Carpenter

Prof Marek Czosnyka 

Dr Zofia Czosnyka

Prof Adel Helmy 

Prof Peter Hutchinson 

Dr Alexis Joannides

Prof Angelos Kolias

Mr Mark Kotter

Mr Richard Mair 

Prof Stephen Price 

Dr Peter Smielewski