Investigating the Neuropathology of Neonatal Abusive Head Injury

Abusive head trauma (AHT) is a devastating condition that causes profound disability in millions of children worldwide. Significant knowledge gaps persist in understanding the fundamental pathophysiology of injury (i.e., how do shaking injuries to the infant cause brain damage and associated neurological deficits), as well as in the early diagnosis of the condition – with an estimated one-third of cases being missed on initial examination. In this project we will optimise a new preclinical model of repetitive infant AHT in young mice. We will also evaluate retinal and ocular changes after AHT, as potential new diagnostic biomarkers reflective of AHT occurrence