NSGR - Early circuit-directed rehabilitation mitigates late-onset sensory hypersensitivity after traumatic brain injury - Gokul Krishna, PhD

Early circuit-directed rehabilitation mitigates late-onset sensory hypersensitivity after traumatic brain injury

Presented by:

Gokul Krishna, PhD
Researcher/Scientist III
Department of Child Health
University of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona
Dr. Currier Thomas’s lab

Learning Objectives:

1. Recognize the contribution of maladaptive circuit reorganization as a pathophysiological process underlying late-onset neurological deficits after concussive brain injury.
2. Evaluate the efficacy of early rehabilitation for lessoning deficit severity and improving circuit function in a well-established model of diffuse axonal injury.

Early pharmacological intervention with gabapentin inhibits traumatic brain injury-mediated synaptogenesis in rats

Presented by:

Caitlin Hair
Neuroscience PhD Student
University of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona
Dr. Currier Thomas’s lab

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe traumatic brain injury-induced upregulation of thrombospondins implicated in increased-synaptogenesis as a pivotal process in maladaptive circuit reorganization. 
2. Evaluate the efficacy of early gabapentin treatment to inhibit maladaptive synaptogenesis and improve long-term outcomes.
3. Discuss clinical possibilities of prophylactic use of gabapentin after in TBI patients.

Neuropathology and vulnerability to traumatic brain injury in a mouse model of connective tissue disorders

Presented by:

Tala Curry
PhD Candidate
Clinical Translational Sciences PhD Candidate
University of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona
Dr. Currier Thomas’s lab

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify that connective tissue disorder (CTD) patient populations may be at risk for elevated severity of symptoms after traumatic brain injury.
2. Recognize Marfan Syndrome (CTD) and associated downstream signaling can contribute to neuropathology.