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Predictors and mediators of swallowing and voice deficits following whiplash trauma: Is it biology or psychology?

Summary

My laboratory investigates the neuromuscular mechanisms underlying the transition from acute to chronic pain following musculoskeletal trauma (generally) and head/neck trauma (specifically) from a motor vehicle crash (MVC).

Many of our ongoing experiments focus on the use of structural and advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications to quantify the temporal development of muscle degeneration and altered spinal cord anatomy as potential cellular and molecular substrates of persistent pain following whiplash injuries. Broad applications of our work includes preventing, diagnosing, and treating whiplash related pain and its sequelae. This research is based on clinical and research experience and has expanded through interdisciplinary efforts involving the fields of magnetic resonance physics, radiology, biomedical engineering, speech pathology, neurophysiology and physiotherapy.

Other ongoing and developing experimental lines include the quantification of biologically based stress/immune processes that are driven by stress-induced changes in microRNA (miRNA) expression that may play a role in the recovery process following traumatic injury.

Supervisor

Professor James Elliott.

Research location

Health Sciences - Generic

Program type

PHD

Synopsis

Our research is focused on understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the transition from acute to chronic pain following traumatic injuries (generally) and whiplash injury from a motor vehicle collision (specifically). We use structural and advanced magnetic resonance imaging applications to quantify the temporal development of altered spinal cord physiology and muscle degeneration as potential cellular and molecular substrates of persistent pain-related disability.

Additional information

  • Use of research technique / methodology / technology:  Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Longitudinal and Cross-sectional designs, Computed Tomography, Ultrasonography, Genomics, Blood Assays
  • Potential topics of interest for the research opportunity:  Electronic Medical Record, Machine Learning
  • Eligibility criteria / candidate profile:  Professional Allied Health, Medicine, Chiropractic, Engineering (Mechanical, Biomedical)

Want to find out more?

Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 2346

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