Neil Lab

Jeffrey J. Neil, MD, PhD

Our research group focuses on applying magnetic resonance methods to achieve a better understanding of brain injury. The techniques we use include magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and spectroscopy. These methods are applied to both animal models and human subjects. Here are four representative projects:

Neonatal brain injury: We are applying DTI to newborns to determine the timing of neonatal brain injury. Specifically, we aim to identify which proportions of brain injury occur before, during, and after birth. Understanding this timing has significant implications for developing strategies to prevent or treat brain injury, which can lead to cerebral palsy in children.

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI): One recent innovation for imaging brain injury is DTI, which allows for the early detection of brain injury. While conventional MR imaging methods may not show injury until hours or days after its occurrence, DTI can reveal injury within minutes. We are using both animal models and tissue cultures to investigate the basis for image contrast in DTI following injury.

Bayesian probability theory: We have been applying Bayesian probability theory to analyze MR imaging and spectroscopy data, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of our findings.

Sodium imaging: We are evaluating the use of sodium imaging to assess brain injury. Although sodium imaging presents technical challenges compared to conventional MR imaging, it offers high contrast images of injured tissue. This high contrast results from increased tissue sodium content associated with the loss of ion homeostasis and elevated intracellular sodium levels in the injured brain.

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