Post-traumatic headache; neurotrauma; traumatic brain injury; glia; immunomodulation; endocannabinoid system

Our laboratory investigates secondary injury mechanisms implicated in the behavioral consequences of traumatic brain injury. Our research utilizes a variety of techniques to examine the cellular and molecular responses to injury in combination with pharmacologic or genetic modification of these responses. Our research investigates neuroimmune modulation as a neuroprotective strategy in a model of traumatic brain injury. We are particularly interested in the involvement of an endogenous neurotransmitter system, the endocannabinoid system, with a known role in both pathological and homeostatic functions in the injured CNS. In addition, projects in our laboratory investigate mechanisms underlying sensitization of the trigeminovascular system after traumatic brain injury with implications in the treatment of acute and chronic post-traumatic headache. Research support: Merck Inc.; Department of Defense