Neurohydrodynamics

Neurohydrodynamics is a division of neural engineering that focuses on the hydrodynamics of the neurological system. It applies engineering principles and design concepts to neuroengineering seeking to close the gap between fluid mechanics and medicine: It combines fluid mechanics principles with neuroscience to improve neurological disorder healthcare diagnosis, monitoring and therapy.

Neurohydrodynamics investigates the role of intracranial fluid hydrodynamics (e.g. cerebrospinal fluid, cerebral blood flow, and interstitial fluid) in the pathophysiology of neurological disorders such as hydrocephalus, Chiari malformation, syringomyelia, pseudotumor cerebri, cerebral vasospasm, neural drug delivery, Alzheimer's_disease, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral aneurysm.

Neurohydrodynamics is an emerging discipline within neuroengineering. Such an evolution is common as a new field transitions from being an interdisciplinary specialization among already-established fields, to being considered a field in itself. Much of the work in neurohydrodynamics consists of clinical research and in vitro or computational modelling, spanning a broad array of subfields (see below). Prominent neurohydrodynamic applications include the development of cerebral shunts, Lumbar-peritoneal shunts epidural infusion pumps, various diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices ranging from clinical equipment to micro-implants. Neurohydrodynamics relies heavily on neuroimaging modalities such as flow sensitized MRI. t of Biotechnology.

Founding figures

• Anthony Marmarou (deceased) - Nemuth Distinguished Professor and Vice Chair of Research in the Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Virginia Hospitals of Virginia Commonwealth University. His scientific exploration of intracranial pressure dynamics for over 27 years with the VCU Department of Neurosurgery in Richmond, Virginia. Well known for his commitment to his research on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), Dr. Marmarou was considered a world authority on fluid dynamics within the brain and spinal cord. Dr. Marmarou was the recipient of the prestigious Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Further reading

• Sgouros, Spyros (2008). Cerebrospinal fluid disorders. [Informa Healthcare]. ISBN 0824728335. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)