Grant: Fellowship: Bisby (Prize)

The number of premature birth continues to increase every year with a growing survival rate among the smallest and sickest babies. These infants are at significant risk for brain injury. It is now recognized that injuries or the cerebellum are frequent in this population and will results in striking neurodevelopmental deficits. This study seeks to understand the mechanism underlying brain development following CBI using novel imaging techniques to identify early markers of brain injury that are associated with postnatal and long-term neurodevelopment dysfunction. A better understanding of the mechanisms and consequences of premature-related injury will guide medical and rehabilitative therapies to optimize life quality and minimize functional disabilities. Results will improve both, the health population and health delivery system, as they will allow for improved medical management for these high-risk infants and the implementation of targeted early interventions that will improve life quality in survivors and their families.