The effect of respiration on CSF flow in spinal pathology

Spinal cord injury is a devastating condition affecting 600 people each year in Australia. Of these, ~28% will develop post-traumatic syringomyelia (PTS). This condition is characterised by the formation of a fluid-filled cyst, which may lead to pain and paralysis. PTS is associated with a disruption to the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) caused by scarring from the initial injury. Recently it has been shown that respiration is the major driving force of fluid in the central nervous system. However, the question of what happens to fluid flow during respiration when CSF flow is disrupted remains unanswered. This project will determine the effect of respiration on fluid movement in the spinal cord of animals with impaired CSF flow. The outcome is expected to address gaps in our understanding of CSF disorders and will have applications in the treatment of and understanding of PTS.