The Investigation of Neuromodulatory Approaches for Pain Relief in Models of Headache
To start: 1st October 2016
Award
The Migraine Trust Studentship
Project
Primary headache disorders are common neurological disorders of episodic attacks, characterised by head pain and often accompanied by associate symptoms. In particular, migraine and cluster headache are extremely disabling neurological conditions, affecting both adults and children.
Although some aspects of the pathophysiology of migraine and cluster headache remain unknown, it is now accepted that the pain is due to activation of the ascending trigeminothalamic pathway. Cortical spreading depression on the other hand, appears to be the biological correlate for the migraine aura. Activation of the trigeminal-autonomic reflex may explain the associated facial symptoms present during cluster headache attacks. The brain area that is suspected to be involved in the triggering of the attacks is the hypothalamus, potentially its dopaminergic related nuclei.
Neuromodulation approaches for the treatment of intractable migraine, cluster headache and other trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, have gained a lot of interest in the past decade. The biological rationale for the use of some of the neuromodulation techniques, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation, cervical spinal cord stimulation and occipital nerve stimulation, and their mechanism of action have not been previously investigated. These techniques involve stimulation of different systems (e,g, cortical, peripheral nerve, peripheral and/or central), however, their actual action on the pain pathways of migraine and cluster headache have not been investigated in detail.
In his/her thesis, the PhD student will investigate the actions and mechanism of action of these three neuromodulation techniques in the animal models of headaches. In particular, the PhD student will mostly employ in vivo electrophysiology, including extracellular recordings, DC-shift recordings and microiontophoresis, to investigate the objectives of this thesis. He/She will also use in vitro calcium imaging, hence acquiring skills in cell culture as well. Additionally, he/she will develop expertise in the three neuromodulation techniques, ie. transcranial magnetic stimulation, spinal cord stimulation and occipital nerve stimulation, using state-of-the-art techniques.
The student will enter a vibrant environment at the Wolfson CARD, where he/she will have the opportunity to observe and collaborate with other colleagues in different aspects of the neuroscience of pain.
Entry requirements
Applicants should have (or be expected to obtain) a 2:1 or 1st class honours degree in a subject relevant to the proposed project. If applicants already possess (or expect to obtain) a research-based MSc degree, a merit or distinction level is required.
Award type and eligibility
The award is for a three year PhD which will cover College fees, a stipend of £17K (+5% inflation/annum), bench fees and travel expenses to congresses. Applicants should have (or be expected to obtain) a 2:1 or 1st class honours degree in a subject relevant to the proposed project.
How to apply
Applicants must complete and submit an online admissions application, via the admissions portal by midnight (12:00 GMT), Sunday 14th August 2016.
On the ‘Choosing a programme’ page, please select ‘Research degrees’ and enter the keywords “Wolfson MPhil / PhD”
In your application, you will be asked to include:
- Academic Transcripts – where applicable, academic transcripts must be submitted with the online admissions application
- Details of your qualifications (you will need to attach copies)
- Details of previous employment
- A personal statement describing your interests and why you wish to apply for this project. Please include this as an attachment rather than using the text box.
- Academic References – all admissions applications require two supporting references. If the applicant is relying on his/her referees to submit references directly to the College after he/she has submitted his/her admissions application, then the applicant must ensure that their chosen referees are made aware of the funding deadline.
In the Funding section, please tick box 5 and include the following reference: APANMOD2016
Please note there is no need to complete the Research Proposal section in your application as the project has already been set.
You are welcome to email Dr Anna Andreou (supervisor) (anna.andreou@kcl.ac.uk), with an email title: PhD in Headaches, for more information regarding the project and studentship.
If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact the Postgraduate Research Administrator.
References must be received by the deadline for the applicant to be eligible.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Closing Date: Sunday 14th August 2016
Interviews: w/c 5th September 2016
Further Information
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/ioppn/depts/wolfson/index.aspx
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/ioppn/depts/wolfson/about/people/staff/Dr-Anna-Andreou.aspx