Leodante da Costa

Research Synopsis

Dr. da Costa's research is focused on the development of advanced imaging methods to detect changes in cerebral blood flow that might occur after traumatic injury or vascular events such as stroke. Using innovative approaches and technology, Dr. da Costa searches for ways to identify patients at risk for secondary injury after trauma and intracranial aneurysm rupture. He is also looking for new ways to diagnose or monitor patient progress, recovery and treatment after these injuries.

Imaging methods developed with these goals in mind can also help identify patients with severe atherosclerotic disease that are at higher risk of cerebral ischemia and help guide management of traumatic brain injury, including concussion.

Dr. da Costa has used high-resolution 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and functional MRI sequences to assess the ability of the brain microcirculation to respond to stress. This innovative approach can lead to a better understanding of important issues related to concussion and brain injury. He recently received funding from the National Football League for his research on brain injury.