Animal models of traumatic brain injury: a review

Objective To review the main types of animal models of traumatic brain injury (TBI), their desirable characteristics and limitations, the major structural changes in the brain modelled, and special features of paediatric TBI modelling. Conclusion Animal models have contributed substantially to our understanding of the mechanisms of TBI in humans, but many aspects of closed head injury remain to be elucidated and effective neuroprotective agents are few. Many of the advances in the pathogenesis of human TBI also have application in veterinary medicine and there is ample opportunity for veterinarians to contribute to the selection, development and characterisation of potential animal models of neurotrauma and other disorders and ensure that animal welfare standards are maintained.