Dr Malik Zaben
Lecturer, Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute
- zabenm@cardiff.ac.uk
- +44 02920 688 333
- 3.40, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ
- Available for postgraduate supervision
Overview
I am a lecturer in neurosurgery with a special interest in understanding neurogenesis and neuroplasticity after traumatic brain injury (TBI). My research explores potential therapeutic approaches targeting neuroinflmmatory pathways to limit brain damage after injury, and more importantly enhance repair. Unfolding such neurobiological mechanisms will provide better understanding of how we can harness treatments that enhance patients' functional recovery and clinical outcomes. This is relevant to the treatment of many neurobehavioral sequelae that survivors of brain injury often suffer including cognitive/memory impairments, psychiatric disorders (depression/psychosis) and neurodegenerative diseases (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy & Alzheimer's Disease).
Biography
Education and Professional Qualifications | ||
2004-2007 | PhD | University of Southampton, UK |
1995-2002 | MD | Al-Quds University- Jerusalem |
1995 | SSC | Average grade of 96.6% (A**) |
Professional memberships
Member of Royal College of Surgeons of England
Academic positions
August 2014-present | Lecturer in Neurosurgery StR in Neurosurgery | Cardiff University |
Apr 2012-Aug 2016 | ERUK Clinical Research Fellowship | University Hospital of Wales-Cardiff and Cardiff University |
Aug 2009-Apr 2012 | Neurosurgery Senior House Officer | Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust |
Sep 2007-Aug 2009 | EPSRC Post Doctoral Research Fellow | University of Southampton |
Sep 2003-July 2004 | Teaching and Research Assistant | Al-Quds University-Jerusalem |
Sep 2002-Sep 2003 | House Officer | Al-Makassed Teaching Hospital-Jerusalem |
Publications
We are currently unable to retrieve the list of publications. Visit our institutional repository.TBI is the leading cause of death and disability in those younger than 45 years. Recent advances in TBI management have reduced mortality rate however led to little improvement in clinical functional outcomes. Increasing numbers of post-TBI survivors therefore live with significant physical and mental deficits. Post-TBI inflammation is an important secondary process that starts immediately after injury and may persist for years. My research focuses on mechanisms of enhancing neuronal repair and regeneration and axonal plasticity after injury.
My reseach can be divided into the following key project areas:
- Neuroinflammation
I am interested in investigating the molecular mechanisms that underlie the role brain inflammation in perpetuating the secondary neuronal and axonal injury after TBI both (a) acutely and (b) chronically (degeneration over time). My research focuses on identifying novel early biomarkers of injury/recovery, and the development of novel therapeutics targeting brain immune response after TBI. I am examining the possibility that such interventions may (i) slow neurodegeneration, (ii) improve neurogenesis-associated recovery and (iii) prevent normal neuronal repair that contribute to the development of post-TBI epilepsy. - Biomarkers of White Matter Injury
I am interested in studying the relationship between white matter (WM) injury and memory impairment/ recovery after traumatic brain injury. - Functional Recovery and Clinical Outcomes
I am trainee co-PI on two neurosurgical RCTs:- DEXamethasone in Chronic SubDural Haematoma (DEX-CSDH) http://www.dexcsdh.org
- Randomised Evaluation of Surgery with Craniectomy for patients Undergoing Evacuation of Acute SubDural Haematoma (RESCUE ASDH) http://www.rescueasdh.org
Supervision
1. Neuroinflammation
2. Tissue repair
3. Neuro-imaging