Investigating the Role of the Gut Microbiome in Adolescent and Adult Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery and Pathophysiology

Repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (RmTBI) is a public health concern, and adolescents are possibly more vulnerable to deficits. The bacteria that colonise our gut (the gut microbiome) have been identified as a possible influence on RmTBI recovery. Therefore, this thesis investigated the role of the gut microbiome on RmTBI recovery in adolescent and adult rats. This thesis established that the gut microbiome is involved in socio-emotional and brain connectivity changes following RmTBI, with males and adults demonstrating worsened outcomes. Elucidating the mechanistic actions driving these changes in adolescents and adults is crucial for improving RmTBI outcomes.