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Dr Christopher Kipps
Clinical Research lead

Consultant Neurologist
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Current theme Projects:
BRAIN AI: Biomarker Research Assessing Inflammation in Neurodegeneration using Artificial Intelligence
Dementia diagnosis is complex and subjective, especially in the early stages of the disease. It takes on average over 2 years from symptom onset to diagnosis. Inflammation is seen as a driver leading to accelerated …
Diagnostic biomarkers of gut microbiome-associated phenotypes predictive of healthy aging and neurodegenerative disease (BIO-AGE)
The gastrointestinal tract in humans is one of the largest interfaces between the host and the environment. Different bacteria in the gut have been linked with longevity and healthy ageing. However, some of these bacteria …
Recent publications:
Outpatient neurology diagnostic coding: a proposed scheme for standardised implementation
Outpatient neurology diagnostic coding: a proposed scheme for standardised implementation
Clinical coding uses a classification system to assign standard codes to clinical terms and so facilitates good clinical practice through audit, service design and research. However, despite clinical coding being mandatory for inpatient activity, this is often not so for outpatient services, where most neurological care is delivered. Recent reports by the UK National Neurosciences Advisory Group and NHS England's 'Getting It Right First Time' initiative recommend implementing outpatient coding. The UK currently has no standardised system for outpatient neurology diagnostic coding. However, most new attendances at general neurology clinics appear to be classifiable with a limited number of diagnostic terms. We present the rationale for diagnostic coding and its benefits, and the need for clinical engagement to develop a system that is pragmatic, quick and easy to use. We outline a scheme developed in the UK that could be used elsewhere.
A Comprehensive Literature Search of Digital Health Technology Use in Neurological Conditions: Review of Digital Tools to Promote Self-management and Support
A Comprehensive Literature Search of Digital Health Technology Use in Neurological Conditions: Review of Digital Tools to Promote Self-management and Support
The use of digital health technology to promote and deliver postdiagnostic care in neurological conditions is becoming increasingly common. However, the range of digital tools available across different neurological conditions and how they facilitate self-management are unclear.
Research Evaluation Alongside Clinical Treatment in COVID-19 (REACT COVID-19): an observational and biobanking study
Research Evaluation Alongside Clinical Treatment in COVID-19 (REACT COVID-19): an observational and biobanking study
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 places immense worldwide demand on healthcare services. Earlier identification of patients at risk of severe disease may allow intervention with experimental targeted treatments, mitigating the course of their disease and reducing critical care service demand.
The Causes and Impact of Crisis for People with Parkinson's Disease: A Patient and Carer Perspective
The Causes and Impact of Crisis for People with Parkinson's Disease: A Patient and Carer Perspective
The reasons for acute hospital admissions among people with Parkinson's disease are well documented. However, understanding of crises that are managed in the community is comparatively lacking. Most existing literature on the causes of crisis for people with Parkinson's disease (PwP) uses hospital data and excludes the individual's own perspective on the crisis trigger and the impact of the crisis on their care needs.
Pulsatile tympanic membrane displacement is associated with cognitive score in healthy subjects
Pulsatile tympanic membrane displacement is associated with cognitive score in healthy subjects
To test the hypothesis that pulsing of intracranial pressure has an association with cognition, we measured cognitive score and pulsing of the tympanic membrane in 290 healthy subjects. This hypothesis was formed on the assumptions that large intracranial pressure pulses impair cognitive performance and tympanic membrane pulses reflect intracranial pressure pulses. 290 healthy subjects, aged 20-80 years, completed the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test. Spontaneous tympanic membrane displacement during a heart cycle was measured from both ears in the sitting and supine position. We applied multiple linear regression, correcting for age, heart rate, and height, to test for an association between cognitive score and spontaneous tympanic membrane displacement. Significance was set at < 0.0125 (Bonferroni correction.) A significant association was seen in the left supine position ( = 0.0076.) The association was not significant in the right ear supine ( = 0.28) or in either ear while sitting. Sub-domains of the cognitive assessment revealed that executive function, language and memory have been primarily responsible for this association. In conclusion, we have found that spontaneous pulses of the tympanic membrane are associated with cognitive performance and believe this reflects an association between cognitive performance and intracranial pressure pulses.
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