Veronica Roberts research is into headshaking in horses. The most common cause of headshaking in horses presenting to a veterinary hospital for investigation of headshaking, is trigeminal-mediated headshaking. This appears to be a neuropathic pain syndrome associated with sensitisation of the trigeminal nerve. Veronica is working on finding the physiological cause of trigeminal-mediated headshaking, alongside developing ways to manage the condition. Along with Nik Patel, Southmead Hospital neurosurgeon, and Algotec Research and Development Ltd, she developed EquiPENS™ for the management of trigeminal-mediated headshaking which is now used internationally. She also works with Professor Tony Pickering’s group on the underlying physiology. She is also collaborating on research with the Universities of Nottingham, Hannover and Bologna amongst others.

Veronica, within her University role, sees clinical cases at B&W Equine Hospital, Breadstone, Gloucestershire. There is further information relevant to referring vets and horse owners at Headshaking | B&W Equine Group (bwequinevets.co.uk)

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