NMOD Facility

Non-invasive Brain Stimulation using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) or transcranial Electrical Stimulation (tES)

MISSION

The mission of the Neuromodulation facility is to provide non-invasive magnetic (TMS) and electric (tDCS/tACS/tRNS, PNS, PAS) brain stimulation capabilities with the whole spectrum of applications: from virtual lesion approaches, via single and paired pulse mono-focal applications to determine intracortical interactions (e.g., gaba-ergic, glutamate-ergic) and multi-focal applications to determine interregional interactions (e.g., interhemispheric). Long-distance processes can also be probed via spinal / peripheral nerve stimulation  (reciprocal inhibition, h-reflexes, nerve conduction times, SEPs…). Besides the electrophysiological evaluation of cortical functions, interregional interactions and functional causality between cortical areas, another promising area of research is non-invasive modulation of brain activity and brain function (neuroplasticity) based on a mechanistic understanding. This area is of particular importance as it allows to study behavioral effects of focal neuromodulation, multifocal neuromodulation based on changing focal cortical excitability, changing oscillatory activity/properties and oscillatory interactions between brain areas with large potential for better understanding of brain network functioning, and for the development of novel treatment ideas for neurological (e.g. stroke, dementia) and psychiatric disorders (e.g. schizophrenia, depression).

 

Furthermore, it is crucial to be able to combine these brain stimulation technologies with neuroimaging, such as TMS or TES in the MRI scanner or TMS/TES combined with EEG, to determine the underlying effects of these technologies during the application.  

The Campus Biotech provides a unique environment to combine cutting-edge non-invasive brain stimulation techniques with EEG, MRI and/or VR in a sequentially, simultaneously, or interleaved fashion.

Multimodality allows a better in-depth understanding of brain mechanisms and function. Involving imaging during brain stimulation helps to better understand the effects of brain stimulation and their underlying mechanisms, while adding NIBS to conventional functional imaging adds the possibility to address a causality between brain areas and behavioral functions.

MEET THE TEAM

Scientific supervision of the NMOD facility is performed by Prof. Sophie Schwartz (UNIGE) and Prof. Friedhelm Hummel (EPFL).

Dr. Olivier Reynaud is responsible for the facility. Loan Mattera is the Medical Assistant.

<a href="https://hnp.fcbg.ch/people/olivier-reynaud/">Olivier Reynaud</a><a href="https://hnp.fcbg.ch/home/neuromodulation/"></a>

Olivier Reynaud

Neuromodulation Facility Manager

<a href="https://hnp.fcbg.ch/people/loan-mattera/">Loan Mattera</a><a href="https://hnp.fcbg.ch/home/neuromodulation/"></a>

Loan Mattera

Medical Assistant

EQUIPMENT

An overview of the equipment available for experiments

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

The facility hosts three magnetic stimulators: MagStim BiStim (can manage two coils at once), MagStim Super Rapid Plus (for repetitive TMS), and a MagVenture MagPro XP to perform concurrent TMS-MRI.

transcranial Electrical Stimulation (tES)

The facility is equipped with several electrical stimulators that can perform direct and/or alternative current stimulation (tDSC/tACS) according to the experimenter’s needs.

Neuronavigation

This room is equipped with a BrainSight neuronavigation system to coregister in real-time the desired target with TMS coil position and/or tES electrode montage. Individual brain structural images can be acquired on site using the 3T MRI system.

High-Definition tDCS/tACS

For tES, high focality can be achieved using ring electrodes or various diameters or high-definition montages using electrodes arrays designed on site.

Concurrent NIBS-fMRI

Several tES and TMS devices can be used inside the MRI to monitor, record and study brain function during non-invasive brain stimulation.

Click here for the complete list of neuromodulation equipment available at Campus Biotech.

SOME NUMBERS

CURRENT PROJECTS

ENDED PROJECTS

PUBLICATIONS

CONTACT

 

 Please contact us for specific inquiries, project applications or additional information on the facility.

2 + 14 =