MISSION

The platform also provides non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) systems. It includes transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS, rTMS) and transcranial electric stimulation (tDCS/tACS/tRNS, PNS, PAS) allowing a 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).

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.