Investigating Caloric Vestibular Stimulation As A Novel Therapeutic Intervention For Chronic Pain, Mania And Depression.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$340,963.00
Summary
Chronic pain, mania and depression are common health problems worldwide and represent an enormous burden of illness. Current treatments may be costly, invasive and have serious side-effects. In the proposed project, demonstration of therapeutic benefit with a novel, simple method of brain stimulation without such limitations could change how these disorders are managed. Moreover, the findings would be of substantial significance in developing countries where treatments are often non-existent.
An Investigation Of Cortical Function In Autism Spectrum Disorders Using TMS, FMRI And EEG
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$324,480.00
Summary
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are severe psychiatric conditions, but our neurobiological understanding of these disorders is limited. Using an array of modern neuroscience techniques, this study investigates aspects of brain functioning that may contribute to social and behavioural impairments in ASD. While enhancing our neurobiological knowledge, this research also provides exciting new directions for ASD assessment and treatment.
Characterising And Modulating Corticostriatal Connectivity In Schizophrenia.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$316,449.00
Summary
Schizophrenia is a devastating mental illness that affects approximately 0.5-1% of the population. Many of the symptoms of schizophrenia, such as problems with memory and motivation, remain untreatable. This project will explore the brain processes that underlie memory deficits in people with schizophrenia and investigate the use of non-invasive brain stimulation to improve these impairments. The results from this study will hopefully lead to new treatments for people with schizophrenia.
Characterising Post Stroke Neuroplasticity In Humans – Identifying A Critical Window For Rehabilitation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$764,419.00
Summary
Despite major investment in care for stroke patients, almost all have persisting disability. Stroke causes loss of brain cells that cannot be replaced. Some recovery is possible through compensatory mechanisms. In addition, intact cells around the stroke undergo growth that is critical for recovery. Animal studies suggest these changes take place in a “critical window” after stroke. Applying therapies in this window should improve outcomes. We will use novel approaches to define the “critical wi ....Despite major investment in care for stroke patients, almost all have persisting disability. Stroke causes loss of brain cells that cannot be replaced. Some recovery is possible through compensatory mechanisms. In addition, intact cells around the stroke undergo growth that is critical for recovery. Animal studies suggest these changes take place in a “critical window” after stroke. Applying therapies in this window should improve outcomes. We will use novel approaches to define the “critical window” in patients after strokeRead moreRead less
I am a neurophysiologist who examines the neural control of movement and the interaction of sensation and movement in human subjects. I study cortical and motoneuronal events during exercise and muscle fatigue, how cortical connections to the motoneurones change with practice of motor tasks, and whether they can be changed artificially. I also study proprioception i.e. the sensations related to relative position and movement of parts of the body and the production of muscle force.
A TMS Study Of Cortical Plasticity In Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$195,500.00
Summary
The cause of schizophrenia is uncertain. Several lines of evidence implicate abnormalities of functioning in circuits of nerve cells in the outer brain regions. Chemicals involved in these circuits are important for the capacity to learn and process new information and repeated exposure to stimuli. To date, it has been difficult to directly test the function of these circuits in patients with schizophrenia. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive means of stimulating nerve cell ....The cause of schizophrenia is uncertain. Several lines of evidence implicate abnormalities of functioning in circuits of nerve cells in the outer brain regions. Chemicals involved in these circuits are important for the capacity to learn and process new information and repeated exposure to stimuli. To date, it has been difficult to directly test the function of these circuits in patients with schizophrenia. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive means of stimulating nerve cells in superficial areas of the brain. During a TMS procedure, an electrical current passes through a coil placed close to the scalp. This current induces a magnetic field that stimulates electrical activity in nerves below the coil. TMS methods can be used to study the functioning of nerve cells in the brain and the way in which they respond to repeated stimuli. These methods will be used in this way to study the functioning of these circuits in patients with schizophrenia. This is likely to provide important information as to the function of these brain areas and may provide information that will guide the development of therapeutic interventions.Read moreRead less
Mechanisms Underlying Impaired Neuroplasticity In Adolescents Born Preterm
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$528,449.00
Summary
Preterm birth can lead to learning and motor deficits. We have preliminary evidence that these deficits last into adolescence and are due to a limited ability of the brain to reorganise (plasticity). We will confirm and characterise the learning/motor deficits seen in adolescents born preterm and explore if impaired plasticity is responsible. This project will provide vital information for the development of novel interventions to help children born prematurely to achieve best outcomes.
Mimicking Slow Wave Sleep To Enhance Plasticity In The Elderly Human Brain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$429,461.00
Summary
Cognitive and motor impairments associated with ageing have a major social and economic impact. This project will address a major driver of this decline. Brain functional decline is causally linked to poor sleep. Using non-invasive brain stimulation aspects of sleep important for maintaining cognitive and motor function will be mimicked, without the need for people to sleep. This will provide a new means to boost plasticity, and will assist in improving brain health throughout life.