Functional neurosurgery
Functional neurosurgery encompasses the surgical treatment of debilitating neurological symptoms such as severe pain, movement disorders, hydrocephalus and drug-resistant epilepsy. Our research in this field aims to improve the quality of life for patients with these serious conditions. By combining clinical studies, epidemiological research, advanced neuroradiology, and molecular biology studies, we investigate the underlying mechanisms and strive to optimize treatment strategies for these diseases.
Project description
We conduct research in several areas with the aim of improving the quality of life for patients with severe neurological symptoms. In the field of trigeminal neuralgia, blood and cerebrospinal fluid from patients are analyzed to identify biomarkers that may contribute to a better understanding of the disease's pathophysiology. We also conduct epidemiological studies to map the incidence of trigeminal neuralgia in the population, which helps us understand the disease's impact on different populations. Additionally, using neuroradiological methods, we investigate the anatomical conditions of trigeminal neuralgia, including neurovascular conflicts and their correlation with disease progression and treatment outcomes.
In the field of movement disorders, our research focuses on neuromodulation and deep brain stimulation (DBS) for patients with conditions such as Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. We analyze long-term outcomes and develop new strategies to optimize these treatments. For drug-resistant epilepsy (National Specialized Medical Center), we study the role of white matter in the disease's development and how its integrity affects surgical outcomes. Our research aims to identify factors that can improve the success rate of surgical treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy.
We have a unique opportunity to conduct our research thanks to access to an operating theatre equipped with MR technology. This enables safer surgery and detailed studies. By combining these advanced techniques and research areas, we are working to develop new and more effective treatments that can give our patients a better and healthier life.
Examples of studies
- Studies on the molecular pathophysiology behind trigeminal neuralgia through analysis of protein expression and the role of genetic variants.
- Studies of the role of posterior fossa anatomy in trigeminal neuralgia.
- Clinical and radiological studies of patients with Parkinson's disease, tremor, and dystonias undergoing DBS surgery.
- Mapping studies of cortical lesions causing drug-resistant epilepsy in surgically treated patients.
- Studies on the role of white matter in drug-resistant epilepsy and its surgical implications through analysis of MR tractography.
- Studies on stereo-EEG and cortical stimulation to create a resectability map of epileptic lesions.
- Studies on white matter abnormalities in drug-resistant epilepsy through analysis of preoperative MR tractography.