Computational models to study the Parkinsonian brain and the mechanisms of neurostimulation
Abstract: Surgical treatment of neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease, dystonia and epilepsy were until recently mainly based on applying lesions at specific parts of the brain. While these procedures nowadays have been replaced by more reversible neurostimulation methods, most therapies for brain disorders are still based on trial-and-error and effective mechanisms remain unknown. Using computational modeling can help us provide insight into neuronal network processes and interactions underlying normal and abnormal behaviour, as well as the mechanisms of therapeutic methods. While the difficulty in modeling is determining how much complexity needs to be included to simulate the aspects we are interested in as realistically as possible, it allow us to easily test new stimulation paradigms and stimulation targets. However, validation is essential for computational models to become useful tools in the understanding and treatment of diseases. In this presentation two types of computational modeling will be presented and discussed in relation to experimental or clinical data: 1) 3D volume conduction modeling to study the local stimulation effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) and motor cortex stimulation (MCS) in Parkinson’s disease; 2) neuronal network modeling, at a microscopic (cellular) and macroscopic (system) level, to study the behaviour of (part of) the basal ganglia-thalamocortical network under normal and Parkinsonian conditions and the effect of DBS.
Brief Bio: Ciska Heida, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in the Biomedical Signals & Systems group at the University of Twente, The Netherlands. She has a background in Electrical Engineering and received her Ph.D. in the field of neurotechnology at the University of Twente. Her graduate research activities focused on the use of dielectrophoretic forces to trap neuronal cells to create a cultured neuron probe that can be used to selectively stimulate nerves by electrical signals for the restoration of function. Her current research interests focus on increasing our understanding of the central mechanisms of human motor control and the pathophysiology underlying movement disorders, and the application of neuromodulation techniques for restoring motor control.
Current Areas of Academic Focus:
- neuroscience/neurotechnology
- movement disorders/neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s disease)
- neuromodulation techniques
- computational modeling
- signal analysis
See below for link to join via zoom:
Topic: KCN Event: Ciska Heida
Time: Jun 17, 2021 10:00 Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://utoronto.zoom.us/j/86089867419
Meeting ID: 860 8986 7419
Passcode: 705077
Recording available on kcnhub youtube channel: