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Brain Stimulation/ Neuromodulation

Epilepsy

The Brain Stimulation/ Neuromodulation Research Group is an interdisciplinary highly collaborative group focused on translating advances in our understanding of neural circuits and systems into targets for new ways to treat brain disorders. In 2016 the Iowa Neuroscience Institute and Carver Trust established the Neuromodulation Research Program of Excellence as a major initiative to support our innovative research program that aims to advance the next generation of frequency adaptive brain stimulation technology.

Core Areas:

Animal Neuromodulation

Researchers employ a broad range of brain stimulation techniques including optogenetics and direct current stimulation. In addition we use neurophysiological tools to better understand the effects of neuromodulation and how it may be enhanced for improved clinical translation to clinical populations. Current projects include the application of neuromodulation to rodent models of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and Parkinson’s Disease.

Investigators

Noninvasive Neuromodulation​

We have a highly collaborative team of researchers across basic science and clinical departments that use a variety of noninvasive brain stimulation techniques to better understand how the brain works or to advance the clinical use of these techniques. Ongoing studies focus on developing novel treatment strategies using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and Parkinson’s Disease. To facilitate translation of basic neuroscience to advance and improve treatments, our research is closely aligned with the University of Iowa’s Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Clinical Program. In addition to our individual laboratories we have shared equipment and space for neuromodulation research in the Pappajohn Biomedical Discovery Building and the General Hospital. 

Investigators:

Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep brain stimulation refers to the surgical placement of electrodes in the brain to deliver a very precise form of stimulation. University of Iowa's Hospitals and Clinics provides cutting-edge clinical care, utilizing this highly targeted brain stimulation for select conditions and research in the Iowa Neuroscience Institute is focused on advancing this treatment modality. 

The research is closely aligned with the deep brain stimulation clinical program in the departments of neurology and neurosurgery.

Investigators: