Neurology, Epilepsy Service
Summary of Research
My laboratory uses a series of different measurement techniques to study normal and abnormal oscillations in the human brain. We employ non-invasive measures (MEG, EEG) of brain activity as well as specialized methods of recording directly from the human cortex including techniques to record the activity of single human neurons while patients are awake (microelectrode recordings). These studies are part of a large multi-institutional collaboration intended to discover how normal cognition occurs and how seizures start and spread. Long-range goals include new methods for identifying seizure areas, predicting seizures and then stopping them. We are also using these techniques to move toward new ways of interacting directly with the human nervous system for diagnosis and repair or replacement (neuroprosthetics) of damaged nervous system tissue.
Ongoing projects
Epilepsy Related:
- Seizure propagation - what are the mechanisms and spatiotemporal dynamics which govern propagation of seizures?
- Seizure detection and prediction - using new technologies which involve single cell or small populations of neurons to either predict or detect the onset of a seizure
- Seizure initiation - what are the cellular mechanisms which allow a seizure to begin?
- Seizure termination - what are the dynamics that govern how seizures end and what mechanisms lead to seizure cessation.
Clinically Related:
- Can arterial spin labeling be used to detect or better delinate the active portions or cortical dysplasia
- EEG/fMRI - with Giorgio Bonmasser - developing new methods of combined EEG and 7T scans.
Cognition and normal brain activity:
- Various aspects of cognition (memory, language, sensory processing, attention, emotion, etc.) are being explored in close collaboration with Dr. Eric Halgren at UCSD.
- Sleep and sleep elements: We are also exploring the mechanisms of key features of sleep.
Brain-Computer Interface and Neuroprosthetics:
- Novel methods of recording from human cortex using microelectrode arrays, wireless technology and more.
- Methods for allowing patients who are paralyzed to communicate (in cooperation with Leigh Hochberg, M.D., Ph.D.)
- Language prosthetic - Can we use measurements of brain activity to allow patients to communicate with complex language.
Contact Information
Phone: 617-726-3311
Fax: 617-726-9250
