Neuroscience Institute Research Initiatives and News
To ensure that the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Neuroscience Institute remains solidly at the forefront in its field, a team of neuroscientists has forged active collaborations with universities and industry partners to advance care.
Brain Function and Neuromodulation
Several scientists associated with the Neuroscience Institute are developing advanced neuroengineering techniques to study functional dynamics and identify the most subtle abnormalities underlying neurological disorders. These studies will facilitate diagnoses, promote neuromonitoring in the ambulatory as well as critical care setting and enhance neurosurgical guidance. They also support the development of novel neuromodulation therapies.
Non-Invasive Neurological Therapies
The Neuroscience Institute has begun research on a revolutionary technology for non-invasive, effective and safe treatment of a large variety of common or devastating brain disorders. It will allow:
- Targeted focal ablations of brain tissue with high precision. Benefits compared to conventional surgery include outpatient surgery avoiding the discomfort and risks including the wound, trauma to normal brain tissue, bleeding, infection, pain and prolonged recovery.
- Targeted therapeutics by selective opening of the blood-brain-barrier to achieve greater concentrations of medications at specific brain sites to enhance efficacy with minimal side effects on surrounding brain or rest of the body.
Pharmacogenomics
The Neuroscience Institute has been involved in research on genomic markers to optimize the selection of medical therapies, enhancing their efficacy and safety. The initial focus of this personalized medicine strategy is on ion-channel epilepsies and brain tumors.
