Deep brain stimulation: a window into the brain

Alfonso Fasano, MD, PhD
Professor,
Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of Toronto;
Clinician Investigator
Krembil Research Institute & KITE

This conference is hosted by PhD student Victoria Veas Roy (Dr. Fréderic Charron's laboratory).This conference is part of the 2022-2023 IRCM conference calendar.

In person: 
IRCM Auditorium
110, avenue des Pins O, H2W 1R7 Montreal
Wearing a mask is mandatory at all times

Online:
Zoom Link : https://zoom.us/j/95269762104
ID : 952 6976 2104
Code : 476372

IRCM conferences are set to occur under a hybrid format. However, please note that last-minute changes to online-only lectures may occur due to unforeseen circumstances. We invite you to visit this webpage again a few days before attending.

About this conference
With more than 100,000 implanted patients and three decades from its approval, deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a powerful and versatile treatment, especially for Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other movement disorders, such as dystonia and tremor. Many more indications are currently explored (e.g. depression and Alzheimer’s disease) and new technologies are constantly injected into the market. This presentation will discuss the therapeutic aspects of DBS, also focusing on the new technologies, particularly focusing on sensing, which is the ability to chronically record brain activity, usually interpreted as local field potentials (LFP). In the second part, how DBS has expanded our knowledge of brain physiology will be addressed. In particular, the effects of white matter tracts around the subthalamus, thalamus and globus pallidus as well as their subregions will be discussed. The role of lateralized and asymmetric stimulation will be discussed as well as the interaction with dopaminergic treatments used in PD. Finally, where DBS is heading will be discussed.

About Alfonso Fasano
Dr. Alfonso Fasano is a Professor of Neurology in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto, a Clinician Investigator at the Krembil Research Institute, and an Affiliate Scientist at KITE, in the University Health Network. He is also a Staff Neurologist at the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and at the Movement Disorders Clinic of Toronto Western Hospital. He holds a Chair in Neuromodulation and Multidisciplinary care. With his expertise in the treatment of movement disorders using advanced technology, in pathophysiology, and in the treatment of tremor and gait disorders, Dr. Fasano has authored more than 300 scientific papers and book chapters.

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