Advanced methods for human neuromodulation

The students will be introduced to different (invasive and non-invasive) approaches and technologies for neuromodulation, to their underlying mechanisms of action and to their application in humans in healthy and in pathological conditions such as Stroke, Parkinson's, Dementia, Traumatic Brain Injury or Depression. The course will address and elaborate together with the students on neuromodulation approaches based on e.g., electrical (invasive, non-invasive), magnetic stimulation, focussed ultrasound as well as pharmacological or opto/sonogenetic modulation. Furthermore, aspects like state-dependent, closed-loop approaches or technologies for home-based self-application, as well as safety, cost-effectivity and ethics will be addressed, and important regulatory, neuroethical and R&D aspects.

The course content is organized as follows. Each week 2 x 45 min lectures and 2 x 45 min exercise.

Lecture topics:

History of neuromodulation

Non-invasive brain stimulation

-        Transcranial electric stimulation such as transcranial direct current (tDCS), transcranial alternating current (tACS) or transcranial random noise (tRNS) stimulation

-        Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

-        Underlying technological and physiological concepts, mechanisms of action

-        Behavioral impact with a focus on clinical translation.

-        Technological challenges, next steps

Deep brain stimulation

-        Invasive deep brain stimulation

-        Novel methods of non-invasive deep brain stimulation based on transcranial temporal interference stimulation (tTIS) or focused ultrasound (fUS)

-        Underlying technological and physiological concepts, mechanisms of action

-        Behavioral impact with a focus on clinical translation.

-        Technological challenges, next steps

Spinal cord stimulation

-        Invasive and non-invasive spinal cord stimulation

-        Underlying technological and physiological concepts, mechanisms of action

-        Behavioral impact with a focus on clinical translation.

-        Technological challenges, next steps

Neuromodulation of the peripheral nervous system including the vegetative system

-        Invasive and non-invasive peripheral nervous system stimulation

-        Underlying technological and physiological concepts, mechanisms of action

-        Behavioral impact with a focus on clinical translation.

-        Technological challenges, next steps

Neuromodulation by Opto-/Sonogenetics

-        Underlying technological and physiological concepts, mechanisms of action

-        Behavioral impact

-        Technological challenges, next steps

Machine learning, simulations and modelling applied in the field of Neuromodulation

-        Simulations and modeling of effects of neuromodulation with a focus on brain stimulation

-        Personalization

-        Biomarkers to determine responsiveness to neuromodulation

State-dependent, closed loop stimulation

-        Challenges and oportunities

Home-based self-application

-        Introduction in concept and technologies

-        Opportunities, challenges and technological developments

Regulatory, ethical and R&D aspects of Neuromodulation