Research areas and methodologies

Research areas:

The Neurology, Neurophysiology and Psychiatry Research Unit is committed to conducting cutting-edge research in the field of neurological and psychiatric sciences, in order to promote a greater understanding of the physiological basis of the human brain and its functions.

One of the main areas of interest of the Research Unit concerns the study of the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system both in physiological conditions and during neuropsychiatric diseases. Through a multidisciplinary approach, our goal is to identify the causes, mechanisms and potential innovative therapies for pathologies such as stroke, degenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system, spinal cord diseases, epilepsy, headache and psychiatric disorders.

Another highly relevant research area is the use and application of electrophysiological techniques such as evoked potentials, electroencephalography and electromyography. Using these methodologies, we study brain and muscle activity to deepen our understanding of the neural processes underlying different pathological conditions. Through the analysis of abnormal patterns of activity, we are able to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This type of research allows us to acquire a better understanding of the fundamental mechanisms underlying cognitive functions and learning, as well as the alterations that occur in the presence of neurological, vascular or neurodegenerative diseases.

An area of excellence in the Research Unit's activity is certainly represented by electroceutics, i.e. the use of physical stimuli (such as electric and magnetic fields) for therapeutic purposes.
Our Research Unit has provided a significant contribution to the understanding of the physiological basis of non-invasive brain stimulation in humans and in the development of innovative neuromodulation methods such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial electrical stimulation (tDCS and tACS) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).
Another research activity involves the study of migraine and the development of new treatment approaches using monoclonal antibodies.

Collaborations with other Research Centers

  • Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology of Human Motor Control, National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery - Queen Square - London, UK
  • Department of Experimental Neurology, University of Oxford, UK
  • Department of Neurology and Stroke, and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Germany
  • FENNSI Group, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, SESCAM, Toledo, Spain.

Patents

  • Method and system for determining tremor status. Application Number: PCT/GB2018/050122; US20200046259A1. Applicant: Oxford University Innovation Limited, Oxford GB. Inventors: Lazzaro DI BIASE; John - Stuart BRITTAIN; Syed Ahmar SHAH; Peter BROWN; Vincenzo Di LAZZARO
  • ADAPTIVE METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR A PERSONALIZED DAILY INFUSION THERAPY OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE. Application Number: PCT/IT2021/050159. Applicant: BRAIN INNOVATIONS (Spinoff UCBM). Inventor: Lazzaro of Biase
  • METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THE OBJECTIVE CHARACTERIZATION OF SYMPTOMS OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE. Application Number: PCT/IT2021/050160. Applicant: BRAIN INNOVATIONS (Spinoff UCBM). Inventor: Lazzaro of Biase
  • METHOD FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF ORAL THERAPY IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE. Application Number: PCT/IT2021/050161. Applicant: BRAIN INNOVATIONS (Spinoff UCBM). Inventor: Lazzaro of Biase