ADVANCED CUTANEOUS STIMULATION
Description
In neuroscience, probing of the sensory nervous system often rely on the use of various types of stimuli. Often these stimuli are directed to the skin, thus investigating the cutaneous senses. There are several reasons for choosing cutaneous stimuli, over other somato-sensory senses, or more invasive stimuli, one of which being simplificity, but there are other advantages of cutaneous stimuli which will be introduced. However, there are also several aspects new users must be aware of when using cutaneous stimuli to obtain valid results.
For research, and in aspects also clinically, a variety of different stimulation methods have been developed. These different methods allow the tested of different neural mechanism and fiber populations. However, each method is also associated with some potential pitfalls
In this course a variety of cutaneous stimulation methods will be introduced and used experimentally. The pros and cons of each method will be discussed and the attention points to ensure valid use, will be explained.
This course will consist of classroom lectures as well as practical laboratory workshops.
The following types of stimuli will be introduced during this course:
· Nerve fiber specific electrical stimulation
· Mechanical (von Frey, pinprick)
· Vibrotactile
· Thermal stimuli (thermode, laser)
· Spatial discrimination tasks, like the 2-point discrimination
Due to the experimental workshops, this course is limited to 15 participants.
Literature
Notes, literature and exercise instruction will be distributed at the course
Prerequisites
None
Evaluation
Evaluation by written report. Passed/fail.Organiser: Associate Professor Steffen Frahm e-mail: ksf@hst.aau.dk
Lecturers: Associate Professor Steffen Frahm, ksf@hst.aau.dk – Associate Professor Carsten Dahl Mørch, cdahl@hst.aau.dk – Assistant Professor Silvia Lo Vecchio,
slv@hst.aau.dk - Associate Professor Saba Gervasio, saba@hst.aau.dk
ECTS: 1.5 (subject to changes)
Dates: 8, 11, 12 May 2023 (08:15-12:00)
Place: Aalborg University, Selma Lagerløfs Vej 249, 9260 Gistrup, room SLV 249/11.00.032
Deadline: 17 April 2023
Program: BEN
Important information concerning PhD courses:
We have over some time experienced problems with no-show for both project and general courses. It has now reached a point where we are forced to take action. Therefore, the Doctoral School has decided to introduce a no-show fee of DKK 3.000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately four months before start. This can hopefully also provide new students a chance to register for courses during the year. We look forward to your registrations.
- Teacher: Steffen Frahm