Principles of Neuromodulation (2013)

Description:
This course is intended to provide the participants with an understanding of basic principles regarding a number of electrical stimulation therapies and methods. During the last decades, several neuromodulation therapies have been transferred from research labs into clinics as primarily alternative therapies in the case of otherwise intractable diseases. In some other cases, neuromodulation methods are approved as investigational therapies and accumulation of new data is expected to provide knowledge to validate and optimize the therapeutic approaches. In this respect, the course will address relevant issues related to the rationale, physiological support and mechanisms activated by electrical stimulation, followed by a description of the currently used devices and implant procedures. Current stimulation paradigms and the elicited therapeutic effects will then be presented. In addition, issues related to “what the future may hold” (i.e. current research and possible future developments) will be discussed.

Topics
1. Deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy
2. Spinal cord stimulation for pain and other dysfunctions
3. Vagus nerve stimulation for epilepsy, depression and cardiovascular diseases
4. Cardiac pacemakers and defibrillation therapies
5. Cochlear stimulation
6. Retinal stimulation
7. Gastro-intestinal stimulation for obesity and motility dysfunctions
8. Neural prostheses for upper and lower extremities

Literature
“Neuromodulation” (red. Elliot S. Krames; P. Hunter Peckham; Ali R. Rezai, Academic Press, 2009). Selected papers and book chapters may also be indicated shortly before the course.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge in anatomy, physiology and electrical stimulation devices and principles.

Evaluation
Written assignment

Organizer:
Associate Professor Cristian Sevcencu, email: sevcr@hst.aau.dk

Lecturers:
Associate Professor Cristian Sevcencu, Aalborg University, and invited lecturers

ECTS:
1.5

Time:
April 4, 9, 12, 15 and May 1, 7, 2013
(8.15-10.00 (April 4, 9, 12 and May 1, 7) and 12.30-14.15 (April 15))

Place:
Aalborg University
Fredrik Bajers Vej 7E, Room E3-209

Zip code:
9220

City:
Aalborg

Number of seats:

Deadline:
March 7, 2013

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 5,000 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 three 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.