Welcome to Advanced cutaneous stimulation

Program: BEN

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.

Prerequisites: 

None

Form of evaluation:

Evaluation by written report. Passed/fail.

Notes, literature and exercise instruction will be distributed at the course

Lecturers: 

Associate Professor Steffen Frahm

Associate Professor Carsten Dahl Mørch

Assistant Professor Silvia Lo Vecchio

Associate Professor Saba Gervasio, saba@hst.aau.dk

Important information concerning PhD courses: 

There is 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 the 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 of the course.

We cannot ensure any seats before the deadline for enrolment, all participants will be informed after the deadline, approximately 3 weeks before the start of the course.

To attend courses at the Doctoral School in Medicine, Biomedical Science and Technology you must be enrolled as a PhD student.

For inquiries regarding registration, cancellation or waiting list, please contact the PhD administration at phdcourses@adm.aau.dk When contacting us please state the course title and course period. Thank you.