Improving Human FMRI Through Modeling And Imaging Microvascular Dynamics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$486,144.00
Summary
In this project we aim to establish a reliable vascular baseline to improve mapping of both small-scale functional architecture and large-scale brain networks in functional human brain mapping using MRI. By mapping the grey matter vasculature with high detail in both humans and animals, and by computing and matching of these atlases across species we will be able to validate this approach in vivo to confirm the better spatial specificity of the newly developed approach.
My aim is to use advanced Neuroimaging to further our understanding of the pathophysiology of brain disorders, in particular Epilepsy, but also Sleep disorders, Schizophrenia, the Dementias. In the case of my main research interest (Epilepsy) it is to red
A Device For Simultaneous Continuous Acquisition Of EEG And MRI
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$179,401.00
Summary
We aim to further develop a world-leading method we invented that facilitates the simultaneous, continuous acquisition of the electroencephalogram (EEG - electrical brain waves measured at the scalp) and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI - images the location of brain activity throughout the brain). Combining the two permits non-invasive imaging of human brain function with the exquisite temporal resolution of EEG and the high spatial resolution and brain coverage afforded by fMRI.
Brain surgery for the treatment of epilepsy is associated with a risk of cognitive impairment. Avoidance of disabling post-operative impairments depends in large measure on our ability to predict and measure individual patterns of language lateralization prior to neurosurgical intervention. Typical patterns of lateralisation cannot be assumed in patients with epileptogenic lesions. There appears to be a consensus that atypical representation is more frequent in patients with epilepsy than it is ....Brain surgery for the treatment of epilepsy is associated with a risk of cognitive impairment. Avoidance of disabling post-operative impairments depends in large measure on our ability to predict and measure individual patterns of language lateralization prior to neurosurgical intervention. Typical patterns of lateralisation cannot be assumed in patients with epileptogenic lesions. There appears to be a consensus that atypical representation is more frequent in patients with epilepsy than it is in the normal population, and values above 20% are not unrepresentative Partial epilepsy arises from a region in the brain and spreads to involve other areas. This is contrasted with generalised epilepsy, which appears to arise all over the brain simultaneously. Partial epilepsy is often associated with lesions such as tumors or hippocampal sclerosis, and often seizures are intractable. Patients with partial epilepsy have a number of sources of brain damage in the language areas. Primary brain changes may be pre-existing, which means they pre-date the onset of habitual seizures. They may consist of a focal developmental abnormality (a malformation of cortical development) or may represent a general genetic predisposition to seizures. Therefore, partial epilepsy is not only associated with severe abnormalities in epileptogenic region but also with additional widespread abnormalities in both hemispheres. There is also evidence for a correlation of abnormalities with seizure frequency with some suggestion that the duration of epilepsy may also increase the degree of abnormality in the hemisphere. The neuronal conditions in language cortex that give rise to altered lateralisation in function are currently not known. The primary aim of this study is to understand reorganisation of the language system in epilepsy by using the current most sensitive non-invasive methods of assessing brain damage and brain function, using magnetic resonance imaging.Read moreRead less
Structural And Functional Networks In The Human Brain: Disturbance In Disease And Influence Of Genes.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$568,892.00
Summary
Professor Graeme Jackson is a Neurologist at the Austin Hospital whose research is dedicated to the problem of understanding how epilepsy occurs and devising strategies for successful treatment. He is Deputy Director and head of the epilepsy division of the Florey Neuroscience Institutes which has research dedicated advanced MR imaging systems and physics support largely dedicated to solving these problems in epilepsy. He has 170 plus papers, 10 cited over 200 times. Career citations exceed 6000 ....Professor Graeme Jackson is a Neurologist at the Austin Hospital whose research is dedicated to the problem of understanding how epilepsy occurs and devising strategies for successful treatment. He is Deputy Director and head of the epilepsy division of the Florey Neuroscience Institutes which has research dedicated advanced MR imaging systems and physics support largely dedicated to solving these problems in epilepsy. He has 170 plus papers, 10 cited over 200 times. Career citations exceed 6000.Read moreRead less
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Of Structural And Functional Connectivity In Lesion-negative Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Compared To Hippocampal Sclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$99,883.00
Summary
Epileptic seizures in the temporal lobe of the brain can affect how the temporal lobe connects to other brain regions. We are using new MRI techniques to investigate these altered connections, in patients who have no other abnormality on their brain scans. Our aim is to find distinctive patterns of altered connectivity, which will help us better understand this type of epilepsy.
Novel Approaches To Improve Cognitive Recovery Following Stroke And Traumatic Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$344,724.00
Summary
Stroke and traumatic brain injury costs the Australian economy over $13 billion, annually. Both disorders result in impaired cognition that impedes individuals’ return to the community. Current rehabilitation strategies, however, fail to adequately rehabilitate cognitive deficits following these disorders. My fellowship will develop new strategies to improve rehabilitation of cognitive functions by using cutting-edge neuroimaging and electrophysiological techniques.
Brainstem And Hypothalamic Function And Anatomy In Migraine
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$652,828.00
Summary
Migraine is a disabling condition characterized by mostly unilateral throbbing head pain and a range of associated neurological symptoms. The underlying mechanisms responsible for the initiation of migraine remains unknown. We aim to determine brain anatomy and activity patterns in migraineurs throughout the migraine cycle. An understanding of the mechanisms responsible for migraine will aid in better treatment development.
Mapping And Restoring Brain Networks Underpinning Psychiatric Symptoms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,205.00
Summary
My research investigates how networks of brain regions dynamically communicate to support human behavior. I am interested in how brain network activity deviates from the norm to give rise to psychiatric symptoms. Results from my work will facilitate targeted research and interventions aimed at treating symptoms of psychiatric disorders.