Sunnybrook neuromodulation featured in Maclean's Magazine
Sunnybrook brain scientists and patient success stories are the focus of a feature article in Maclean’s Magazine on neuromodulation and the future of brain health, which highlights innovative approaches in the treatment of mental illness.
Sunnybrook is a world leader in neuromodulation — a rapidly evolving field where brain circuitry is targeted directly in the treatment and investigation of some of the most challenging brain disorders of our time, including essential tremor, Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Drs. Kullervo Hynynen, Vice President Research and Innovation, Nir Lipsman, Director of the Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation at Sunnybrook, Anthony Levitt, Chief, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program and Peter Giacobbe, Clinical Lead of the Harquail Centre, highlight the groundbreaking work at Sunnybrook in focused ultrasound and deep brain stimulation.
The article also features Sunnybrook patient and family stories from innovative clinical trials including a world-first trial investigating deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant alcohol use disorder, as well as a Canadian first study of deep brain stimulation in severe PTSD. Deep brain stimulation involves implanting electrodes that are connected to a small device — like a pacemaker — which sends electrical pulses to help regulate abnormal activity occurring in a specific brain pathway.
Focused ultrasound trials for glioblastoma and severe OCD are also featured in the article. Focused ultrasound is an image-guided surgical technology that precisely targets ultrasound waves to specific areas in the brain and body, avoiding the need for scalpels and incisions. Sunnybrook is a Centre of Excellence in Focused Ultrasound, designated by the Focused Ultrasound Foundation. Sunnybrook is a global leader in focused ultrasound research having conducted more clinical trials than any other site worldwide.
Learn more about focused ultrasound: sunnybrook.ca/fus »
Learn more about deep brain stimulation: sunnybrook.ca/dbs »
