Facilities

Techniques for studying the central nervous system
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
This technique uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain via a coil placed on the patient's scalp. It is used to assess brain function, including excitability and cortical connectivity. We currently perform single-pulse TMS, paired-pulse TMS, and electroencephalographic recording coupled to TMS (TMS-EEG).
Transcranial electrical stimulation (tDCS)
tDCS uses a low-intensity electrical current to stimulate specific areas of the brain, corresponding to a brain neuromodulation technique. Combining it with TMS allows us to estimate cortical neuroplasticity reserve.
- Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs)
By stimulating peripheral nerves we are able to study the functioning of the peripheral and central somatosensory pathway.
- Brain magnetic resonance imaging (structural and functional)

Techniques for studying the peripheral nervous system
- Axonal excitability (TROND) and muscle excitability techniques
Research technique that allows a non-invasive understanding of the biophysical changes that occur in the peripheral nerve and muscle, quantifying the properties of the plasma membrane and ion channels expressed in the peripheral axons.
- Neuromuscular ultrasound
Imaging technique that allows the study of morphological changes in the peripheral nervous system (nerve and muscle), together with optimised non-invasive detection of fasciculations.
- Electromyography and motor nerve conduction velocity (EMG)
Conventional neurophysiological technique that allows the localisation, characterisation and diagnosis of diseases affecting the peripheral nervous system.
- Quantitative somatosensory test (TSA)
Psychophysiological technique that allows to determine the thresholds of thermal sensitivity and thus determine the functioning of small diameter nerve fibers (A-delta and C-fibres).
- Motor unit number estimation technique (MUNE)
Neurophysiological technique that allows the non-invasive quantification of the number of motor units. It is the technique of choice for the monitoring of progressive neurogenic diseases, such as Motor Neuron Disease - ALS.