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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)
In collaboration with the Dr. Asenjo Neurosurgery Institute we have established imaging protocols for the study of the central nervous system focused on understanding structural (e.g. VMB, DTI) and functional (fMRI) changes in neurodegenerative diseases.

 


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.