Projects
Preclinical evaluation of Vagus Nerve Stimulation as a therapeutic option in Multiple Sclerosis. Ghent University
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neuro-inflammatory and degenerative disease with demyelination and axonal damage as pathological hallmarks. The disease is typically treated with immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive therapies with moderate efficacy in the long term. They are associated with high costs and dangerous side-effects caused by immunosuppression. Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) is a well-known technique, with proven safety and ...
The role of the locus coeruleus noradrenergic neurons in the anticonvulsive effect of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in the intrahippocampal pilocarpine model. Ghent University
The aim of this project is to elucidate the role of the locus coeruleus and the hippocampal noradrenergic transmission in the anti-epileptic effect of VNS in the intrahippocampal pilocarpine model, and to define the activation of hippocampal noradrenergic transmission as biomarker for efficacy of VNS. Therefore, we make us of selective laesies, specific antagonists and state-of-the-art neurophysiological technics.
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in a focal epilepsy model: a microdialysis study on the role of norpinephrine and neuropeptide Y Ghent University
The aim of this project is to elucidate the role of the locus coeruleus and the hippocampol noradrenergic transmission in the anti-epileptic effects of VNS in the intrahippocampal pilocarpine model, and to define the activation of hippocampal noradrenergic transmission as biomarker for efficacy of VNS. Therefore, we make us of selective leasies, specific antagonists and state-of-the-art neurophysiological technics.
The role of locus coeruleus noradrenergic neurons in the mechanism of vagus nerve stimulation and the effect of selective activation of these neurons in epilepsy. Ghent University
Proper information processing in the mammalian brain requires tight regulation of neuronal excitability, which can be modified by so-called neuromodulators, such as noradrenaline. Noradrenaline (NA) is known to prime the healthy brain for sensory input and to facilitate memory formation. However, hyperactivity of neurons is deleterious and can lead to disease, of which the classic example is epilepsy. Crucially, NA appears to dampen down ...
EXPLORING THE USE OF VAGAL NERVE STIMULATION IN THE ACQUISITION AND EXTINCTION OF BODILY SYMPTOMS. KU Leuven
Inspired by promising results in rats, researchers have investigated whether vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in humans improves the ability to learn changes in the relationship between stimuli and outcomes. The hypothesized working mechanism is that VNS increases central noradrenergic (NA) activity and, in turn, facilitates learning contingency changes. However, the available evidence is inconclusive, and little is known about the optimal ...
Investigating the potential of non-invasive cranial nerve stimulation to improve epilepsy and cognition. Ghent University
Epilepsy, one of the world’ most prevalent chronic brain disorders, remains poorly controlled for
an estimated 30% of patients, despite optimal medical treatment. Neurostimulation represents a
therapeutic alternative and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an accepted invasive therapy with
additional positive effects on mood disorders and cognitive functioning in epilepsy patients.
Transcutaneous ...
High resolution Miniature Implantable nerve Stimulator for Electroceutical Research (HiMISER) KU Leuven
In my ERC project ‘µThalys’, we are researching future concepts for electronic medical implants. The main idea is to replace current medical implants that typically consist of a titanium casing with electronics and a few lead wires with less intrusive, softer, tissue-like implants. These future generation implants consist of soft, modular, miniature transducer nodes that can act stand-alone, or be connected in a network, thus forming e.g. an ...
Enhancing the effects of brain stimulation using targeted brain plasticity Ghent University
Brainplasticity can be enhanced by modulation of brainstem nuclei through stimulation of the tenth cranial nerve (vagus nerve stimulation, VNS). When VNS is repeatedly paired with a specific sensory input, a more widespread neuronal network is recruited. This project will test the hypothesis that repeated pairing of VNS with electrical activation of specific brain networks increases the number of neurons, and thus the size of the neuronal ...
Neuromodulation for treatment of epilepsy and its comorbidities Ghent University
As Associate Professor I am studying the mechanism of action of neurostimulation therapies for epilepsy (vagus nerve stimulation and deep brain stimulation) both in animal models as in patients with epilepsy. This work involves techniques such as microdialysis and intracranial electrophysiology in rodents and humans. My research also focusses on optogenetic and chemogenetic modulation of epileptic brain circuits in combination with in vivo ...