“Using lesion location to inform personalized prognosis”

Hosted by the WashU Neuroimaging Community (WUNIC)

Background: Our laboratory is interested in the link between brain structure and function across the lifespan, particularly network-based localization of neurological and psychiatric symptoms. We approach this topic using multi-modal neuroimaging methods that include lesion mapping, resting state functional connectivity MRI, and structural MRI.
A recent focus of the lab has been to pursue a novel approach developed by Dr. Boes to investigate the network effects of focal brain lesions. This approach, termed lesion network mapping, combines the traditional approach of localizing a lesion syndrome to an anatomical location, but explores not only the lesion location but also the networks associated with that lesion site by using normative functional connectivity data from the human connectome project.

Dr. Boes also directs the Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Clinical Program at the University of Iowa. Another focus of the lab is to use advanced imaging techniques in conjunction with neuromodulation to better understand the therapeutic mechanisms of brain stimulation, including transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of depression. The Iowa Neuroscience Institute highlights this work and others’ as a core area of Brain Stimulation / Neuromodulation research at the University of Iowa.
The aim of the research program is to better understand how dysfunctional networks contribute to neurological and psychiatric symptoms and use this information to design novel therapies using noninvasive brain stimulation to target these dysfunctional networks.

For inquiries contact Janine Bijsterbosch.