Brain Stimulation Lab

Lab head: Pr Elsa Fouragnan Lab manager: Joshua Marquez

Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques aim to modulate the function of specific brain regions with the intention of modifying cognitive and behavioural performance in a safe manner. The ones used in the Brain Stimulation Lab at BRIC include Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, and Transcranial Electric Stimulation.

Lab Resources

For information on carrying out non-invasive brain stimulation studies, see the NIBS Manual.

Lab plan

Computers

Power / switches

When using the Neuronavigation system (see Neuronavigation section below), there are two switches to turn on and off.

Wall switches should remain turned OFF when not in use. Under the IMAC and Polaris there are two switches. One near its power plug and the other above as seen on the picture.

Organisation of the cupboards

Within the cupboards of the NIBS lab you can find the following:

Upper cupboards: - Tools - New Gelpads and Used Gelpads - Gelpad cutters - Substitute Brainsight Equipment - Labelling Gun

Lower cupboards: - RF Wattmeter - Gelpads Stock - Gel Stock - Gloves Stock - Substitute Brainsight Equipment - TUS equipment (For different transducers) - Further equipment (Such as other stimulation equipment)

Hydrophone tank

Neuronavigation

The neuronavigation system includes the iMac with the Brainsight software installed, and the Polaris Vicra camera. Accompanied with te Tracking equipment, the neuronavigation system can be used to track a participant in digital space in order to alocate specific brain regions for stimulation. To do this, you will first need to create or open a Brainsight project.

Tracking equipment

Tracking equipment is used with Brainsight to view the participant in space, allowing alocation of the brain regions and the viewing of the depth of the stimulation.

Brainsight project

To create a Brainsight project, please consult the NIBS MANUAL under Forms and Documentation

TUS Equipment

TPO

The Transducer Power Output (TPO) unit powers the transducer and programs the ultrasound pulse protocol.

View the NIBS Manual 1.2 for how to set up the TPO (either manually or with MATLAB).

TPO screen. The blue area is a touch screen, the black knob on the right can be used to change parameters, and the square button on the bottom right is to start the transducer.

Back of NeuroFUS TPO where mini-USB end is attached. Attach the USB end of the cable to your computer.

Transducer

The current transducer used has 4 elements. The transducer is a fragile TUS equipment that should always be coupled to a head or under water before activating it. When not in use, please leave it inside its cover, or on the idle station attached to the matching network.

TMS Equipment

TMS Information will be added here

TES Equipment

TES Information will be added here

Emergency

Numbers to call if adverse events: in case of an emergency, please contact the following numbers: … The lab has a phone in desk 1 that can be used for any situation.

Phone located on the desk on the left upon entry in the room.

Buttons to press on the wall: In case of an emergency, a three-buttoned alarm is located near the door. Press the red button in case of the need of assistance. Press the blue button to reset and stop the alarm. In case of need of assistance, the other departments will be alerted.

Buttons located on the wall, on the right upon entry in the room. In red, the alarm. In blue, the reset button. In green, the emergency door release button.

First aid kit: it can be found in the lab located near the window.