Neurobiology of functional neurosurgery
Functional neurosurgery in Helsinki University Central Hospital was established by the innovative pioneer Professor Lauri Laitinen who's life work made a significant impact on the development of the field.
Functional neurosurgical procedures provide effective treatment for various diseases and we continuously thrive at the Department of Neurosurgery at Helsinki University Central to further improve the accuracy of patient selection and clinical impact of the functional operations.
Even though many of the functional neurosurgical procedures are mainstay treatments in the modern neurosurgery, their mechanisms of actions are poorly understood.
We study deep brain stimulation (DBS) of movement disorders in a rat model. Our aim is to understand the mechanisms of action of DBS at both cellular and neural network level. We strive to find synergies between DBS and medical treatment and seek novel treatments.
In Helsinki University there is an active research network focusing on movement disorders and other neurodegenerative diseases. We collaborate with the Tuominen Lab (University of Helsinki, Pharmacology), the Männistö Lab (University of Helsinki, Toxicology) and the Saarma Lab (University of Helsinki, Institute of Biotechnology).
We also have a close collaboration with clinical movement disorder researchers in the Department of Neurology at Helsinki University Central Hospital.
Updated: 10.09.2020