Krembil Neurosciences

AREAS OF CARE
Donald K. Johnson Eye Centre
Epilepsy
Functional Neurosurgery
Gamma Knife Centre
Neurodegenerative
      Movement Disorders
      Memory Disorders
Neuromuscular
Neuro-Oncology
Neuro-Ophthalmology
Neuro-Urology
Neurovascular
      Stroke
      AVM and Aneurysm
Pain
Spine

WHAT'S NEW...

Dr. Michael Fehlings to Speak at the World Congress of Neurological Surgery about Spinal Cord Injuries

Krembil Neuroscience Campaign

With approximately 6 million Canadians suffering from a neurological disease it is vital that we continue to find better treatments and ultimately cures for these conditions... more>>

Krembil Neuroscience Centre (KNC)

Functional Neurosurgery

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Functional neurosurgery describes surgical treatment for conditions that affect the central nervous system (brain and Spinal cord). Examples of conditions treated by functional neurosurgery are pain, movement disorders (Parkinson's disease and tremor), epilepsy and in certain specific cases, psychiatric disorders. Deep Brain Stimulation and Neuromodulation are the two most common types of surgical treatment. The Krembil Neuroscience Centre attracts the highest expertise from around the world to care for patients who can benefit from functional neurosurgery. Many of these surgeons are actively involved in global leading research to find better treatments and cures for these conditions.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS):
DBS uses a surgically implanted device, similar to a cardiac pacemaker, called an internal pulse generator (IPG) or neurostimulator to deliver electrical stimulation to precisely targeted structures in the brain that are involved in motor control.Stimulation of theses structures works like a sort of “brain pacemaker ”interfering with the signals that cause some of the disabling movements.

DBS Surgery

This interference results in greater control over your body movements. The electrical stimulation is delivered through a lead or electrode. The entire system is implanted completely inside the body and depending on your condition you may have multiple electrodes and one or two IPGs.

Neuromodulation for pain:
Spinal stimulation is one example neuromodulation for pain. In this therapy, electrical impulses are used to block pain from being perceived in the brain. Instead of pain, the patient feels a mild tingling sensation. A small wire (called a lead) connected to a power source is surgically implanted under the skin. Low-level electrical signals are then transmitted through the lead to the spinal cord or to specific nerves to block pain signals from reaching the brain. Using a magnetic remote control, you can turn the current on and off, or adjust the intensity.

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