Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation (NIBS) Facility
In this Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation (NIBS) facility we use non-invasive brain stimulation to gain novel insights into the workings of the brain at both a neurophysiological level and also at higher cognitive levels.
The NIBS Facility utilises a wide-variety of transcranial brain stimulation (TMS) and transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) protocols to investigate brain neurophysiology, brain-behaviour relationships, neuroplasticity, and potential treatments for some neurologic and psychiatric disorders. We have designed and implemented NIBS protocols to study neurophysiology and brain-behaviour relationships in projects involving motor control, response inhibition, visual perception, language and impulsivity. Among patient populations, we use NIBS to study patients affected with stroke and Tourette syndrome and have projects looking at the potential for NIBS to enhance poor reading skills.
Equipment
Data acquisition
- Dual ADI instruments PowerLab 8/35 systems
Transcranial magnetic brain stimulation
- Magstim super rapid
- Magstim bistim
- Magstim tDCS
- Starstim HDtDCS, tRNS tACS
Electroencephalography (EEG)
- Enobio wireless EEG 20 channel
- 64 Channel Biosemi EEG
Neuronavigation
- ANT neuro Visor 2 neuronavigation
Peripheral stimulation
- Digitimer constant current stimulator
- Sensable Phantom Desktop haptic robotic arm
Researchers involved in projects using these facilities:
- Paul Sowman
- Jordan Wehrman
- Andrew Etchell
Conducting a study with NIBS
Conducting research in the Department of Cognitive Science at Macquarie University provides a unique opportunity to combine NIBS protocols with imaging (MEG, fMRI and DTI) modalities since all are in close physical proximity to each other. Often, imaging studies are done first and then, using a frameless stereotaxy system, we can target pre-selected areas based on anatomical or functionally defined coordinates within the brain. Alternatively, a modulatory NIBS protocol can be implemented and a subsequent imaging study could be performed to assess the effects of NIBS on functional brain activations in parallel with behaviour.