Neuronavigation
The Istituto di Neuroscienze is a pioneer in Neuromodulation Therapy, operating rTMS (Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) and tDCS (Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation) since 2005.
The Neuronavigation technology is used to precisely locate the target of the stimulation.
What is neuronavigation?
Neuronavigation is a procedure that is performed before the start of the rTMS treatment cycle. Using this precision procedure, which makes use of sophisticated infrared technological instruments and specific software, it is possible to perform a three-dimensional reconstruction of the skull and estimate the size of the encephalon and the positioning of brain areas.
Why is Neuronavigation performed?
Neuronavigation makes it possible to precisely identify the target areas to be stimulated with TMS and to monitor the position of the coil on the scalp, as well as the correct position of the patient.
It is a completely painless, noninvasive procedure with no contraindications.
What is the Neuronavigation procedure?
The patient, comfortably seated, is made to wear a custom headset on which are applied locators (trackers) that are intercepted by an infrared camera, allowing real-time reproduction of the dimensions of the subject's skull.
In addition, the infrared camera intercepts a special pointer, also equipped with trackers, allowing for an even more precise estimated reconstruction. The pointer is gently passed over the scalp so that the software can acquire the precise coordinates of the brain areas that are going to be virtually reconstructed.
Once all the coordinates have been acquired, the software will reproduce a precise estimate of the size of the subject's encephalon, and procedures can then be started in order to locate the area to be stimulated.