Cerebral hemodynamics & autonomic pathophysiology

This research unit studies the mechanisms of cerebral self-regulation and cerebral cortical function by means of non-invasive ultrasound-based methods (transcranial Doppler, parenchymal ultrasound imaging). These methods are used to evaluate the brain parenchyma and flow velocity of the intracranial arteries under different chemical or physical stimulation conditions. Investigators also use functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to examine cortical function in normal or pathological subjects submitted to emotional, visual, memory and verbal learning stimuli; this technique is used together with other investigation methods, such as functional MRI or high-density EEG, and physical therapies such as transcortical magnetic stimulation.

Ultrasound investigation and fNIRS evaluation, lend themselves “transversely” to a wide range of neurological (neuroimaging and neuropathophysiology) studies. 

The Unit’s other area of research concerns autonomic nervous system dysfunctions related to neurodegenerative or metabolic disease, as well as pure primary autonomic dysfunctions. In addition to performing tilt-table testing and sympathetic and vagal function tests, investigators study circadian fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rhythm abnormalities in patients enrolled in the different research studies. Because of the overlap that exists between the fields of neurology and cardiology this emerges mainly in the study of drug-induced syncope and autonomic dysfunction (involving also heart pathophysiolgy), the Mondino Foundation is part of the Cardiology Network of Italian “IRCCS” research hospitals. As a longstanding focus of its activity, this research unit also studies neurovascular, cardiovascular and biological mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of stroke and atheromatous disease of the carotid arteries.