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WELCOME
Over
the past five years, the Division of Neurosurgery has experienced
an unprecedented growth and is widely regarded as a leading
neurosurgical academic unit in Canada. MORE
INNOVATION
The PoleStar® iMRI Navigation System, a revolutionary compact iMRI and navigation system, provides surgeons with real-time, high-quality images before, during, and after brain tumor surgery. MORE
RESEARCH
This has been another great year for research in the
Division of Neurosurgery. Division members are involved in a
wide spectrum of research. MORE
RESIDENCY
The major objective of the Neurosurgery Residency Training Program
at Dalhousie is the development of skilled neurosurgeons in
the clinical care of neurosurgical patients. MORE
BRAIN
REPAIR
The Division of Neurosurgery is an integral part
of the Brain
Repair Centre, the largest and most comprehensive health
research initiative in Atlantic Canada. MORE
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NEUROSURGERY
NEUROMODULATION PROGRAM
| NEUROSURGEON |
Dr. Robert Brownstone |
| RESEARCH COORDINATOR |
Paula Chiasson |
PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
The Neuromodulation program at the QEII is unique to Atlantic Canada and continues to be a national leader in the field of neuromodulation. The overall goal is to provide our patients with treatments that lead to an overall improvement in the quality of their lives. The program includes deep brain stimulation (DBS) for movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, multiple sclerosis and dystonia. As well, implantation of spinal cord stimulation (SCS), motor cortex stimulation (MCS) and peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) systems are used to treat chronic neuropathic pain conditions such as failed back surgery syndrome, angina, occipital neuralgia and complex regional pain syndrome.
Advancements in technology have led to re-chargeable systems that last a minimum of 9 to 10 years, a significant improvement for patients who previously required surgery to replace depleted batteries annually. Rechargeable systems accounted for 35% of all the generators implanted in the past 2 years. New indications for DBS are evolving, and include DBS for refractory depression, a collaborative effort with our colleagues in psychiatry. Multidisciplinary rounds are regularly held to review all neuromodulation patients.
RESEARCH:
Currently ther are over 400 patients with implantable neuromodulation systems being actively followed by our team. Follow-up visits and outcome measures are compiled ar regular intervals.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
The QEII neuromodulation team continues to play a leadership role in the Canadian Neuromodulation Society.
PROGRAM GOALS:
- to provide expert care to all patients evaluated for and receiving neuromodulation therapies, which will lead to significant enhancements in their quality of life
- to educate and liaise with our patients, their families and the broader community regarding neuromodulation therapies
- to complete research projects examining the efficacy and safety of neuromodulation therapies
| TEAM MEMBERS & COLLABORATORS: |
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| Dr. Rob Brownstone |
Neurosurgeon |
| Paula Chiasson |
Program Coordinator |
| Ron Hill |
Technology Coordinator |
| Murray Hong |
Imaging Specialist |
| Dr. Susan Morris |
Neurophysiologist |
| Madonna Duke-Munden |
Administrative Assistant, Neurosurgery |
| TEAM COLLABORATORS: |
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| Dr. Ian Beauprie |
Department of Anaesthesia |
| Dr. John Fisk |
Department of Psychology |
| Dr. David King |
Division of Neurology |
| Dr. K. Schoffer |
Division of Neurology |
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IMPORTANT LINKS:
Parkinson's Disease
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HALIFAX,
NOVA SCOTIA | CANADA B3H 4H7 | +1 (902) 494-2211