Current studies employ electrophysiological , psychophysical and imaging techniques.
Electrophysiological studies employ microelectrode single-unit recordings and microstimulation in the thalamus and cortex of awake patients undergoing stereotactic surgery for pain, movement disorders or psychiatric disease. Parallel psychophysical studies are used to correlate perception with electrophysiological and imaging findings. The lab has strong ties with researchers in the Dept. of Physiology and the Div. of Neurosurgery at the Toronto Hospital. Globus pallidus stimulation activates the cortical motor system during alleviation of parkinsonian symptoms. Cold-induced pain and prickle in the glabrous and hairy skin.