Multiple sclerosis research at the Tactile Communication and Neurorehabilitation Lab
Viewers of “The Oprah Show” who saw the November 10, 2010 interview with Montel Williams may have caught a glimpse of research being conducted at the Tactile Communication and Neurorehabilitation Lab (TCNL).
TCNL is part of the Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The mission of TCNL is to develop solutions for sensory and neurological disorders by applying principles of neuroplasticity, enabling the brain to process information in new ways and rehabilitate after injury caused by trauma or disease.
The lab grew out of the work of the late Dr. Paul Bach-y-Rita, a UW scientist and professor of rehabilitation medicine whose laboratory pioneered tactile displays for the blind in the 1980s.
The present TCNL leadership team collaborated with Dr. Bach-y-Rita for many years and now works to advance the theory and application of brain plasticity, neuromodulation, sensory substitution and tactile displays.
Current TCNL research focuses on developing new methods to reduce symptoms of stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. Very early results from cranial-nerve non-invasive neuromodulation (CN-NINM) intervention have shown improvements in balance, posture, gait and upper-limb control in some experimental subjects. However, because placebo-controlled, double-blind experiments have yet to be completed, and results-to-date have yet to be verified by independent labs, these findings must be considered preliminary.
TCNL has been largely supported through private donations. UW-Madison is contributing funding to help support ongoing research.
FAQs
What does the TCNL do?
The lab is involved in developing a new technique to use electrotactile stimulation to retrain the brains of people who suffer from neurological injuries, deficits and disorders. Cranial-nerve non-invasive neuromodulation (CN-NINM) exposes the tongue to electrical stimuli while the subject simultaneously engages in progressively challenging balance, gait and cognitive exercise, which is targeted to particular symptoms. The technique is believed to have similarities to existing therapies such as deep-brain stimulation, vagus-nerve stimulation and transcranial-magnetic stimulation. It may help people with Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), traumatic brain injury and other debilitating diseases. The approach is based on neuroplasticity -- the concept that the brain can change and grow following injury or disease.
How many studies involving human subjects has TCNL done so far?
A number of studies have been done that use electrotactile stimulation to help people with balance disorders, visual impairment and other conditions. Currently, there are two ongoing studies. One is an fMRI study that is looking at brain changes that are a result of training with a cranial-nerve non-invasive neuromodulation device. The other is a study of MS subjects that includes three phases: a feasibility study, a pilot study and a controlled trial. Plans are being finalized for a study involving the rehabilitation of individuals who have had strokes.
How can I get into one of the studies?
There is no recruitment under way now for subjects in the lab’s research program, but information about future recruitment will be posted on the lab’s website.
Have TCNL investigators published their findings in any professional journals? When and where?
Results of a pilot fMRI study have been published in the journal “Brain Imaging and Behavior” (October 2010), and another article is currently under review for a second journal.
How is the lab funded currently?
From 1992 through 2008, the lab has received grants from a number of federal agencies, including the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health. As the lab has been transitioning to a new path of research – the MS studies, which started in 2008 – the lab has been largely supported by donations. For questions about donations, e-mail tcnl@supportuw.org. UW-Madison provides some research support, and, as the new line of research continues, the lab is seeking additional federal funding.
On what basis does the TCNL research staff have confidence that their neuro-rehabilitation program will be effective?
Rehabilitation after brain injury or disease is a complex matter, but the latest results have been so compelling that researchers are confident that they are on the right track. In addition, earlier studies have shown the method to be safe and low risk. Further research is necessary to confirm results to date before commercialization may take place.
Has peer review of the lab’s work taken place?
The lab’s work was recently published in the journal “Brain Imaging and Behavior” (October 2010), and another research paper is under review. In addition, the work is reviewed and approved by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health’s Institutional Review Board (IRB).