Neurology Research

Revolutionary Advancements in Neurology

Neurology is one of the most dynamic fields in medicine, with new discoveries constantly improving our understanding of the brain and its functions. The Department of Neurology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) is at the forefront of this exciting work. Our department features top-tier research laboratories and clinical programs that focus on all major areas of neurology, advancing both our knowledge and treatment of neurological disorders.

Comprehensive Research Initiatives

Our department's research spans a variety of critical areas, including:

In addition, our Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation is a leader in developing noninvasive techniques to understand and treat brain disorders.

Neurology Laboratories

BIDMC's Department of Neurology hosts numerous research laboratories focusing on a variety of neurological disorders. Key research labs include:

• Battelli Lab: Led by Lorella Battelli, this study focuses on the effects of transcranial brain stimulation on visual recovery post cortical damage. 
• Goldenholz Lab: Led by Dr. Daniel Goldenholz, this lab is dedicated to connecting the latest clinical information about epilepsy with the latest developments in data science in order to achieve clinically meaningful improvements in the lives of people with epilepsy.
• Lee Lab: Led by Dr. Albert Lee, this lab studies the neural basis of memory and cognition, focusing on the role of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex and their interactions with other brain regions.
• Mullington Lab: Led by Dr. Janet Mullington, this lab conducts research on the biological basis for the effects of sleep disturbance and deficiency.
• Press Lab: Led by Dr. Daniel Press, this lab investigates motor learning and consolidation by using a combination of functional brain imaging, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and behavioral paradigms.
• Qiu Lab: Led by Dr. Chenxi Qiu, this lab aims to develop functional genomics and systems neuroscience tools to investigate the mechanisms of memory formation.
• Rutkove Lab: Led by Dr. Seward B. Rutkove, the focus of this lab is on translational research into the development of novel diagnostics and therapeutics for the care of individuals with neuromuscular disease.
• Saper Lab: Led by Dr. Cliffod B. Saper, the focus of this lab is on hypothalamic circuitry that is responsible for basic life functions like regulation of wake-sleep cycles and circadian rhythms, including body temperature, locomotor activity, feeding and corticosteroids.
• Scammell Lab: Led by Dr. Thomas Scammell, research in this lab focuses on the neurobiology of sleep and the neural basis of narcolepsy.
• Siddiqi Lab: Led by Dr. Omar Siddiqi, the purpose of this lab is to improve the diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) through the use of novel diagnostic tests on CSF and employ genetic testing to investigate markers of neuroinflammation.
• Simon Lab: Led by Dr. David K. Simon, the mission of this lab is to push the boundaries of research to support wellness in those living with neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson's disease.
• Sloane Lab: Led by Dr. Jacob Sloane, this lab is interested in understanding the mechanisms behind progression in multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Sheen Lab. Led by Dr. Volney Sheen, this lab has two central areas of investigation: generation and characterization of ventricular zone-derived human neural stem cells from developmental disorders of the central nervous system and the study of inherited disorder of cortical development, resulting from disruption of developmental processes along the ventricular zone. 
• Tan Lab: Led by Dr. Sabrina Tan, this lab focuses on studying human polyomaviruses, including JC, BK, and the newly discovered WU, KI and MC polyomaviruses.
• Westover Lab: Led by Dr. M. Brandon Westover, this lab is focused on developing machine learning approaches to improve medical care for patients with a wide variety of neurological problems.
• VanderHorst Lab: Led by Dr. Veronique VanderHorst, this lab studies how circuit dysfunction in the central nervous system causes abnormal movement patterns seen in movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, dystonias or gait disorders.