Neurostimulation and Brain Imaging Research group (NBiG)

NBiG is an active group with about 15 researchers and dedicated master/PhD students who investigate the mechanisms of action for neurostimulation treatments.

By conducting longitudinal treatment studies, investigating data from treatment registries and biobanks as well as through extensive international collaboration, our aim is to uncover the neurobiological underpinning of effects and side-effects of neurostimulation treatment methods. 

Strategy, methods and goals

• Understand the mechanisms of action behind neurostimulation treatments.
• Collaborate with user groups in research and for development of information material for patients and relatives.Investigate causal factors of diseases through longitudinal treatment studies.
• Collaborate internationally to overcome single study limitations.
• Focus on advanced neuroimaging of patients before, during, and after treatment.
• Utilize registry research, biobank blood samples, genetics, sensor technology, and neuropsychological tests.
• Analyze functional and structural imaging data, correlating changes to clinical parameters.

Long-term goal: Develop algorithms for outcome prediction and personalization of treatment.

National/International Partners and initiatives

• The Global ECT-MRI Research Collaboration (GEMRIC)
• Mohn Medical Imaging and Visualization Centre (MMIV)
• The European Society for Brain Stimulation (ESBS)
• Genetics of ECT International Consortium and the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium
• Cancer registry of Norway, working group for a national quality registry on brain tumors

Initiatives:

• Hosted three international workshops through GEMRIC (2015, 2018, 2022).

Studies and International Collaboration

• Department of Research, Mental Health Division (Helse-Vest): Investigating the effects of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) in severe depression. Our interdisciplinary studies utilize advanced brain imaging techniques, neuropsychological tests, and various blood samples. Forsking på stemningslidingar i Helse Bergen - Helse Bergen HF (helse-bergen.no
• GEMRIC: The Global ECT-MRI Research Collaboration, led by Leif Oltedal, focuses on major depression, aiming to pool and analyze global data for insights applicable across research sites. The collaboration explores ECT's neural underpinnings to advance personalized treatment options. GEMRIC | MMIV

National Collaboration

• Regional Quality Register for ECT: The register provides an overview of ECT administration and enhances treatment quality and acts as a research foundation. Regionalt Register for Nevrostimulerende behandling - Helse Bergen HF (helse-bergen.no)
• National Quality Register for Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): The National ECT Register in Norway aims to ensure treatment quality, compliance with guidelines, and contribute to research. It provides an overview of ECT practices, including emergency treatments, and gathers insights into patient experiences. All patients that receive ECT will be included, and participation is reservation-based. Nasjonalt kvalitetsregister for elektrokonvulsiv terapi (ECT) | Nasjonalt servicemiljø for medisinske kvalitetsregistre