Neurology and Neurosurgery Clinic

MOLECULAR GENETIC TESTING

DNA laboratory of the 5th neurological department became one of the first labs in our country that performs molecular tests for neurological diseases.

The laboratory is equipped with the latest, high-tech hardware necessary for carrying out molecular genetic studies using real-time PCR, fragment analysis, and sequencing.

On the basis of the laboratory, original protocols of DNA diagnostics of trinucleotide repeat expansion disorders (Huntington's disease, Friedreich's ataxia and other progressive hereditary ataxias, Kennedy’s spinal and bulbar amyotrophy) are developed, the most frequent mutations in torsion dystonia, Parkinson's disease, spinal muscular atrophy, CADASIL, Wilson’s disease, spastic paraplegia type 4 etc are routinely diagnosed. The MLPA diagnostic method (Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification) has been introduced for the simultaneous detection of the most significant mutations in Parkinson's disease.

The first experience of the new generation of high-performance sequencing has been received. The development and introduction of new DNA diagnosis protocols (for example, Niemann-Pick disease, dentatorubral–pallidoluysian atrophy, atypical parkinsonism, etc.) are underway.

REHABILITATION METHODS

• Physical and occupational therapy (individual and group classes with experienced therapists, manual therapy)
• Robotic and mechanotherapy systems for gait and upper limb training – Lokomat, Amadeo, RT-300 Arm & Leg, Armeo Spring, Erigo, Bionic Leg.
• Virtual reality systems (high motivating, challenging movement rehabilitation in a virtual environment presented by screen or head-mounted display)
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) - a method based on the non-invasive stimulation of brain neurons with an alternating magnetic field . The TMS method is used for the determination of the excitability of the motor cortex and conduct along the corticospinal tracts; Mapping (localization) of motor and non-motor functions in the cerebral cortex; targeted modification of the excitability of the cortex and neuroplasticity (rhythmic TMS)
• Brain-computer interfaces for assistive device control learning and as a rehabilitation method combined with robotic therapy and electrical stimulation
• Balance training on force platforms and stabilometric platforms with biofeedback (to increase the stability of the vertical posture and to improve the equilibrium function)
• Electrotherapy for central and peripheral paresis (neuromuscular electrical stimulation, functional electrical stimulation, electrophoresis, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
• Botulinum therapy for patients with post-stroke, post-traumatic spasticity of the limbs, including the small muscles of the hand and foot, patients with hemifacial spasm with lesions of the facial nerve as a result of surgical interventions or injuries, and patients after Bell's palsy.

NEUROSURGERY AND VASCULAR SURGERY

We provide wide range of neurosurgical operations focusing on functional interventions:

• Functional surgery in Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, torsion dystonia
• Drug-resistant epilepsy: resection surgeries and vagus nerve stimulator placement
• Cerebrovascular diseases (aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, cavernous malformations, Moyamoya disease, stenosis of the main arteries of the head and neck)
• Endovascular interventions for atherosclerosis of the main arteries
• Brain tumors
• Head and neck diseases
• Tumors of the spine and spinal cord
• Degenerative diseases of the spine
• Spinal cord vascular diseases (cavernous malformations, venous fistulas)
• Developmental anomalies (Chiari malformation, Kimmerle malformation)
• Neurovascular conflict (trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, and etc.)
• Cerebrospinal fluid circulation disorders
• Neuropathies
• Complex bone defects of the cranial vault and base
• Reconstructive and plastic surgery of the head and neck involving a multidisciplinary team of neurosurgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, and oncologists