Delivering practical results. For novel clinical applications.

Transforming clinical therapy for brain diseases

Prototypes of the system ultimately becoming The Virtual Brain already delivered unique insights into the functioning of the human brain‘s resting state network. Since the diseased brain shows different resting state behaviors in epilepsy and stroke, our connectivity based approach bears the promise to gain novel insights into the origins of network disorders.

Especially in the western world, epilepsy and stroke rank among the most common causes for death/disabilities and put a high socio-economic burden on society.

The Virtual Brain will be the first framework offering practical simulations of human brain networks thanks to four unique features:

• The whole simulation system will be remotely accessible through a simple web browser, including an amazing 3D visualization. No need to have supercomputers or large databases on-site.
• The Virtual Brain will deliver the same neuro-imaging results as a patient's brain (EEG, MEG, BOLD). Its design will allow for complete customization and validation by uploading the patient's scanner readings into the simulation.
• The Virtual Brain is being tested and validated with data from clinical sites in Berlin, Irvine, London, Marseille and Toronto: Next up, this exhaustive and growing database of hundreds of brain scans from the past will serve as a wealthy source of normative constraints.
• By manipulating network parameters or intentionally "damaging" The Virtual Brain, predictions will be possible about the potential success of surgical or pharmaceutical interventions.

The participation of many clinics and research centers around the world is a beneficial feedback-loop, refining The Virtual Brain continuously with growing experimental data validated against refined models.