The neurobiology of recovery from post-stroke aphasia

Abstract: Recovery from post-stroke aphasia is determined by molecular mechanisms (neuroplasticity and neuroinflammation) as well as re-learning of language processing pathways on a systems level. In this talk, I will give an overview about these mechanisms and based on this discuss the possibilities of non-invasive brain stimulation as a complementary therapy for aphasia.

Bio: Dr. Thiel is Associate Professor of Neurology at McGill University. As a stroke neurologist his research focuses on understanding the pathophysiological processes underlying post-recovery using molecular (PET), structural (DTI) and functional (fMRI) imaging. He develops treatment protocols which employ non-invasive brain stimulation methods (tDCS and TMS) to facilitate language recovery.