My research has focused on the functioning of cortico-subcortical loops involving the basal ganglia, with a particular emphasis on the mechanisms of plasticity that modulate them. These circuits play a key role in motor control, but also in cognitive, affective, and behavioral domains, placing them at the center of many neurological and psychiatric disorders.
In my work, I have explored how reorganization within the striatum may contribute to the emergence of diverse symptoms, ranging from motor impairments to neuropsychiatric manifestations such as apathy. This line of research has broadened my interest in how cortico-subcortical circuits support functional reorganization of the brain in the context of disease.
In recent years, my projects have focused on the study of disorders of consciousness following acute brain injuries, including stroke and traumatic brain injury. I aim to elucidate the role of the basal ganglia in the emergence of these disorders, in the compensatory mechanisms engaged by the brain, and in the response to specific pharmacological treatments.
To address these questions, I employ multimodal approaches combining PET-MRI, EEG and polysomnographic recordings, eye-tracking, actigraphy, and biological assays. These tools enable the identification of biomarkers of disorders of consciousness, while also allowing the investigation of circadian rhythms and their impact on recovery.
The overarching goal of my research is to advance our understanding of the brain mechanisms underlying disorders of consciousness, ultimately contributing to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for patients.
Keyword : basal ganglia, monoamines, coma
