The First Medical Association of Lviv and SID City Science Park at Lviv Polytechnic National University have signed a memorandum of cooperation. As part of this agreement, the UNBROKEN Mental Health Centre, which is part of the association, will receive an innovative development – a simulation device for the rehabilitation of patients with brain injuries.
«This simulator allows you to feel physical movement and creates the effect of presence through 3D imaging. This combination stimulates neuroplasticity and the formation of new neurons. This is a unique opportunity to help patients with brain injuries and at the same time support the development of Ukrainian medicine», said Nazar Podolchak, Director of Lviv Polytechnic Science Park.
A psychiatrist Oleh Bereziuk, Mental Health, UNBROKEN, explains that the device stimulates activity in different areas of the brain – sensory-motor and prefrontal cortex – through sound, images and movement.
«The simulator will be useful in cases of traumatic brain injuries, vascular lesions of the brain, strokes – all those conditions that lead to the loss of neural connections. Thanks to modern methods, we will be able to stimulate the formation of new neurons which will help restore functions», says the doctor.
By the way, the device has been symbolically named Dopamine, after the neurotransmitter that transmits signals between nerve cells and activates feelings of joy, pleasure and motivation. The updated version will be handed over to the Mental Health Centre in two weeks.
The cooperation between the doctors and Lviv Polytechnic’s SID City Science Park will allow them to implement joint research, educational and medical initiatives in the field of neuroscience and mental health.
