The human motor system is characterised by a remarkable ability to reorganise itself functionally. It consists of motor areas of the cerebral cortex in the frontal lobes, where movements are planned and initiated, motor-eloquent fiber tracts that transmit signals from these areas via the brainstem to the spinal cord, and the peripheral nerves that ultimately innervate the respective effector muscles. The primary motor cortex as the starting point for all voluntary movements is organised somatotopically—that is, different regions of the body are represented at specific locations on the cortex, forming a kind of “map” of the body within the brain. However, these representations are subject to dynamic changes as part of neuroplastic processes and can change in response to intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli.

The aim of this doctoral project is to investigate the cortical and subcortical changes induced by peripheral nerve lesions both before and after surgical nerve reconstruction. In particular, the aim is to gain insights into the potential for spontaneous recovery after peripheral nerve damage and the optimal timing of surgical interventions in order to be able to provide even more targeted and prognosis-oriented care for affected patients in the future.

All doctoral students will be trained in the application of navigated transcranial stimulation as a key methodology in this project and, in addition to study-related measurements, will also independently conduct patient examinations in the clinic as part of regular preoperative diagnostics (subject to availability).