Montreal Neurological Institute

Montreal Neurological Institute

The MNI, wrapping around one end of Molson Stadium
Geography
Location	3801 University Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Organization
Care system	RAMQ (Quebec medicare)
Hospital type	Specialist, Teaching
Affiliated university	McGill University (Faculty of Medicine)
Services
Emergency department	None
Beds	96
History
Founded	1934
Links
Website	home page
Lists	Hospitals in Canada

The Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI) is an academic medical centre dedicated to neuroscience located in Montreal. The MNI is a teaching and research institute of McGill University. Its clinical partner, the Montreal Neurological Hospital is one of five teaching hospitals of the McGill University Health Centre. Together, the institute and hospital are commonly referred to as "The Neuro". The Neuro is located on the McGill downtown campus and wraps around the west end of Molson Stadium.

As the hospital is part of the MUHC, there have been discussions that hospital services would move to the new facilities at the Glen Yards Campus upon their completion. However, there is a strong movement to keep institute and the hospital together in one location, preserving the model that Penfield established and continuing to build on The Neuro's success. ^[1].

The MNI was founded in 1934 by Dr. Wilder Penfield with a $1.2 million grant from the Rockefeller Foundation of New York and the support of the government of Quebec, the city of Montreal, and private donors. In 2007, the Canadian government named the MNI as one of seven Centres of Excellence in Commercialization and Research in recognition of innovative and outstanding work.

The Neuro began its 75th year celebrations in November 2009, with a 2-day scientific symposium, Pathways of Discovery in Neuroscience and an Open House and Panel Discussion. Link to presentations [1]

Research and training

Multidisciplinary teams of basic and clinical research scientists generate fundamental advances about the nervous system and apply that knowledge to understanding and treating neurological diseases. Research at the MNI covers the entire spectrum of neuroscience research and patient care. There are 11 research units closely integrated with clinical activities. The MNI is internationally recognized for its strength in epilepsy research and treatment, brain imaging, cognitive neuroscience, neuroimmunology, complex neural systems, and neuromuscular disease. Extensive molecular and cellular biology is also carried out in the Centre for Neuronal Survival and the Cell Biology of Excitable Tissues Group, while researchers in the Brain Tumour Research Centre work closely with colleagues in the Neurosurgical Research group.

The MNI has created a productive environment for translational research where experts apply discoveries of basic science research to improve the care of patients suffering from neurological diseases. Patients benefit from close interaction among clinical and basic scientists and can receive treatment for ALS, brain tumours, epilepsy, migraine, multiple sclerosis, pain, Parkinson’s disease and other conditions. Patients also benefit from technical advances in brain imaging, neuro-radiology, neuro-navigation and neuro-stimulation. Many patients participate in studies of the newest treatments available through the Clinical Research Unit.

Throughout its history, the Montreal Neurological Institute has offered outstanding research and clinical training. Former fellows hold prominent positions around the world. Current trainees come from more than 60 countries. The new Integrated Program in Neuroscience (IPN) [2] is the largest neuroscience training program in Canada with more that 160 faculty members and 280 graduate students.

Historical achievements

• First and only neurological institute and hospital in Canada
• First CT Scanner, PET system and MRI in Canada
• Developed the "Montreal procedure" for the surgical treatment of epilepsy
• Electroencephalography
• First PET images of stroke and brain tumours
• First animal model of Alzheimer's disease
• Pioneered the use of electrical probes in surgery

Directors

• Wilder Penfield, MD (1891 - 1976) [Director 1934 - 1960]
• Theodore Rasmussen, MD (1910 - 2002) [Director 1960 - 1972]
• William Feindel, MD [Director 1972 - 1984]
• Donald Baxter, MD [Director 1984 - 1992]
• Richard Murphy, PhD [Director 1992 - 2000]
• Donald Baxter, MD [Director interim, 2000 - 2002]
• David R. Colman, PhD [Director 2002 - present]

Facilities

• 6 major additions to the original Rockefeller Pavilion (1934):
  • McConnell Wing (1952)
  • Penfield Pavilion (1978)
  • Webster Pavilion (1985)
  • Molson Pavilion (1996)
  • Brain Tumour Research Centre (2002)
  • Clinical Research Unit (2004)
  • North Wing expansion under construction (2007). This new wing will expand the Brain imaging centre, provide new space for research and improved patient care facilities.

• Brain Imaging Centre: 4 MRI, 3 PET, 1 CT scanner
• 4 operating rooms and 1 angiography suite
• 96 patient beds
• 9 specialty day clinics
• Library: 241 journals, over 7300 books
• 337-seat Jeanne Timmins Amphitheatre
• 76-seat de Grandpré Communications Centre (tele- and video-conferencing facility)

References

• The Montreal Neurological Institute website
• McConnell Brain Imaging Centre websites [3] [4]
• McGill University Milestones, 1952