Brain

Using our brains to save yours.

One in three Canadians will suffer from a brain disease or condition. The Krembil Brain Institute is confronting this issue head-on.

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Krembil Brain Institute

While 3.6 million Canadians are currently affected by a neurological condition, the brain is still the most complex and least understood organ in the body.

The Krembil Brain Institute at Toronto Western Hospital is home to one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive teams of clinicians and scientists, uniquely working hand in hand to prevent and confront problems of the brain and spine. Through state-of-the-art patient care and advanced research, we’re working relentlessly to make tomorrow’s solutions a reality today.

Specialized Neurological Care and Research Areas

Several specialty areas address a comprehensive spectrum of neurological disorders. These include spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders, stroke, dementia and Alzheimer’s, brain and nerve tumours, epilepsy, and a range of neuromuscular and neurodegenerative conditions. The Krembil Brain Institute is also home to a one-of-a-kind clinic specializing in memory loss and dementia, and is a leader in treating neuropathic pain. Advanced neurosurgery is provided at the Joey & Toby Tanenbaum Gamma Knife Centre, and the Canadian Concussion Centre investigates the best ways to diagnose and treat concussion disorders. Oftentimes, patients with some of the most complex brain-related cases are referred here because only we have the advanced expertise to help.

As well as being home to the largest combined clinical and research neurological facilities in North America, the Krembil Brain Institute is the premier training centre in Canada for medical and scientific leaders in neuroscience, and has one of the most comprehensive neurosurgery teams in the world.

We need donor support to continue the relentless pursuit of cures for diseases of the brain, all while continuing to pave new ways for to care for the patients who need us today.

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Fundraising priorities

The establishment of a clinical neuroscience research unit will enable world-leading investigators to conduct a broad spectrum of invaluable research in academic, clinical and basic science. This is essential to integrate the basic science community, maintain a clear research focus, and enhance and expedite translation to clinical practice. Through this infrastructure, a wealth of data can be collected to monitor brain function, biology and behaviour, allowing physicians to better predict– and ultimately prevent and treat – diseases of the brain, nerves and spinal cord.

An advanced neuroimaging centre will include state-of-art MRI technology in order to predict brain behaviour and disease diagnosis. A recruitment of talent will also be critical in accurately tackling such needs as tumour measurements, anatomical calculations that predict disease of aging and neuropsychological alterations, among others.

Since the sequencing of the first human genome, genomic technologies have ushered in a new era in medicine. Krembil Brain Institute investigators will leverage the best of clinical and academic science to propel recent advances in genomics and bioinformatics, while using next-generation tools to precisely diagnose disease, with support provided by a community of cancer, biobanking, neuroinformatics and bioinformatics specialists.

Building on medical and engineering expertise, KBI researchers are focused on developing the next generation of ‘smart’ neurotechnologies, be they implantable or wearable, to address the burden of neurological diseases. The beginnings of world leadership In this sphere has included the launch of the Center for Advancing Neurotechnological Innovation to Application (CRANIA), a collaboration with the University of Toronto that Is focused on unlocking the potential of every individual’s brain for better quality of life.

Recognizing the importance of education in building the future of the field, the Krembil Brain Institute is focused on training professionals and expanding partnerships to address current and emerging neuroscience needs. Initiatives include leveraging web-based and social media technologies, designing innovative new outreach programs, and fostering collaborations with partners that push the boundaries of education.