1934 – Present

2010

A new facility at The Neuro will produce radioactive tracers for cancer diagnosis and imaging research. The Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Unit at The Neuro has been approved by Health Canada to manufacture, package and export radioactive tracers to hospitals and facilities across Quebec and Ontario.

Patients can now benefit from the world’s most advanced computerized tomography (CT) scanner, the first of its type in Canada at The Neuro. The advanced scanner revolutionizes patient care by reducing not only exposure to radiation, but also dramatically shortening diagnostic time for life threatening neurological and vascular diseases to mere minutes.

With the support of Industry Canada’s CECR award, researchers at The Neuro are finding better ways to target and treat, as well as research, a wide range of disorders that includes stroke, epilepsy, pain, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, brain tumours, Muscular Dystrophy and even obesity.

Examples of CECR funded innovations include:

1.Tapping 1, 2, 3, 4 - A superior computerized device developed by Dr. Gabriel Leonard for more accurate testing of motor skills in patients with neurological or neuromuscular diseases such as epilepsy, post-concussion syndrome and Multiple Sclerosis. The device addresses the needs of health practitioners for a sensitive and objective measure of disability. The prototype is testing well and commercial development is anticipated in 2010-11. More information

2. Getting back your nerves - Dr. Alyson Fournier is edging close to the holy grail of spinal cord injury treatment – getting severed nerves to re-establish functional connections. Severe injuries can have devastating consequences because the neurons are unable to regenerate and restore functional communication. With 80% of all spinal cord injury happening to people younger than 30, lifetime support costs can range from $1.25 million to $5 million, placing a huge burden on patients and their families. More information

3. Predicting Alzheimer’s - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) tools to facilitate the development of drugs to treat early Alzheimer’s disease, spearheaded by Dr. Louis Collins. Currently, it is almost impossible to test drugs in patients with early Alzheimer’s disease, as only 10 to 15% of patients with symptoms of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) actually go on to develop Alzheimer’s per year. These software tools will enable prediction of which patients with MCI will develop Alzheimer’s disease, making it feasible to perform drug trials in these patients and eventually make it possible to select patients for early treatment.

4. Tracking proteins - Understanding the cellular basis of disease is one of the revolutionary developments in neurological research. Today it is understood that schizophrenia, Parkinson’s, MS, ALS and many others are diseases of the cells that underlie all brain functions. Dr. Peter McPherson and his team have come up with a hybrid method of making antibodies that is faster, simpler and cheaper. With built-in validation from the experience of MNI researchers, a catalogue of products is being assembled for research and commercial utilization. More information

Neuro-Palliative Care: In response to a growing need, The Neuro has created the first Neuro-Palliative Care Centre in North America, dedicated to patients with terminal illnesses of the nervous system. This clinical care and research facility develops and delivers specialized supportive treatments for patients who are at the end of life.

NeuroEngineering: The Neuro is a fundamental contributor to the McGill program in NeuroEngineering - a merger of physical and biological sciences. Together, physicists, chemists, materials scientists, computer engineers and neuroscientists tackle the challenges of creating interfaces between neurons and artificial substrates to restore the function of a damaged nervous system.

Neuropolis: The Neuro is collaborating with the National Film Board of Canada on Neuropolis - an exciting and adventurous documentary IMAX 3D movie in development. Bustling, dynamic and mysterious: your brain is a community of a 100 billion neurons. A city inside your head. Like people, each neuron is a unique individual. Like a city, your brain changes all the time. It builds itself and is never finished. Do you know what your brain is up to? There’s more going on in there than you realize. Using revolutionary new imaging techniques, and sophisticated animation, Neuropolis will take audiences of all ages on a journey of discovery through the fascinating world of the human brain. It’s the most amazing place you will ever visit.

2009

The Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital celebrated the 75th anniversary of its founding by Dr. Wilder Penfield with events that attracted some 300 Canadian and foreign delegates. Quebec Premier Jean Charest welcomed delegates to a scientific symposium, Pathways of Discovery in Neuroscience, whose keynote speaker was Sydney Brenner, Nobel Prize-winning researcher at the Salk Institute. Commemorative events included tours of the Penfield estate in Austin, Quebec, a gala dinner at the Montreal Science Centre, tours of the Neuro's facilities for former fellows, and the compilation of items for a time capsule.

The Neuro's investigators showed a way to study the brain's electrical and metabolic activity simultaneously for accurately diagnosing certain forms of epilepsy.

Steroids were demonstrated to play a new role in controlling epileptogenesis.

Magnetic stimulation of the human visual cortex was shown to improve visual perception.

Muscular dystrophy was linked to gene mutations in a protein termed Dysferlin, which normally helps repair muscle after exercise.

Neuro researchers investigated Hsp90 inhibitors, drugs that protect cells in culture when they are stressed in diseases such as Lou Gehrig's Disease. Cells, like people, can exhibit serious stress effects.

Investigators examined key proteins within injured nerve cells that block the ability of these cells to repair themselves.

Researchers found that the entry of proteins into nerve cells is controlled by an extremely complex protein machinery which, when damaged, leads to neurological disease.

Nerve fibres were found to grow in an important way out from the nasal passages into the brain. Proteins termed netrins were shown to direct the migration of brain cells during development. These proteins also regulate how the nerve fibre covering (myelin) is formed.

Parkin, a protein responsible for a common familial form of Parkinson’s disease, was found to control certain normal activities of nerve cells.

Researchers revealed that cancer cells put a "fake" protein on the surface of aggressive tumour cells, which fools the body and allows the tumour to invade and spread.

Five new genes were found that cause fatal infantile mitochondrial disease. The Neuro's researchers are investigating the molecular biology of these disorders.

Research into the monkey brain showed it to be surprisingly complex, revealing a fresh approach toward thinking about speech development and evolution.

A powerful technique for quantifying cortical growth and degeneration was used extensively in studies on normal development.

Novel mechanisms underlying development of innovative therapeutic approaches were employed for the treatment of chronic pain.

Some links between brain organization and functional activity patterns were outlined, along with the way in which these factors relate to individual differences in human perceptual and cognitive capacities.

A tight link was discovered between blood vessel and metabolic responses in the healthy human brain.

The adhesion molecule CAR was shown to promote nerve fibre outgrowth from developing neurons. CAR, however, also inhibits migration of brain (astrocytic) tumour cells. Both observations have therapeutic implications.

Researchers demonstrated that an inflammatory environment in brain diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis can make neural cells susceptible to injury because certain immune system molecules can "sensitize" neural cells and make them vulnerable.

The Neuro's researchers began to elucidate the molecular events that occur in the brain when a memory is formed. New theories became possible about memory formation and enhancing this formation.

A series of novel and unique computer-based MRI methods for automatic detection of malformations in brain development was put into use. Such malformations are a frequent origin of drug-resistant epilepsy that can be treated by surgery.

Researchers localized a protein termed dystrophin in normal muscle, and its absence in muscles of patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

The Neuro laid the foundation for viewing obesity as a brain disease, since the main hunger signal from the gut, a hormone termed ghrelin, acts on the brain to make food appear more appealing. Appetite disorders, including obesity and addiction, share a similar neural mechanism. This mechanism is a leading cause of disease whose consequences lead to a huge financial cost to society.

Particular childhood infections were shown to be implicated in the development of Multiple Sclerosis in young children.

The Neuro's investigators showed that nerve cells will readily form functional connections with carefully engineered artificial matrices. Such research paves the way for tiny prosthetic devices to be developed for patients with spinal cord injuries.

Researchers were capable of controlling how nerve fibres grow in culture with great precision, work that has substantial implications for therapies.

2008

The Neuro's long-time ties with India's scientific community were further extended. Several members of the Neuro's staff presented their research and explored new collaborative opportunities during talks with high-ranking Indian government officials and visits to India's most prominent health-care institutions, the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi, and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuroscience in Bangalore.

A principal investigator at the Neuro, Alain Beaudet,was appointed by Canada's minister of health, Tony Clement, as President of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). The CIHR is Canada's largest scientific funding agency, providing grants to over eleven thousand researchers. At the time, Dr. Beaudet was President and CEO of the Fonds de la Recherche en Santé du Québec, the main provincial funding agency for scientists in Quebec.

2007

Canada’s government names the MNI as one of seven national Centres of Excellence in Commercialization and Research. As one of the recipients of $105 million granted to these centres, the MNI is recognized as an important partner in reaching Canada’s goal of producing world-class science.

The distinguished researcher, Eva Andermann receives the International League Against Epilepsy award.

2006

The MNI and the National Brain Research Centre in India formally become sister institutes.

Construction begins on the MNI North Wing, which will provide new space for outpatient services, research facilities and expansion of the McConnell Brain Imaging Centre.

The world’s pre-eminent authority on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, George Karpati of the Neuromuscular Unit wins the Prix du Québec Wilder Penfield, and the World Federation of Neurology Lifetime Achievement Award.

2005

The Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital are reintegrated under a single directorship held by David Colman.

The MNI hosts an international symposium on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis sponsored by the André Delambre Foundation.

Six MNI scientists attend the First Sino-Quebec Symposium in Neuroscience in Shanghai along with scientists from three other Quebec universities.

The world-famous neuroscientist, Brenda Milner of the Neuropsychology Unit wins the Gairdner International Award.

2004

MNI and Tianjin Neurological Institute in China formally agree to become sister institutions.

Brenda Milner is elected a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences.

George Karpati of the Neuromuscular Unit is elected a member of Hungary’s Academy of Sciences.

Eric Shoubridge and Daniel Guitton are elected to the Royal Society of Canada.

R. Howard Webster Brain Tumour Clinic is inaugurated.

2003

William Feindel joins Brenda Milner as a laureate of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.

A world authority on epilepsy, Fred Andermann of the Epilepsy Unit wins Quebec’s highest scientific honour, the Prix du Québec Wilder Penfield.

Five outstanding young researchers join the MNI staff: Alyson Fournier, Leslie Fellows, Ed Ruthazer, Chris Pack and Michael Sinnreich.

The MNI hosts an International Symposium on Memory in honour of Brenda Milner, one of the world’s most eminent neuropsychologists.

2002

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and 700 guests inaugurate the MNI’s Brain Tumour Research Centre---sixteen thousand square feet of new laboratory space. The first of its kind in Canada, the centre was supported by major donors including the Kresge, J. W. McConnell and R. Howard Webster Foundations.

David Colman, distinguished researcher at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, becomes the MNI’s sixth director.

Two highly talented researchers, Jean-Francois Cloutier and Antonio Strafella join the MNI staff.

The Helen Penfield Atrium is inaugurated to honour the contribution of Helen Kermott Penfield, wife of founder Wilder Penfield, to the MNI’s success and pervasive spirit of dedication to service.

Scientific programs at the MNI are advanced through the generous $4 million bequest for research from Florence Foreman.

2001

The MNI’s McConnell Brain Imaging Centre successfully competes for $28 million from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation for new equipment and infrastructure development.

An expert on migraine, Edith Hamel of the Neuroimmunology Unit becomes the first Canadian named to the prestigious Blaise Pascal Chair for research collaboration with French colleagues.

Neuroradiologist Donatella Tampieri introduces the Matrix System to Canada, a new coil technique to treat brain aneurysms.

2000

The William Feindel Chair in Brain Tumour Research is established at the MNI by a donation of $2.7 million from Cynthia Molson-Baxter.

Dr. George Karpati receives the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

1999

The MNI initiated the launching of the Canadian Brain Tumour Network (CBTNet) to coordinate the efforts of 28 Canadian research organizations investigating better treatments for brain tumours.

Canadian astronaut Dave Williams, a graduate of McGill University’s Faculty of Medicine who trained at the MNI, carries the MNI flag into space aboard the U.S. space shuttle Columbia.

1997

The MNI’s McConnell Brain Imaging Centre and Siemens Canada launch Neurovision Sciences Inc a venture to bring a new, powerful magnetic resonance imaging scanner to the MNI for research studies.

Three MNI researchers in molecular medicine receive $3.5 million in venture capital to form Exogen Neurosciences, a company seeking treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Exogen Neurosciences later merged to become Aegera Therapeutics Inc

Dr. Josephine Nalbantoglu of the Neuroimmunology Unit creates the first animal model of Alzheimer’s Disease.

1994

The MNI celebrates its sixtieth anniversary with special events and lectures.

The Kresge Foundation contributes funds to the MNI expansion for the Molson Centre for Molecular Medicine.

Dr. Pierre Gloor receives the Distinguished Neuroscientist Award for epilepsy research from the Milken Family Foundation.

Statistics for the previous five years show that McGill University neuroscience papers were cited more often than any other Canadian university. In 1994, the MNI contributed 159 papers.

1970 – 1990

1984

The MNI celebrates its fiftieth anniversary.

Dr. Kenneth Hastings opens a new laboratory for molecular biology.

Neurologist Donald Baxter is appointed MNI director.

1983

Construction of the Webster Pavilion begins.

McGill University approves the site of a new McConnell Brain Imaging Centre.

1982

The MNI’s neuropathology laboratory installs a new electron microscope.

The inaugural Bethune-Zhao Fellowship is awarded to Ke-Ming Zhao, the son of China’s first neurosurgeon, Yi-Cheng Zhao. Both trained at the MNI.

The MNI produces the first positron scan of a radio-labelled drug within a brain tumour.

The McConnell Foundation supports the MNI to purchase Canada’s first magnetic resonance imaging scanner.

1981

The MNI installs Canada’s first mini-cyclotron for use in positron emission tomography (PET).

Canada’s Medical Research Council awards its first special grant for PET to the MNI.

A former MNI fellow, David Hubel, wins the Nobel Prize for Medicine or Physiology.

1979

MNI colleagues William Feindel, Donald Tower, Preston Robb and Theodore Rasmussen visit China on behalf of the World Health Organization.

1978

The Penfield Pavilion is officially opened at a ceremony attended by federal and provincial health ministers and Canada’s Governor-General.

The MNI is the host of the first international symposium on positron emission tomography (PET).

The city of Montreal renames McGregor Street in honour of MNI founder Dr. Wilder Penfield.

1976

MNI founder and first director, Wilder Graves Penfield, dies.

The MNI hosts the World Health Organization’s third International Consultation of Collaborating Centres in the Neurosciences.

1975

The MNI produces the first positron emission tomographic (PET) images of stroke and brain tumours.

Canada’s first PET scanner is built by MNI researcher Christopher Thompson.

1973

The MNI introduces computer axial tomography (CAT) to Canada.

The first international symposium on CAT is hosted by the MNI.

1972

Neurosurgeon William Feindel is appointed MNI director and chairman of McGill University’s Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery.

The MNI launches Canada’s first neuro-ophthalmology unit.

MNI scientists develop a new telemetry system to monitor epilepsy patients’ seizures, continuing the long tradition of innovation in the treatment of epilepsy.

1950 – 1970

1969

Christopher Thompson opens a research computing laboratory.

1967

The MNI builds new facilities for an electroencephalography laboratory.

1965

The MNI is named a Killam Institution and receives on-going support for research from the Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Endowment and the Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Fund for Advanced Studies, created by Dorothy J. Killam, widow of Izaak W. Killam.

1963

In accordance with the new Quebec Hospital Act, the Montreal Neurological Hospital is incorporated as an institution separate from the Montreal Neurological Institute.

K.A.C. Elliott of the MNI is the first Norman Bethune Exchange Professor at the Chinese Medical College in Beijing.

1962

In recognition of the MNI’s role in training neurosurgeons in China, Wilder Penfield and his wife, Helen, visit the People’s Republic of China at the invitation of Chairman Mao Zedong.

1961

The MNI’s Cone Laboratory installs a Saskatoon Contour Brain Scanner.

1960

Neurosurgeon Theodore Rasmussen succeeds Wilder Penfield as MNI director.

1959

One hundred former fellows from eleven countries reunite to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the founding of the MNI.

The Cone Laboratory for Neurosurgical Research opens.

1957

The MNI opens a laboratory of neuroelectronics.

1955

Juhn A. Wada, a Japanese physician training at the MNI where Wilder Penfield, Herbert Jasper, Theodore Rasmussen and Brenda Milner were dramatically advancing the treatment of epilepsy, develops the intra-carotid Amytal speech test used widely as a pre-operative test to evaluate speech and memory.

1954

The multiple sclerosis laboratory becomes the laboratory for research in chronic neurological diseases.

1953

The McConnell Pavilion opens, built with funds from the J. W. McConnell Foundation, to increase hospital bed capacity and expand clinical services and research.

1952

The Donner Laboratory of Experimental Neurochemistry is inaugurated under the leadership of K.A.C. Elliot.

1951

The MNI establishes a department of neuroanesthesia.

1950

Brenda Milner completes her studies at McGill with Donald Hebb and joins the MNI to begin seminal studies on the temporal lobe.

A brain tumour registry is begun.

1934 – 1950

1949

The MNI develops a surgical stroboscopic camera and introduces air-driven neurosurgical instruments into operating theatres.

Herbert Jasper is the first editor-in-chief of the new journal, Eletroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology.

1948

A neuroanatomy laboratory opens under the direction of neurologist Francis McNaughton.

1947

The MNI begins treating patients at an out-patient clinic.

The family of Ruth Reitman acknowledges the care she received at the MNI by inaugurating the annual Reitman Christmas luncheon for MNI staff. The tradition continues to the present day.

1945

The MNI opens a military annex to treat war veterans suffering from brain and spinal injuries.

1943

Wilder Penfield travels to Russia and China as a representative of the National Research Council of Canada.

1942

William Cone, Colin Russell, Donald McEachern, Theodore Rasmussen and other prominent MNI staff members serve as medical personnel in the Canadian and U.S. armed forces.

1941

To help ease the suffering of soldiers injured in the Second World War, the MNI develops better methods to treat head wounds.

1940

The MNI opens No. 1 Neurological Hospital, a facility that will become a 750-bed hospital during the course of the war in which more than sixteen thousand soldiers are treated.

1939

With the opening of a connecting bridge, the Royal Victoria Hospital is linked directly to the MNI.

The MNI inaugurates a new electroencephalography laboratory under the leadership of Herbert Jasper.

1938

The MNI opens its department of social services.

Yi-Cheng Zhao is a fellow at the MNI. He later founds dedicated neurosurgery departments in Tianjin and Beijing, and founds and directs the Beijing Neurosurgical Institute.

1937

Herbert Jasper begins to develop electroencephalography at the MNI.

1935

The American Neurological Association and the American Association of Neuropathologists hold their annual meetings at the MNI, the first time such meetings are held outside the United States.

1934

The MNI opens officially on September 27 with a series of inaugural lectures by American neurosurgeon Harvey W. Cushing and eminent neurologist Gordon M. Holmes. Plaques are displayed on the building to acknowledge the donations of the Rockefeller Foundation, the province of Quebec and the city of Montreal.