he Institute’s activities are dedicated to studying human brain function by characterizing multidimensional information on the brain’s structure and activity, based on advanced neuroimaging techniques including MRI and EEG.
The Sagol Center for Brain Function was established at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center in 1998, in collaboration with Tel Aviv University. The center integrates extensive research activity with clinical services.
The Center is directed by Prof. Yuval Nir and was founded by Prof. Talma Hendler, psychiatrist and neuroscientist, together with Associate Director Prof. Daphne Ben Bashat, an expert in MRI-based neuroimaging.
Clinical Activity at the Center
Alongside its research mission, the Center is committed to providing advanced solutions for precise and detailed brain assessment, as well as offering neuromodulation-based therapeutic approaches for a wide range of neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions. These services are delivered through the Advanced Functional Mapping Service and the Neuromodulation Clinic.
Psychedelic Research Program
A Joint Initiative of Tel Aviv University and the Sagol Center for Brain Function:
The Psychedelic Research Program, led jointly with Dr. Nimrod Keinan of Tel Aviv University, was established to deepen scientific and clinical understanding of the safe and informed medical use of psychedelic compounds. The program focuses on patients suffering from treatment-resistant neuropsychiatric disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), treatment-resistant depression, chronic pain, and addictions. Several studies are currently underway within this program.
Clinics and Services
The clinic offers a range of advanced and unique treatments available in Israel, aimed at helping patients with chronic disorders involving altered brain function.
The treatments rely on enhancing brain activity by stimulating specific brain regions using various methods—including electrical stimulation, magnetic stimulation, and autonomic stimulation through brain–machine interface technologies.
All treatments are tailored individually for each patient, using non-invasive methods and without pharmacological intervention.
Each patient undergoes a comprehensive pre-treatment evaluation conducted by a specialist physician and a psychologist (or neuropsychologist), following which a personalized treatment plan is determined.
The goal of the treatments is to induce changes in brain activity (neuromodulation) that may lead to clinical improvement. The induced modulation targets the brain regions relevant to the patient’s specific chronic condition.
Treatments Offered:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety disorders
Chronic pain
Neurofeedback and brain stimulation
The Advanced Functional Mapping Service operates within the Sagol Center for Brain Function as part of the hospital’s Imaging Division. It is the first and largest service of its kind in Israel.
Over the years, the clinical service has gained extensive experience and has become a national and international leader in this field.
The service specializes in electrical brain mapping, enabling precise spatial localization of abnormal neural activity (such as in epilepsy).
Since the Center’s establishment, more than 3,000 patients have been referred from hospitals across the country for various clinical questions related to functional brain mapping and advanced lesion characterization—supporting pre-surgical decision-making and other targeted treatments.
The service also leads the field in simultaneous EEG-fMRI mapping, allowing accurate spatial identification of pathological brain activity. A unique patented technology developed by the team enhances the detection and monitoring of brain electrical signals during combined EEG-fMRI studies.
Tests and Procedures Performed:
Multimodal characterization of brain tissue and tumors
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS)
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of white matter tracts
Functional MRI (fMRI)
EEG-fMRI for functional localization of epileptic foci
Cerebral vascular imaging and blood–brain barrier assessment
Quantitative evaluation of fetal brain development
Volumetric measurement of brain lesions