SUMMARY
Erik H. Middlebrooks, M.D., maps brain microstructure using structural and functional MRI, focusing particularly on ultrahigh-field MRI. His team focuses on creating breakthrough diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for various neurological diseases. His laboratory has particular interest in studying neuromodulation for targeting specific brain networks and using artificial intelligence (AI) to predict patient outcomes. Dr. Middlebrooks and his team are at the forefront of clinical ultrahigh field 7-tesla (7T) MRI. They do cutting-edge work in the neurosurgical treatment of brain tumors, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative and movement disorders, including Parkinson's disease, essential tremor and dystonia.
Focus areas
- Translation of ultrahigh-field 7T MRI to clinical practice. Dr. Middlebrooks and his team are developing advanced 7T MRI techniques for diagnosing and treating neurological conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, brain tumors and neurodegenerative disorders. They are recognized globally for carrying out a high volume of clinical 7T MRI examinations.
- Neuromodulation for the treatment of neurological disorders. Collaborating with other experts, Dr. Middlebrooks' team uses innovative techniques for surgical placement and device programming for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in movement disorders and epilepsy. The team's approach combines new discoveries in brain connectomics — the study of the structural and functional connections of the brain — with ultrahigh-field structural imaging to enhance patient outcomes. The team also is developing new treatments for diseases lacking effective therapies.
- Improvement of methods for preoperative functional mapping of the brain. The team is dedicated to enhancing the understanding of human brain function. This involves the localization of critical brain regions — including areas responsible for language, memory and motor functions — to inform surgical treatments for brain tumors.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Middlebrooks and his team are pioneers in integrating ultrahigh-field MRI into patient care, significantly advancing the diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases. Their work in 7T MRI has led to groundbreaking advancements in understanding and treating complex neurological conditions. By overcoming the technological challenges associated with high-field imaging, they have enhanced the accuracy and efficacy of diagnostic imaging. This is particularly true in disorders such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis, cerebrovascular disease and brain tumors.
Mayo Clinic in Florida, under Dr. Middlebrooks' guidance, has become a global leader in clinical 7T MRI, marked by one of the highest volumes of clinical exams in the world. His team's commitment to research and patient care continues to set new standards in medical imaging and neurological treatment, significantly improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Dr. Middlebrooks' team has applied expertise in mapping brain structure and connectivity to advance the field of neuromodulation. An example includes the use of brain connectivity and AI to predict patient outcomes after DBS. Patient-specific surgical targets maximize treatment response and reduce side effects. His team also has developed novel methods for surgical planning in DBS for epilepsy.
Professional highlights
- Associate chair, Research and Innovation, Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic in Florida, 2023-present.
- Senior editor, American Journal of Neuroradiology, 2023-present.
- President, Southeastern Neuroradiological Society, 2023-2024.
- New Investigator Award, Radiology Research Alliance, 2019.
- Gary T. Barnes Distinguished Faculty Award, University of Alabama School of Medicine, 2017.
- Roentgen Fellow Research Award, Radiological Society of North America, 2015.