Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026
14:14
Targeting Neuronal Fiber Tracts for Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy Using Interactive, Patient-Specific Models
Published on: August 12, 2018
Deep brain stimulation for movement disorders. Considerations on 276 consecutive patients.
Angelo Franzini1, Roberto Cordella, Giuseppe Messina
1Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy.
Summary
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) offers a vital treatment for severe movement disorders like Parkinson disease and dystonia. Research into new targets and hardware continues to refine this therapy for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery and Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Medical Engineering
Background:
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is widely accepted for Parkinson disease (Stn DBS) and dystonia (GPi DBS).
- Current DBS treatments have limitations, necessitating research into novel targets, stimulation protocols, and hardware.
- Established targets include subthalamic nucleus (Stn) and globus pallidus interna (GPi).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term outcomes of various deep brain stimulation targets in patients with movement disorders.
- To explore the efficacy and safety of alternative DBS targets beyond Stn and GPi.
- To assess the potential of DBS in managing severe and life-threatening movement disorders.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 580 deep brain electrode implantations in 332 patients between 1993 and the present.
- Patients included those with movement disorders (n=276) and other conditions.
- DBS targets encompassed Stn, GPi, ventral thalamus (Voa, Vop), Vim, CM-pf, cZi, and IC.
Main Results:
- DBS provided a significant therapeutic option for severe movement disorders, including life-threatening conditions like status dystonicus and post-stroke hemiballismus.
- Long-term follow-up data related to specific targets (Stn, GPi, Voa, Vop, Vim, CM-pf, cZi, IC) were analyzed.
- Despite benefits, severe complications remain a limiting factor for wider DBS adoption.
Conclusions:
- Deep brain stimulation is a strongly positive therapeutic modality for severe movement disorders.
- Further research is essential to discover new applications and refine selection criteria for existing indications and targets.
- Experience with diverse targets aids in tailoring DBS to individual patient conditions for optimized results and minimized side effects.
