Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
Microelectrode Guided Implantation of Electrodes into the Subthalamic Nucleus of Rats for Long-term Deep Brain Stimulation
Published on: October 2, 2015
MRI-guided subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation without microelectrode recording: can we dispense with surgery
Takeshi Nakajima1, Ludvic Zrinzo, Thomas Foltynie
1Unit of Functional Neurosurgery, Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.
Aims:
Subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's disease (PD) is traditionally performed under local anaesthetic (LA). STN visualization and routine validation of electrode location on stereotactic MRI may allow surgery under general anaesthesia (GA). This study compares the clinical outcome of MRI-guided STN DBS performed under LA or GA in a consecutive patient series.
Methods:
Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor scores (UPDRS-III) in 14 GA patients (mean age 56.1 years, disease duration 13.8 years) were compared with those of 68 LA patients (mean age 57.5 years, disease duration 15.2 years).
Results:
Baseline UPDRS-III were worse in the GA group, both on medication (GA: 20.9 ± 10.8; LA: 13.2 ± 7.8, p < 0.01) and off medication (GA: 57.9 ± 16.6; LA: 48.2 ± 15.7, p < 0.05). On stimulation off medication motor scores significantly improved in both groups (GA: 27.3 ± 11.8, mean 12-month follow-up; LA: 23.7 ± 11.8, mean 14-month follow-up). The percentage improvement was similar in both groups (GA: 52.8%; LA: 50.8%, p = 0.96). Transient surgical complications occurred in 1 GA and 7 LA patients.
Conclusions:
MRI-guided STN DBS under GA with routine stereotactic verification of lead location did not have a negative effect on efficacy or safety. Surgery under GA is a viable option in patients who would find it hard to tolerate awake surgery due to disease severity, comorbidities or anxiety.
