Enhanced low-frequency oscillatory activity of the subthalamic nucleus in a patient with dystonia

Local field potentials were recorded from the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in a patient with dystonia to further elucidate disease-specific aspects of basal ganglia oscillatory activity.

STN local field potentials and electromyograms (EMGs) from dystonic muscles were recorded to provide an estimate of the power spectra and coherence between the STN activity and EMG.

STN power spectra revealed a distinct peak at approximately 7 Hz in our patient. This finding is similar to the pallidal activity seen in dystonic patients but clearly different from the subthalamic beta activity of patients with Parkinson's disease. Significant coherence between STN activity and EMG was present in the 4- to 12-Hz band in this patient.

Dystonia is associated with pathological activity in the theta range present throughout the cortical-basal ganglia network. This activity differs from that in Parkinson's disease, suggesting that different movement disorders may involve distinct oscillatory circuit disturbances. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society.