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Published on: August 12, 2018
Neurophysiology of deep brain stimulation
Manuela Rosa1, Gaia Giannicola, Sara Marceglia
1Centro Clinico per la Neurostimolazione, le Neurotecnologie ed i Disordini del Movimento, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
International Review of Neurobiology
|December 5, 2012
Summary
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) influences brain activity and neurochemistry, impacting motor control and potentially distant brain structures. Understanding these neurophysiological effects led to adaptive DBS technology for personalized Parkinson
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a therapeutic intervention for neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease.
- The neurophysiological mechanisms of DBS are complex, involving interactions between electric fields and brain tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the neurophysiology of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in humans, focusing on Parkinson's disease.
- To explore the biophysical and clinical effects of DBS and the variables influencing them.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing data on DBS neurophysiology.
- Analysis of neurophysiological studies recording basal ganglia activity (single-unit, local field potential) during DBS.
- Examination of system-level DBS effects via evoked potentials, autonomic tests, and motor/brainstem excitability assessments.
Main Results:
- DBS in the subthalamic nucleus causes local excitation/inhibition, alters low-frequency and beta activity synchronization, and changes cGMP and GABA concentrations.
- DBS influences system-level functions including gait, decision-making, and autonomic control, suggesting distant effects.
- Neurophysiological insights have driven the development of adaptive DBS.
Conclusions:
- DBS exerts multifaceted neurophysiological effects at local and system levels.
- These effects extend beyond motor circuits, influencing non-motor brain structures.
- Understanding DBS neurophysiology is crucial for developing advanced, adaptive stimulation technologies.
