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Updated: Apr 4, 2026
Analysis of Gene Expression Changes in the Rat Hippocampus After Deep Brain Stimulation of the Anterior Thalamic Nucleus
Published on: March 8, 2015
Deep Brain Stimulation in Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders
Volker A Coenen1, Florian Amtage, Jens Volkmann
1Abteilung Stereotaktische und Funktionelle Neurochirurgie, Universitätsklinikum der Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Klinik für Neurologie und Neurophysiologie, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Neurologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universit7auml;sklinikum Würzburg, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established treatment for neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease, significantly improving symptoms. Further research is needed to expand its use, especially for psychiatric conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) involves chronic electrical stimulation of specific brain targets via implanted electrodes.
- Over 150,000 patients globally have received DBS for intractable conditions, including movement disorders, epilepsy, and mental illnesses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the established applications and efficacy of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS).
- To assess the current status and future potential of DBS in treating neurological and psychiatric diseases.
Main Methods:
- A selective literature search of PubMed and the Cochrane Library was conducted.
- Current guidelines from the German Neurological Society (DGN) were incorporated.
Main Results:
- DBS is a primary treatment for movement disorders, particularly Parkinson's disease, showing 25-50% improvement in tremor, dyskinesia, and quality of life.
- A randomized controlled trial demonstrated a 39.3% improvement in dystonia with DBS, versus 4.9% in controls.
- DBS trials for depression were discontinued due to insufficient efficacy.
Conclusions:
- DBS is a recognized therapy for neurological and psychiatric conditions, integrated into DGN guidelines as standard for advanced Parkinson's disease.
- Advancements in electrode technology and imaging are expected to enhance DBS safety and efficacy.
- Controlled trials are recommended to explore and validate DBS for additional indications, especially psychiatric ones.
